TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown 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 TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Akko Rosewood each offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences. The TTC Gold Brown Pro, renowned for its gentle tactile bump, provides a subtle feedback mechanism that allows typists to maintain focus and clarity during extended typing sessions. With a subdued sound profile, these switches ensure that keystrokes remain a whisper instead of a distraction. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood delivers a linear switch experience characterized by a deep, satisfying thocky sound, thanks to a layer of factory-applied lubricant that heightens the auditory enjoyment of each keystroke. Users seeking a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience may gravitate towards the Rosewood, while those who prefer nuanced tactile feedback will find solace in the Gold Brown Pro. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Akko Rosewood, a notable distinction arises between their top housings. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's rigidity. This clarity is particularly significant for users who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in material directly affects the auditory experience, with polycarbonate amplifying high frequencies while nylon softens the overall sound spectrum.
Both the Gold Brown Pro and the Akko Rosewood feature nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similarities in their acoustic profiles in this regard. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, allowing for a deeper and rounder auditory response. Regardless of the differing top housing materials, users will find that the bottom housing in both switches contributes significantly to the overall sound during key presses. The interaction between the top and bottom housings determines the complete typing experience, where the Gold Brown Pro's pronounced upper tones from the polycarbonate top will intersect with the deeper sounds produced by the nylon bottom, while the Akko Rosewood will offer a uniform fullness throughout.
In essence, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Akko Rosewood switches vary in their top housing materials, both share the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a common foundation for sound absorption and resonance. This combination creates a unique balance in how each switch feels and sounds during use. The Gold Brown Pro may stand out for users who favor sharper sound feedback, while the Akko Rosewood appeals to those who enjoy a more muted, yet rich auditory experience. Ultimately, the interplay between the materials allows users to synthesize the best of both worlds, capturing distinct yet complementary sonic qualities in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Gold Brown Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Rosewood is slightly lighter at 40 grams. This means users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might find the Rosewood more comfortable. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, while the Rosewood has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating it might provide a more pronounced tactile feedback when the switch is fully pressed. Overall, the Gold Brown Pro tends to be heavier in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for those who appreciate a firmer typing experience, while the Akko Rosewood will appeal to those who value lighter actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Akko Rosewood measures 4 mm. This means that the Gold Brown Pro offers a shorter travel distance, which may cater more to those who prioritize responsiveness, such as gamers seeking quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Rosewood's longer travel distance of 4 mm aligns with the more traditional standard, providing a deeper feel that some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, if you value a brisk and snappy response, the Gold Brown Pro would be the better choice, while the Rosewood would appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch leans towards a low-pitched, neutral profile that remains subdued yet satisfying. This switch emits a whisper-like sound with each keystroke, allowing users to type without disturbing those around them. The Gold Brown Pro is designed to be gentle, providing a soft background noise that enhances focus rather than distracts from it. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a more pronounced auditory experience. It produces a deep, thocky sound that is rich and satisfying, reminiscent of a soft thud when a key is pressed. The factory-applied lubricant contributes to its thocky nature, creating an engaging typing soundtrack that can be more noticeable compared to the understated tones of the Gold Brown Pro.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is polished, silky, and mild, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that caters to a variety of users. The subtle tactile bump allows for a gentle interaction during typing, enhancing the experience without overwhelming the user. This makes it suitable for both newcomers and more experienced typists who appreciate a nuanced feedback. On the other hand, the characteristics of the Akko Rosewood switch are currently unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. However, it can be presumed that linear switches such as the Rosewood may provide a different sensory experience primarily focused on smooth key travel rather than tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Akko Rosewood switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro stands out for its subtlety in sound and tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter and more polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the Rosewood's deep, satisfying sound adds a different layer to the typing experience but lacks detailed information about its feel. Ultimately, users’ choices will depend on whether they value the soft nuances of tactility and sound or prefer a more pronounced auditory sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you desire a more discreet typing experience with subtle tactile feedback, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent fit. Its gentle bump and muted sound profile allow you to maintain focus without the distraction of overt keystrokes, making it ideal for office settings or quiet environments where you’d like to keep noise at a minimum. On the other hand, if you prefer a more satisfying auditory experience and a linear feel, the Akko Rosewood switch is your go-to option. With a deep, thocky sound and a lighter bottom out force, these switches provide an engaging typing experience that can enhance your typing enjoyment, especially in more personal or creative spaces. Ultimately, choosing the right switch will hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth, low-key tactile feedback or a pronounced, satisfying auditory response.
Mentioned in this article
