Huano Grape Orange vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the Akko Rosewood both present unique advantages for users seeking a linear typing experience. The Huano Grape Orange is renowned for its remarkably light 40g actuation force, which offers a soft and effortless typing feel that's ideal for prolonged use, allowing typists to fly across the keys with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood stands out with its rich, thocky acoustics, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that contributes to a deeper sound profile right out of the box—perfect for those who appreciate auditory feedback as part of their typing experience. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their distinct features appeal to different preferences: the Grape Orange for those prioritizing a feather-light touch, and the Rosewood for users who enjoy a satisfying auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Akko Rosewood, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housing materials, with the Grape Orange utilizing polycarbonate and the Akko Rosewood leveraging nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Grape Orange is notable for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness in the material not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound but also contributes aesthetically when paired with RGB lighting, as its translucency illuminates the effects beautifully. Conversely, the Rosewood's use of nylon in its top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound rather than amplify it, leading to a rounded, more muted auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the Grape Orange's sound characteristics.

Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing composition, as both utilize nylon. This similarity results in an overall consistent sound profile when keys are bottomed out, as nylon softens the acoustic feedback, providing a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon's inherent ability to absorb sound ensures that the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a muted bottom-out experience, further enhancing the tactile feedback. This shared material leads to a seamless transition in sound quality as one interacts with either switch, focusing primarily on the softer, more rounded sound that nylon provides.

Ultimately, the distinct characteristics conveyed through the top housings of the Grape Orange and the Akko Rosewood create varied auditory experiences when using the switches. While the Grape Orange's polycarbonate highlights a brighter, more resonant sound upon key release, the Rosewood's nylon allows for a smoother, more subdued auditory feedback. However, when experiencing the switches' bottom-out sound, the nylon bottoms will produce a similar response between the two due to the shared material, underscoring how the combination of different top housing materials can dramatically influence the overall interaction while still allowing some consistency in acoustic results when the key is fully pressed.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both switches exhibit the same specifications regarding actuation and bottom out forces; each requires an actuation force of 40 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This parallel setup means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of how much pressure is needed to register a keystroke and when the switch bottoms out. Since both switches are on the lighter side, they are particularly suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, making them ideal for prolonged use during work or lengthy gaming sessions. Ultimately, whether one chooses the Grape Orange or the Rosewood, the light actuation and bottom out forces ensure minimal finger fatigue, contributing to a comfortable interaction with the keyboard over extended periods.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rosewood features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prioritize a quicker response time and a more responsive feel while gaming, the shorter travel distance of the Grape Orange may be more appealing to you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial depth when typing, the Akko Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance could provide the satisfying feedback you're looking for. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference between the snappiness of shorter distances and the sturdiness of longer ones.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch tends to produce a relatively quieter typing experience, with subtle acoustics that allow for a more restrained feedback during use. This can be advantageous in environments where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, which is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This characteristic not only contributes to a more enjoyable auditory feedback but also adds to the overall typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate a richer sound profile during their typing sessions.

When it comes to feel, the Grape Orange switch is well-known for its exceptionally light, ultra-low actuation force of 40g, which provides an effortless and smooth typing experience that can be ideal for long-duration typing without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Rosewood switch also offers a smooth linear feel, but the specific tactility and resistance it provides may differ from the Grape Orange. The unique build and lubrication of the Rosewood may give it a slightly different sensation upon actuation, which some users might prefer for its plush and soft quality.

Overall, both the Huano Grape Orange and Akko Rosewood switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Grape Orange excels in providing a light touch ideal for extensive typing with less auditory distraction, the Rosewood makes a case for those who enjoy a richer sound profile combined with a smooth linear feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on what qualities matter most to you—a quieter experience with the Grape Orange or a deeper auditory feedback with the Rosewood.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and needs. If you're looking for a switch that offers an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, especially for long sessions, the Grape Orange is a fantastic choice with its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams. It suits those who prioritize speed and comfort when typing, as these switches can help reduce fatigue over extended periods. However, if you crave a richer auditory feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Rosewood switch delivers with its deep and satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant. The Rosewood is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and acoustically rewarding experience, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. Therefore, your choice should ultimately hinge on whether you value a lightweight, fatigue-free feel with the Grape Orange or the gratifying sound and tactile involvement offered by the Rosewood switches.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more