TTC Gold Brown vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and the Akko Rosewood offer distinctly different typing experiences that cater to various user preferences. The Gold Brown, known for its balanced characteristics, features a subtle tactile bump that provides feedback without overwhelming the user, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate moderation in their key presses. Its rounded sound profile is soft, allowing for quiet operation, while still delivering a satisfying engagement. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood is a linear switch that excels in producing a deep, thocky sound, enhanced by a layer of factory-applied lubricant that offers both smoothness and acoustic pleasure. This switch is perfect for gamers or typists who value a fluid keypress without the tactile feedback of a bump. Ultimately, while the Gold Brown caters to those who prefer a more tactile experience, the Rosewood appeals to users seeking a silent yet rich auditory experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Akko Rosewood, there's a clear distinction between the top housing materials, while the bottom housing materials share similarities. The TTC Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, and the use of this material contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic benefits enthusiasts who utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer texture of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a rounder typing experience, which may appeal to users seeking a more muted acoustic response.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches incorporate nylon materials. This shared component will contribute significantly to the overall sound quality and typing feel for both models. Nylon's characteristic softness in the bottom housing effectively dampens sound, resulting in a more subdued audio experience during key presses. As a consequence, this commonality helps unify the auditory experience, promoting a deeper and more resonant feel when bottoming out the switches. In both cases, the ability of nylon to absorb sound reinforces the slower, rounder qualities that typists often favor, and thus offers a consistent tactile sensation across both switches.
Ultimately, the differing top housing materials are set to influence the acoustic properties of the TTC Gold Brown and Akko Rosewood switches significantly. With the polycarbonate top housing in the Gold Brown contributing to a sharper sound upon release, and the nylon top of the Rosewood promoting a deeper sound profile, users can expect varied auditory responses depending on their choice. However, the nylon bottom housings in both switches ensure that deeper, fuller sound profiles are sustained as the fundamental characteristic during key presses. Therefore, while the switches differ in sound projection upon release, their shared bottom housing material means they both deliver satisfying, deeper sensations when typing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to different typing preferences. The TTC Gold Brown features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, offering a more substantial push that some users prefer for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood has a much lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to press and more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Consequently, if you're seeking a switch that requires less effort, the Akko Rosewood would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a firmer feel might gravitate towards the TTC Gold Brown. Overall, the TTC Gold Brown is the heavier switch, while the Akko Rosewood is the lighter option, appealing to different user preferences based on typing feel and duration.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key. This equality ensures that users will achieve comparable results in keystroke depth between the two switches, offering a consistent feel whether one opts for the tactile feedback of the Gold Brown or the smooth action of the Rosewood. With both switches having the same travel distance, neither can be categorized as shorter or longer; as such, users can enjoy a uniform sensation irrespective of their choice between these two options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Brown switches offer a rounded and neutral profile that is notably softer than many other mechanical switches without reaching complete silence. Their balanced sound makes them versatile, suitable for both office environments and at-home use, appealing to a wide range of users from beginners to experienced typists. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver a deeper, thocky sound characterized by a satisfying resonance, largely attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. While both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Gold Brown leans towards a more muted tone, while the Rosewood's sound is richer and more pronounced.
When discussing feel, the TTC Gold Brown switches are described as offering a mild typing experience that is approachable for most users. Their tactile bump is subtle, creating a smooth keystroke that's enhanced by buttery and polished qualities, making for an effortless finger glide across the keyboard. The term “accented” describes their tactile nature well, highlighting that they provide a medium level of feedback without being either overwhelming or subtle. Conversely, specific details about the feel of the Rosewood switches remain unspecified; however, the deep sound they produce could suggest a solid and satisfying keystroke experience, indicative of quality linear switches.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch present unique yet appealing characteristics. The Gold Brown excels in providing a balanced, mild typing feel coupled with a rounded sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a gentle tactile experience. The Rosewood, with its distinct deep sound, likely offers a different tactile journey emphasizing smoothness and satisfaction, although specific touch qualities are unknown. Users can expect to find enjoyable typing experiences with either switch, but their distinct auditory profiles and tactile nuances will cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a balanced typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. With its medium actuation force of 63 grams, it provides a slightly weighty feel that many users find reassuring, making it ideal for both work and gaming. Its neutral sound profile ensures that it won't disrupt a quiet office environment while still offering pleasant acoustics. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more pronounced acoustic experience, the Rosewood switch might be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of just 50 grams, it allows for quick, effortless keystrokes, perfect for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a smooth, linear action. The deep, thocky sound of the Rosewood enhances the auditory feedback, making each press feel satisfying and engaging. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by whether you prioritize tactile feedback and weightiness or a smooth, rapid response with an appealing sound.
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