TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Akko Rosewood, both linear switches that cater to different preferences and uses. The TTC Gold Red Pro has established itself as a versatile option, offering a smooth typing experience ideal for various activities, whether gaming, office tasks, or casual typing. Its neutral sound signature serves to blend harmoniously into any environment, making it a well-rounded choice for users seeking a touch of flexibility in their switch experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood is characterized by its deep, thocky sound that stands out thanks to a factory-applied layer of lubricant, appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While the Gold Red Pro emphasizes adaptability and a mild feel, the Rosewood provides a more pronounced auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize a neutral, versatile switch or one that delivers rich sound and tactile pleasure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Akko Rosewood, the most significant distinction lies in the top housing. The Gold Red Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Akko Rosewood features a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate is recognized for its stiffer structure, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic becomes particularly advantageous when RGB lighting is employed, as the translucency of polycarbonate accentuates the lighting effects. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Akko Rosewood is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition, effectively absorbing sound and generating a more muted auditory experience. Therefore, players may prefer the Gold Red Pro for a brighter, more resonant typing experience, while the Rosewood appeals to those seeking a warmer and rounder sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Gold Red Pro and the Akko Rosewood utilize nylon, providing a consistent auditory characteristic at the bottom of the switch. The nylon material is renowned for its ability to produce a deep and full sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder alternatives. Since both switches share this bottom housing material, they will likely deliver a comparable bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to a satisfying keystroke experience. The deeper sound produced by nylon ensures that typists enjoy the same muted auditory feedback when bottoming out both switches.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Red Pro and Akko Rosewood share similarities in their nylon bottom housing, they diverge significantly in terms of top housing materials, which impacts their sound profiles. The polycarbonate top of the Gold Red Pro is designed for a crisper sound, especially suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts, while the nylon top of the Rosewood is aimed at users who appreciate a deeper, more subdued auditory experience. Thus, users can expect distinctly different sound profiles during key releases due to the top housing material, yet a shared, deep sound resulting from the nylon bottom housing can offer a satisfying foundation in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly heavier than the Akko Rosewood's actuation force of 40 grams. This difference might make the Gold Red Pro feel a bit more substantial during typing, which some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. However, the Gold Red Pro does not have a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to fully assess the switch's performance in that regard. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the key is pressed all the way down. Consequently, the Rosewood is generally heavier overall due to its defined bottom out force, catering to users who appreciate a more pronounced resistance. For those who favor a lighter option for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Akko Rosewood may be the better choice despite its heavier bottom out force. Overall, while the two switches may have their unique characteristics, the TTC Gold Red Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force alone.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Akko Rosewood linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.2 mm difference positions the Gold Red Pro as a more responsive option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker key presses and faster reaction times. In contrast, the Rosewood switch's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel when typing, catering to those who prefer a deeper and more tactile experience. While both switches offer a smooth linear action, the Gold Red Pro's shorter travel may feel a bit more abrupt, while the Rosewood's travel distance aligns more with traditional preferences, offering a sense of depth. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 considering the sound profile of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is characterized by a neutral and low-pitched tone, striking a balance that makes it versatile for various environments. This switch produces a thocky sound, reminiscent of a deep "thud" when pressed, which can be gratifying to hear without being overly pronounced or distracting. This makes it suitable for office settings, gaming, or any situation where a moderate auditory presence is preferred. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch is noted for its deep and satisfying thocky sound, attributed in part to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This feature enhances the overall auditory experience, giving the Rosewood a more prominent and rich sound profile compared to the Gold Red Pro. While both switches may produce a rich auditory experience, the Rosewood emphasizes a deeper resonance, ideal for users seeking a more substantial sonic feedback.
In terms of the tactile feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro shines with its polished and silky smoothness. Users will appreciate the refined, sleek typing experience, marked by reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gold Red Pro's mild and subtle resistance provides an approachable typing experience, catering well to both new and experienced typists alike. However, the feel of the Akko Rosewood switch remains less defined in the provided data. It would generally be expected that the Rosewood offers a smooth actuation, but the specific nuances of its tactile response and overall typing sensation aren't detailed.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Akko Rosewood linear switches offer appealing sound profiles for different preferences, with the Gold Red Pro providing a balanced and neutral tone against the Rosewood's deep, thocky resonance. The feel of the Gold Red Pro is well-documented as smooth and user-friendly, while the tactile qualities of the Rosewood remain unspecified. Ultimately, both switches will deliver satisfying results in their own unique ways, catering to users who appreciate distinct auditory experiences and varying tactile feedback. Choosing between them will depend on one’s specific preferences for sound depth and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize versatility and a smooth, no-hassle typing experience, the Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile, polished and silky feel, and mild actuation force make it ideal for a wide range of activities—whether you’re engaging in intense gaming, working in an office, or enjoying casual typing sessions at home. Conversely, if you're drawn to a richer auditory experience with a more pronounced thocky sound, the Akko Rosewood will likely meet your needs. With its deeper acoustic profile and satisfying feedback, this switch is perfect for typists who appreciate a tactile sound and feel. Ultimately, your choice will reflect what you value most in your typing experience—be it subtle elegance or satisfying auditory feedback.
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