Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko Rosewood each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, thanks to a single-stage spring that provides a medium-heavy actuation force. This switch is ideal for users who prioritize a seamless, consistent typing experience, and its high-precision molds contribute to a polished, creamy feel while also accommodating vibrant backlight effects. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood stands out with its deep, satisfying "thock" sound profile, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that offers a richer auditory feedback right out of the box. While both switches are linear and deliver a smooth typing experience, the Jupiter Red emphasizes a more muted and refined tactile sensation, whereas the Rosewood focuses on an audible punch that can greatly enhance typing satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal style and preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko Rosewood switches differ notably in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This choice results in a sharper and crisper sound when the keys are pressed, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced acoustic experience. In contrast, the Rosewood’s use of nylon for its top housing lends itself to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics absorb more sound, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Thus, the differences in materials lead to varied acoustic properties—users of the Jupiter Red can expect a livelier sound, while Akko Rosewood users will appreciate a smoother, more subdued aural backdrop.

Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which significantly influences how they feel upon bottoming out. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material that absorbs sound, both the Jupiter Red and Rosewood offer a richer and fuller sound despite their differing top materials. The shared bottom housing implies that users will experience a more consistent bottom-out feel, allowing for a seamless transition between different key presses. This shared component suggests that the additional impact of the nylon bottom housing complements the distinct sound qualities brought by the top materials of each switch, channeling a satisfying experience regardless of the unique nuances of sound.

When combined, the differing top and similar bottom materials result in a unique typing experience. The Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top contributes a bright, echoing sound when keys are released, while the Rosewood's nylon top allows for a warmer sound that is less resonant. Together with the nylon bottom housing in both switches, this combination means that they will both deliver a satisfying typing experience but with distinctly different auditory results. Whether a user opts for the sharper acoustics of the Jupiter Red or the warmer tones of the Rosewood, the presence of nylon in both cases ensures a fuller sound quality during key activation, linking the two switches through their shared bottom housing characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Rosewood is lighter, with an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter force in the Rosewood switch allows for prolonged typing comfort, which is ideal for users seeking a less strenuous experience during long sessions. Conversely, the Jupiter Red, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial feel that some typists might prefer for a more engaging touch. Thus, those who favor lighter switches for extended use would lean towards the Akko Rosewood, while those desiring a firmer push would find the Gateron Jupiter Red more appealing.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they provide a similar tactile experience when pressed. Because their travel distances are equal, users can expect a consistent feel across both switches, allowing for an identical keypress experience when typing or gaming. Thus, whether you choose the Jupiter Red or the Rosewood, you'll achieve the same total travel distance, ensuring unified performance regardless of the switch you pick.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko Rosewood linear switches, it's clear that they offer distinct auditory experiences. The Jupiter Red switches possess a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound profile, making them versatile for various use cases, whether at home or in a professional environment. On the other hand, the Rosewood switches are renowned for their deep and satisfying thocky sound, delivered straight out of the box, thanks to a layer of factory-applied lubricant. This gives the Rosewood a more pronounced auditory feedback that can be particularly appealing to those who favor a robust and resonant typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red switches excel with several notable characteristics. They are polished, creamy, and silky, which indicates an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. This is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing that minimizes friction, allowing for effortless key travel. The mild nature of the Jupiter Red ensures that their tactile experience is approachable for nearly everyone. In contrast, the feel of the Rosewood switches remains unspecified, leaving an unknown element for those curious about how they might compare in terms of tactile feedback.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Red switches provide a smooth, polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Akko Rosewood switches offer a distinctively deeper auditory feedback that can enhance the tactile collision of key presses. If you’re looking for versatility and smoothness, the Jupiter Reds are an excellent choice. Meanwhile, if rich sound quality appeals to you, the Rosewoods may be the ideal option. Each switch brings its own unique qualities, and depending on personal preference, both can create an enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Jupiter Red and Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a medium actuation force and appreciate a smooth, polished, and creamy feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red is an excellent choice. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a balance that caters well to both casual and serious typists, making it ideal for users who look for a reliable and consistent keystroke without excessive effort. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch with a satisfying sound, the Akko Rosewood is a fantastic option, thanks to its 50-gram bottom-out force and deep thocky sound from the factory lubrication. The Rosewood switches offer a more relaxed typing experience, which can be particularly appealing if you're typing for extended periods or simply prefer a softer feel. In summary, choose the Gateron Jupiter Red for a refined and versatile typing experience, and select the Akko Rosewood for an enjoyable, responsive feel paired with a rich auditory feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more