Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Akko Rosewood stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Ink Yellow switch is celebrated for its shorter travel distance, providing a unique typing experience that blends the familiarity of a laptop keyboard with the tactile feedback of a traditional mechanical setup. With its neutral feel and pronounced clackiness, it's ideal for those who crave a smooth, satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch captures attention with its deep, thocky sound profile, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that ensures a rich auditory feedback right from the start. While both switches excel in their own right, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference—whether you're drawn to the Ink Yellow's mild tactile response or the Rosewood's distinctive acoustic performance. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow switches and the Akko Rosewood switches, fundamental differences emerge, particularly in their sound profiles. The Ink Yellow switches utilize a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a high-pitched, clacky sound. This material is designed to create a sound profile that resonates with a thin, yet satisfying tone upon keypresses. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches feature nylon for their housings, a classic material that tends to absorb sound more effectively. Consequently, the Rosewood's nylon housing generates a deeper and fuller sound, providing a rounder auditory experience during typing.
The distinct auditory characteristics of each switch can largely be attributed to the materials used in their construction. The Gateron INK blend, with its harder plastic, gives rise to sharper, more pronounced sound characteristics—ideal for those who enjoy a bright and lively keyboard experience. On the other hand, the softer nylon of the Akko Rosewood acts to reduce the harshness of the sound waves produced during typing, resulting in a more muted and subdued auditory output. Thus, if a user prefers a clacky and lively typing experience, the Ink Yellow switches may be more appealing, while those who favor a deeper and more resonant sound may lean towards the Rosewood.
In situations where the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, the overall typing experience will be influenced by the materials used in combination. With the Gateron Ink Yellow's top and bottom housed in the same INK blend, both the downstroke and the release maintain consistency in sound, promoting a cohesive typing experience that emphasizes its higher-pitched sound profile. Conversely, with the Akko Rosewood switch using nylon for its housings, the diverging qualities of the two materials can lead to a more layered auditory experience, where the deeper sound of the bottom housing complements the impact softened by the nature of the nylon. This contrast in materials indicates that owning both switches could provide a user with distinct, yet equally satisfying, typing experiences based on personal sound preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, clear differences emerge regarding their tactile characteristics. The Gateron Ink Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which caters to those who favor a more effortless keystroke, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Consequently, while the Ink Yellow switch might be more appealing to typists seeking a firmer response, the Rosewood’s lighter resistance allows for quicker, less fatiguing key presses. This distinction highlights the choices available for users depending on their preferences for weight and force in a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Ink Yellow measuring 3.5 mm and the Rosewood at 4 mm. This makes the Ink Yellow the shorter option, appealing to those who prioritize responsiveness, especially gamers seeking quicker actuation times. Conversely, the Rosewood, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional feel that some users may prefer for a deeper typing experience. While both switches provide a linear feel, the Ink Yellow is likely to feel more abrupt due to its shorter travel, whereas the Rosewood may feel more robust and grounded. Therefore, if you desire a quicker feedback response, the Ink Yellow would be the better choice, whereas the Rosewood suits those who appreciate a more substantial keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow switch is characterized by a blend of neutrality and clackiness. This means it offers a moderate actuation force but also provides a sharp, snappy sound upon pressing, akin to a crisp and percussive response. This makes the Ink Yellow suitable for a variety of environments—whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, it can keep up at home or in the office. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch is known for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that gives it a luxurious auditory quality right out of the box. Thus, while both switches offer unique sound experiences, the Ink Yellow leans more towards a versatile and bright profile, while the Rosewood delivers a richer, thockier tone.
In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow switch showcases a mild and polished typing experience. It balances a gentle touch with a smooth and refined finish, ensuring minimal friction during key travel, offering an approachable experience for all users. This makes it ideal for those who appreciate a comfortable, consistent feel while typing. The characteristics of the Rosewood switch's feel are not specified, leaving it uncertain how it may compare in this department. However, users can expect some level of enjoyable tactile feedback, especially given its auditory qualities.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Akko Rosewood linear switches cater to different auditory preferences and perhaps feel experiences, with the Ink Yellow focused on a neutral yet clacky sound paired with mild and polished keypress sensations. The Rosewood switch stands out with its deep, resonant sound, providing an experience that some users would find particularly satisfying. While the Rosewood's tactile properties remain uncertain, the selection between these switches can cater to varied sound preferences and typing sensations, ultimately leading to a productive and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Akko Rosewood linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a typing experience that strikes a balance between a laptop's feel and a traditional mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow is an excellent choice for you, boasting a medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams that promotes a more intentional keypress. Its shorter travel distance, combined with a smooth and mildly clacky sound profile, makes it suitable for both casual typing and gaming, providing satisfaction without overwhelming auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a lighter touch and a more pronounced acoustic experience, the Akko Rosewood with its 50 grams of actuation force would be ideal. The deep, thocky sound it produces, enhanced by factory-applied lubricant, creates a sensory-rich experience that many find enjoyable. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a firm keystroke feel or a softer, more pleasant auditory response that the Rosewood provides. In the end, both switches have their unique perks that can cater to varied typing preferences, making either a fantastic addition to your mechanical keyboard setup.
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