Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and Akko Rosewood present two compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts, each with its unique characteristics. The V3 Crystal Pro is celebrated for its full polycarbonate construction, which contributes to a bright and chirpy sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a lively auditory experience alongside a silky smooth typing feel. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood offers a rich, deep thocky sound that is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, providing a more subdued yet satisfying acoustic feedback. While the Crystal Pro shines with its polished and bouncy feedback, perfect for users seeking a lively and responsive typing experience, the Rosewood appeals to those who favor a more muted yet rich sound, aligning with a tactile comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and Akko Rosewood switches present a fascinating comparison in terms of their housing materials, which significantly influence the auditory experience and tactile feedback each type offers. The V3 Crystal Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for environments where clarity is important. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound. Consequently, the Rosewood delivers a deeper, fuller sound profile, evoking a more rounded auditory experience. While the materials differ, both aim to engage users in distinct ways, appealing to those who may prefer either a crisp or a warm sound.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further contrasts and similarities. The V3 Crystal Pro’s polycarbonate bottom housing continues to emphasize the crisp sound profile with its stiffer texture, ensuring clarity throughout the keypress. Conversely, the Rosewood's nylon bottom housing enriches the overall experience with a duller, rounder character that resonates more profoundly with users who appreciate a softer touch. Because the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users will notice how the differences in material affect tactile feedback during use. The combination of a polycarbonate top with a matching bottom in the V3 Crystal Pro reinforces a cohesive auditory profile, while the Rosewood's nylon materials deliver a deeper, more resonant experience that contrasts with the V3's clarity.
Despite their differing materials, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Akko Rosewood switches can provide engaging typing experiences, albeit with distinct sound profiles. Users can expect a bright and resonant performance from the V3 due to its polycarbonate composition, especially within RGB setups, while the Rosewood's softer nylon housing will appeal to those who favor a deeper tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference; both materials have been well-engineered to enhance the typing experience, ensuring each switch offers its own unique appeal while providing excellent performance.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch offer distinct tactile experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Rosewood has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This difference in weights indicates that the Rosewood switch requires less pressure to actuate, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Meanwhile, the heavier V3 Crystal Pro may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial push feel, as the increased resistance provides a more pronounced feedback during use. In summary, if you're looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Rosewood is the better choice; however, if you appreciate a firmer keystroke, the V3 Crystal Pro may suit your needs better.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch exhibit notable differences in their travel distances, with the V3 Crystal Pro measuring 3.8 mm and the Rosewood at 4 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, catering to those who prefer a more responsive feel that can be advantageous for fast-paced gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance aligns more closely with traditional switch designs, providing a more pronounced tactile experience that may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper press. Consequently, the V3 Crystal Pro is the shorter option, while the Rosewood is the longer one, indicating that users looking for greater responsiveness should consider the former, whereas those favoring a robust keypress might opt for the latter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is known for its bright and chirpy acoustic signature, characterized by a slight squeak that sets it apart from other switches. This unique sound results from its fully polycarbonate construction, which contributes to a higher-pitched tone during typing. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch offers a deep, satisfying thocky sound, thanks to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances the auditory experience. This sound quality makes the Rosewood switch resonate with users who enjoy a more subdued yet rich acoustic feedback while typing. It’s important to note that the sound produced by both switches may vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When considering the feel of each switch, the V3 Crystal Pro excels with its bouncy and polished characteristics. The bouncy sensation provides an elastic feedback that invigorates the typing experience, creating a lively interaction as you type. Additionally, the polished finish translates to smooth key travel and minimal friction, making every keystroke feel refined and satisfying. In contrast, although specifics about the feel of the Rosewood switch are not provided, the sound profile suggests a potentially more subdued and balanced typing experience. Without explicit descriptors for the Rosewood feel, it remains an unknown variable for touch enthusiasts.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and Rosewood switches cater to different auditory preferences while offering unique tactile experiences. If you prefer a bright and chirpy sound with a lively, smooth feel, the V3 Crystal Pro is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you are drawn to a deeper sound and potentially a different tactile feedback, the Rosewood may suit your needs, though its specific touch qualities remain uncertain. Both switches promise a distinguished typing experience, and your ultimate choice will largely depend on your personal sound preference and desired feel while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the V3 Crystal Pro is an excellent option. Its chirpy sound and bouncy feedback make it perfect for those who appreciate a brighter auditory experience and a smooth typing action. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, the Rosewood switch could be your go-to. Its deep, thocky sound and satisfying feel, enhanced by factory lubrication, cater to those who favor a more subdued yet rich acoustic signature. So, whether you wish to focus on a more polished and lively feedback or desire a smoother and deeper auditory profile, your choice of switch will significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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