Gateron Luciola vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and the Akko Rosewood offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles, despite both being linear switches. The Gateron Luciola stands out not only for its unique ability to glow in the dark but also for its smooth and bouncy feel, which can make typing a delight for those who enjoy a more lively interaction with their keys. Its sound profile—a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken"—adds a playful auditory element to the experience, giving it a snappy and clacky character. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood presents a more subdued yet satisfying experience with its deep, thocky sound, thanks to a factory-applied lubricant layer that enhances the acoustic quality right out of the box. While the Luciola appeals to those who appreciate a vibrant and tactile feedback, the Rosewood caters to users who prefer a richer sound profile that emphasizes depth and resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Akko Rosewood, significant differences emerge in their composition and resultant sound profiles. The Gateron Luciola features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sound that is pointed and relatively high-pitched, often described as clacky. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes traditional nylon for its housing, which is recognized for delivering a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature. This key difference in material results in distinct auditory experiences when typing; the Luciola offers an invigorating, sharp sound, whereas the Rosewood provides more muted, rounded acoustics.

Moreover, the impact of housing materials extends to how each switch feels during use. The properties of the Luciola’s INK blend are consistent across its both top and bottom housings, reinforcing the overall high-pitched sound profile during both key presses and releases. By contrast, the nylon construction of the Rosewood allows for nuanced differentiation between the top and bottom sounds, with the top housing bringing a supportive but more subtle tone, while the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out experience. This means that while both switches can be enjoyable, they cater to different acoustic preferences and tactile experiences owing to their respective materials.

Ultimately, while the Gateron Luciola and Akko Rosewood employ contrasting materials—INK for the Luciola and nylon for the Rosewood—their results can be somewhat reconciled if one seeks a balance of attributes from both. If tuned correctly, a switch equipped with a combination of the INK blend for the top and nylon for the bottom housing could potentially harness the high-pitched brightness of the former with the deeper resonance of the latter. Therefore, achieving a hybrid experience may allow users to enjoy the benefits of both sound profiles, appealing to both those who favor a pronounced clack and those who prefer a softer, fuller sound.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Luciola features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which fall into the medium range, providing a balanced typing experience that some may find suitable for prolonged use. In contrast, the Rosewood switch offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter touch is ideal for those looking for a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial during long work sessions or extended gaming. Therefore, the Luciola is the heavier switch between the two, while the Rosewood's lower force ratings make it a more comfortable option for users who prefer a gentler keystroke. While both switches have unique advantages, the choice depends largely on personal preference for typing feedback and endurance.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Luciola offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Rosewood, which adheres to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance that many users are accustomed to. For gamers who prefer quicker response times, the Luciola might be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance, resulting in a more responsive feel. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may find the Akko Rosewood's longer travel distance to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the feel and responsiveness of the keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola switch produces a unique auditory experience characterized by a combination of clacky, marbly, and high-pitched tones. The "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile imparts a lively and sharp sound that engages users, providing a crisp and bright auditory feedback with every keystroke. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a deep, satisfying thocky sound straight out of the box, boosted by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This sound profile tends to be richer and more resonant compared to the Luciola, appealing to users who prefer a bass-driven auditory experience. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different auditory preferences, they each deliver an engaging typing sound that can elevate the overall experience depending on the user's preference in sound characteristics.

Regarding feel, the Gateron Luciola switch sets itself apart with its smooth and bouncy typing experience, emphasizing a medium heft that contributes to a snappy and polished sensation. Users describe the Luciola as both snappy and buttery, offering responsive and fluid keystrokes. Its refined finish reduces friction, making it a pleasure to type on. The Akko Rosewood switch, however, lacks specific descriptors for its feel, so we cannot compare it directly in that regard. Nevertheless, users often find that the overall construction and design of a switch can lead to an enjoyable typing experience, but in this case, the Luciola is highlighted for its enhanced tactile qualities, which might not be as clearly defined for the Rosewood.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Luciola and Akko Rosewood switches present distinct sound profiles—with the former leaning towards a high-pitched and clacky experience, and the latter offering a deep thocky sound—the Luciola excels in providing a defined and polished feel during use. Without specific qualities detailed for the Rosewood, it is challenging to make a direct comparison on its tactile feedback. However, both switches could potentially deliver satisfying auditory and tactile experiences depending on user preferences, with the Luciola being a strong contender for those seeking a more expressive typing sensation.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola and the Akko Rosewood linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium heft with a more pronounced sound that is not only clacky but also features a unique hollow resonance, the Luciola is an excellent choice. Its 60-gram actuation force and bouncy, snappy feel are appealing for those who appreciate a more tactile response while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter 50-gram actuation force and a deep, thocky sound that's rich and satisfying straight out of the box, the Rosewood will likely suit you better. The Rosewood's smooth, quiet performance paired with its luxurious acoustic profile makes it ideal for those who seek an immersive typing experience without being overly distracting. So, consider your typing style and the ambiance you want to create—go for the Luciola if you're after an engaging, lively experience, or choose the Rosewood for a more refined and soothing auditory journey.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more