TTC Gold Red vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and the Akko Rosewood stand out as two compelling options, each offering a unique typing experience for different preferences. The Gold Red switches are celebrated for their buttery smooth action and light-to-medium resistance, delivering a satisfying tactile experience without overwhelming the user. Their subtle, low-pitched sound profile adds a refined character to keystrokes, appealing to those who appreciate a more understated aesthetic. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches shine with their deep, thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that delivers an immediate and satisfying auditory feedback. While both switches boast linear designs, the Gold Red is ideal for users seeking a more polished and neutral typing feel, whereas the Rosewood caters to those looking for a richer acoustic experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
The TTC Gold Red and the Akko Rosewood switches employ different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This material creates a sharper and crisper sound when typing, thanks to its stiffer nature that facilitates clearer resonance. Furthermore, polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications due to its transparent properties, allowing the illumination to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, which yields a fuller and deeper sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housings, both the TTC Gold Red and Akko Rosewood switches use nylon. This choice speaks to the material’s widespread recognition as a traditional switch housing material. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a similarly enhanced sound profile in both switches, eliciting a deeper and fuller tone characteristic of nylon's sound absorption qualities. Regardless of the differing top housing materials, the nylon bottom ensures that both switches deliver a more rounded sound upon bottoming out during key presses, providing a consistent tactile feedback experience.
In terms of overall sound profile, the combination of different top and bottom materials results in a hybrid auditory experience for both switches. The Gold Red’s polycarbonate top enhances the crispness of the release sound, while the nylon bottom deepens the impact of the key press, creating a compelling contrast. Conversely, the nylon top of the Akko Rosewood pairs with its nylon bottom to produce a cohesive, rounded sound profile that feels full and smooth. Ultimately, although the TTC Gold Red and the Akko Rosewood utilize differing materials in their top housings, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing plays a significant role in providing a similar foundational auditory quality during usage, making them distinct yet comparable in their overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it becomes evident that both options cater to users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Gold Red features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rosewood has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, though they share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches offer a similar bottom-out feel, requiring the same force to press all the way down. However, the Rosewood switch is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Users who favor a lighter feel may find the Rosewood to be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more substantial push may still prefer the Gold Red due to its slightly higher actuation force.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they share the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. This equal travel distance means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and key responsiveness from both switches, leading to a comparable typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can anticipate similar results in terms of performance and feel, making either option a viable choice for those who prefer linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch features a balanced audio profile that is characterized by a snappy and neutral tone. This makes it versatile across different environments, whether at home or work, allowing for a pleasant auditory experience without being overly loud or distracting. The Gold Red produces a low-pitched sound that is somewhat thocky, offering a deep and resonant feedback upon keypress. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch excels in sound production with its deep and satisfying thocky sound straight out of the box, owing to its factory-applied lubricant. The sound signature of the Rosewood is richer and more resonant, providing an immediate tactile satisfaction that enhances the typing experience and may cater to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback.
Regarding feel, the TTC Gold Red switches provide a notably smooth and polished typing experience. Described as mild and silky, they exhibit gentle resistance that is approachable for both new and experienced typists. This light-medium resistance allows for a seamless key travel experience, complemented by a subtle touch that doesn't induce fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The switch’s smoothness is enhanced through careful manufacturing and potentially factory lubing, providing a refined finish. On the other hand, the feel of the Akko Rosewood is yet to be specified. Given that both switches are linear, both are expected to offer a smooth typing experience, though the Gold Red's characterized mildness may make it more user-friendly for a broader audience.
In summary, the TTC Gold Red and Akko Rosewood switches present two distinct auditory experiences, with the Gold Red offering a balanced and versatile sound while the Rosewood provides a more immersive thocky resonance. Feel-wise, the Gold Red stands out with its smooth, mild touch, ideal for extended typing sessions. The Rosewood's feel remains undefined but is likely also smooth given its linear nature. Both switches will cater well to users who appreciate linear feedback, yet the choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preference regarding sound and any nuanced tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between TTC Gold Red linear switches and Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you seek a smooth, gentle typing experience with a light-medium resistance and prefer a keyboard that maintains a more neutral sound, the Gold Red switches would be an excellent fit for you. They are versatile enough to be used comfortably in both home and office settings, making them ideal for a variety of typing tasks without drawing much attention to themselves. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that offers a deep, satisfying thocky sound paired with a solid typing experience right out of the box, then the Rosewood switches could be your best bet. Their factory-applied lubricant ensures a smooth feel that enhances the auditory pleasure of each keystroke. This makes Rosewoods particularly appealing for enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic signature while typing. Ultimately, consider how you'll use your keyboard and what typing experience you desire to make the best choice between these two rewarding options.
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