Gateron Melodic vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference for either tactile feedback or a smooth typing experience. The Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, reinvigorates the classic clicky category with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a satisfying auditory and tactile response—characterized as 'buttery,' 'resonant,' and 'crunchy.' This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the nostalgia of loud, crisp keystrokes while maintaining a level of smoothness that enhances overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood, a linear switch, shines with its deep, satisfying thocky sound that emerges right out of the box, thanks to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience without the click noise, focusing more on the smoothness of each keystroke. Both switches cater to specific preferences in sound and feel, providing distinctive experiences for different types of users. However, 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Akko Rosewood, it becomes evident that they incorporate different types of plastics that impart distinct auditory characteristics. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This rigid material tends to produce clearer notes, making it suitable for users who prefer a more resonant sound with potentially better RGB light diffusion. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing that significantly alters the sound dynamics, fostering a deeper, fuller audio experience. Given its softer nature, nylon absorbs vibrations more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder, warmer sound profile.
Both switches, however, employ nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to an overall consistent auditory experience across both models. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing is crucial, as this material generally grants a deeper tonal quality that is felt during key bottoming out. This means that despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches will deliver a similar sensation when pressed down. The softer nylon in the bottom housing will equally absorb sound and vibrations, resulting in a more muted and less sharp sound compared to a switch with a stiffer bottom housing.
While the Melodic and the Rosewood may present differing acoustic profiles due to their top housing materials, users can still expect a degree of similarity in user experience. The bottom housing, being identical in both switches, ensures that the fundamental characteristics of the typing experience will remain consistently plush and rounded. Thus, while the polycarbonate top of the Melodic may provide a livelier sound upon releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing of both models guarantees that the richness of sound remains intact throughout the actuation. Consequently, both switches cater to a variety of user preferences while retaining essential similarities in their sound experience at the bottoming out stage.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the key differences lie in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as medium firmness, while the Rosewood switch is slightly lighter with a bottom out force of 50 grams. In terms of actuation force, the Melodic switch does not have a specified value, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. However, the Rosewood switch boasts an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that it requires less effort to initiate a keystroke. As a result, users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions would likely favor the Akko Rosewood switch. Conversely, for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, the Gateron Melodic would be a more appealing option given its heavier bottom out force. Overall, if ease of use is paramount, the lighter Rosewood switch stands out, while the heavier Melodic switch caters to those seeking a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both share an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch. This uniform distance ensures that both switches deliver consistent feedback and key engagement, making them equally suitable for various typing and gaming applications. Since their travel distances are the same, users will likely achieve comparable results in terms of keystroke depth and feel, contributing to a consistent performance across different keyboards featuring these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Melodic offers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its resonant and crunchy qualities. The higher-pitched, clean sound profile provides an engaging typing experience, reminiscent of the satisfying crunch of stepping on dry leaves. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is noted for its deep, thocky sound that adds a different dimension to the auditory feedback of the keyboard. While the Melodic emphasizes a sharper, more pronounced click, the Rosewood presents a fuller sound that is typically appreciated by those who prefer a less aggressive auditory response. Ultimately, both switches offer pleasing auditory experiences, but the choice between them will hinge on whether you lean towards a pronounced click or a deep thock.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic excels with its buttery smoothness, allowing for a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. The incorporation of factory lubing and the design of the dual-railed stems ensure that each keystroke feels effortless, which can enhance typing speeds and overall comfort. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch does not have specific tactile qualities mentioned in the provided information. However, given that it is a linear switch, one can generally expect a smooth and consistent feel throughout the keystroke without the tactile bump that characterizes clicky or tactile switches. This makes the Rosewood a good choice for those who prefer an uninterrupted typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch present distinctive sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in keyboard usage. The Melodic resonates with a sharp, crunchy auditory profile while delivering a buttery smooth feel, ideal for users who enjoy clicky switches. Conversely, the Rosewood stands out with its deep, thocky sound, coupled with an expected smooth linear feel, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. Ultimately, selecting between these two will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile sensations, with each providing a high-quality typing experience in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what experience you seek in your keyboard. If you thrive on auditory feedback and enjoy the satisfying, crisp clicks that come with a clicky switch, the Gateron Melodic is an excellent option for you. With its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and a tactile feel, making it ideal for typists who appreciate the sensory experience of each keystroke while benefiting from the smoothness provided by modern enhancements. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued experience focused on speed and a softer touch, the Akko Rosewood linear switch, with its lighter 50 grams bottom-out force, will suit you well. The deep thocky sound enhances a more muted typing environment, allowing for rapid input without the distraction of loud clicks. Ultimately, if you want a keyboard that’s lively and loud, go for the Melodic; but if you desire something quietly efficient, the Rosewood is your best bet.
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