TTC Gold Silver vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Silver and the Akko Rosewood are two exceptional linear options that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness and smooth travel, enabling users to experience a crisp bottom-out with each keystroke, accompanied by a subtle yet intentional sound signature that enhances the tactile experience. This switch appeals to gamers and typists looking for speed and precision, making it an ideal choice for fast-paced environments. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood offers a deep, satisfying thocky sound that immediately gives a more satisfying auditory feedback, making each press feel substantial—thanks in part to its factory-applied lubricant. This switch may resonate better with those who prioritize a rich acoustic profile and a smooth typing experience. While both switches have their unique strengths, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Silver Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Akko Rosewood present a fascinating contrast, particularly in their choice of top housing materials. The TTC Gold Silver utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which significantly influences the sound profile produced when typing. As a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio experience. This quality is particularly prominent when the switch features a clear housing, as the translucency allows for RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood opts for a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound. As a result, switches made with nylon are likely to yield a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental distinction sets the tone for the typing feel and sound character between these two switches and showcases how material choices can greatly influence performance.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the TTC Gold Silver and the Akko Rosewood employ nylon, which further blurs the lines between their overall sound profiles. The use of nylon in the bottom housing leads to a similar effect in both switches: a deep and rich sound. Because nylon absorbs sound more than the stiffer polycarbonate, both switches will provide a rounded bottom-out sound that enhances the tactile experience of typing. However, while the bottom housing influences the experience when bottoming out on a key, it’s essential to consider how each switch’s top housing alters the overall auditory feedback when pressing a key. The Gold Silver’s polycarbonate top, despite its different tonal characteristics, will create a contrast when combined with the nylon bottom housing, while the Rosewood’s consistent nylon throughout both housings will produce a more uniform sound profile.

Ultimately, the contrasting characteristics of the TTC Gold Silver and Akko Rosewood highlight how the selection of housing materials can create distinct typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Silver allows for sharper sound representation, especially in the presence of RGB lighting, versus the rounded tones delivered by the nylon housing of the Rosewood. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deep and full auditory experience. Therefore, while their top housings diverge in composition and sound output, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing creates a common ground, suggesting that users can achieve satisfactory results in terms of sound and tactile feedback, albeit with distinct nuances depending on the material used in the top housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable distinctions emerge. The TTC Gold Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Akko Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom-out force, the Gold Silver's data is unavailable, whereas the Rosewood offers a quantifiable bottom-out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. This difference in actuation forces indicates that the Akko Rosewood switch will provide a slightly easier keystroke, potentially making it a better fit for those who type for long periods or prefer a less strenuous experience. Meanwhile, the unknowability of the Gold Silver's bottom-out force makes it difficult to fully assess how it might compare in terms of the overall keypress feel. In conclusion, if the bottom-out force of the Gold Silver were available, it would be essential to consider it alongside the comparative actuation forces to determine overall typing and gaming comfort. However, from the information provided, the Akko Rosewood switch is the lighter option, which may appeal to users preferring a softer touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in key feel and responsiveness. The Gold Silver switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option of the two and well-suited for those who enjoy a more responsive typing experience, often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional distance and provides a more substantial feel, appealing to users who appreciate a hearty depth while typing. Overall, while the Gold Silver switch offers a quicker response due to its shorter travel, the Rosewood switch allows for a richer tactile experience with its longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch produces a resonant tone that combines elements of thockiness, low-pitched depth, and a neutral profile. This creates a satisfying auditory experience, described as a deep and rich sound that is perfect for providing feedback without being overwhelming. Its sound signature is designed to harmonize with the swift responsiveness of the switch, contributing to an overall feeling of precision during use. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is renowned for its distinctive deep thocky sound that comes directly from a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This sound gives it a rich auditory character that is often favored by typists who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback when typing. While both switches offer enjoyable sound profiles, they cater to different auditory preferences, with the Gold Silver leaning towards a balanced and neutral signature, and the Rosewood delivering a pronounced thock.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch excels with its polished, silky, and subtle characteristics, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. Users can expect minimal friction and a fluid key travel, with a gentle resistance that feels approachable and satisfying for both novice and experienced typists. The Gold Silver's mild actuation force allows for extended typing sessions without discomfort, making it a versatile choice for various applications. On the other hand, the feel of the Akko Rosewood switch is less defined in this context; thus, we don't have specific insights on its tactile qualities. However, considering its reputation, it is likely designed to offer a comfortable typing experience akin to what users might expect from other linear switches.

In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Silver and Akko Rosewood linear switches provide distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel, both cater to different user preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Gold Silver switch offers a versatile sound profile and a smooth typing experience with its polished characteristics, making it a great all-around choice for various environments. The Rosewood switch, known for its deep thocky sound, caters to those who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches will serve well depending on your specific preferences for sound and feel, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a rapid and responsive keystroke experience, the TTC Gold Silver is the ideal option. Its swift actuation, polished feel, and silky smooth travel make it perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks where precision is crucial. The neutral sound profile ensures it won’t be overly disruptive in a shared workspace. On the other hand, if you value a more tactile auditory feedback that resonates with a deeper thocky sound, the Akko Rosewood switch would be your go-to choice. Its light bottom-out force and satisfying noise level are tailored for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience and want something that sounds as good as it feels. Ultimately, assess your typing habits and acoustic preferences, and you’ll find the switch that complements your setup beautifully.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more