Gateron Mini i vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mini i and the Akko Rosewood offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences and environments. The Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that strikes an ideal balance for office use, providing gentle tactility and a lightweight design that promotes comfortable typing during long hours. Its fairly muted sound profile ensures that the keystrokes remain unobtrusive, making it a great choice for professional settings where quietness is key. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood is a linear switch celebrated for its deep, satisfying “thocky” sound and smooth keystrokes, enhanced by factory lubrication. While the Rosewood's auditory feedback may invigorate the typing experience, it’s more suited to personal or gaming setups where noise is less of a concern. Both switches have their merits—whether you prioritize the subtle ease of the Mini i or the immersive sound of the Rosewood, your choice will ultimately depend on your typing environment and personal preferences. 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 Mini i Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$6.00 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Mini i and Akko Rosewood both utilize nylon as their primary housing material, indicating that they share fundamental characteristics in terms of sound and feel during typing. Nylon is acknowledged as a classic switch housing material, prized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer plastic nature, which helps to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both the Mini i and Rosewood switches are likely to create a duller and rounder sound when typing. Users accustomed to typing on these switches can expect a similar auditory experience irrespective of the switch brand, as the nylon composition remains consistent between both models.

In examining the bottom housings, the Gateron Mini i and Akko Rosewood exhibit the same material properties, as both switches again utilize nylon. This uniformity contributes to a consistent typing experience across both models. Since the bottom housing plays a critical role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, both the Mini i and Rosewood share the benefit of producing a muted, satisfying bottom-out sound. This shared nylon material ensures that when users press down on either switch, they will experience a similar tactile response due to the material's inherent qualities. Therefore, whether opting for the Gateron Mini i or the Akko Rosewood, users will enjoy a comparable typing sensation that leans towards the softer, quieter side.

However, if there were variations in the top and bottom housings, the overall performance and sound profile of the switches could differ. While both the Mini i and Rosewood currently boast identical nylon materials for both housings, any deviations in design or manufacturing technique could potentially shift how users perceive the typing experience. For example, a different shape or interface design on the top housing could modify the acoustic signature experienced when releasing the keys, potentially affecting the lighter top-out sound. In the absence of such differentiation, however, users are largely assured of a harmonized typing experience across both the Gateron Mini i and Akko Rosewood switches.

Weight

Both the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch showcase an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making their performance characteristics quite similar. With both switches being classified as light, they allow for comfortable typing sessions and are ideal for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming experiences. Since they share the same force specifications, users of either switch can expect a comparable feel, striking a balance between responsiveness and resistance that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, individuals seeking a smoother typing experience with minimal effort will find both options equally satisfying.

Travel distance

When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the primary difference lies in their travel distances. The Mini i features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Rosewood offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mini i switch provides a quicker response due to its shorter travel, appealing to gamers and those who favor rapid keystrokes. Conversely, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance delivers a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if you seek responsiveness, the Gateron Mini i would be the ideal choice; however, if you appreciate a more pronounced actuation, the Akko Rosewood would suit you better.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mini i switches offer a fairly muted profile, making them suitable for quiet environments like offices. Their neutral sound is balanced, allowing for a moderate typing experience without being intrusive, which accommodates a range of settings from professional to casual. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches produce a deep, thocky sound that provides a more audible and satisfying acoustic feedback. This is enhanced further by a factory-applied lubricant that contributes to the smoothness and richness of the sound. While both switches produce pleasant auditory feedback, the Mini i leans towards subtlety and discretion, while the Rosewood is characterized by a more pronounced acoustic presence.

The feel of the Gateron Mini i switches is a blend of bouncy and snappy characteristics, offering a lively typing experience with gentle resistance. This makes them easy to press and contributes to less finger fatigue during longer typing sessions, as they require minimal force to actuate. Their tactile feedback is mild yet noticeable, providing just enough information during key presses without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Akko Rosewood switches remain unspecified, making it difficult to directly compare their tactile characteristics. However, their manufacturing quality and intended use suggest they likely provide a well-rounded typing experience as well.

In summary, while the Gateron Mini i switches excel with their subtle sound and comfortable, lively feel, the Akko Rosewood switches stand out for their deep, thocky sound profile. The differences in sound may cater to varied preferences depending on the user’s environment, while the Mini i switches provide a broader accessibility in terms of feel. Overall, both options have their unique strengths that can appeal to different types of users.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Mini i tactile switches and Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you find yourself often typing in office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a distraction, the Gateron Mini i is your best bet. Its lightweight, bouncy feel and subtle tactile feedback provide a comfortable typing experience over long periods, while its muted sound keeps the atmosphere professional. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing and enjoy the deep, satisfying thocky sound of the Akko Rosewood switches, these might be more suitable for your needs. Their linear action allows for smooth and uninterrupted key presses, making them fantastic for gaming or creative tasks where speed and fluidity matter. Ultimately, consider how you'll be using your keyboard; choose the Mini i for subtlety and comfort during lengthy typing sessions, or opt for the Rosewood if you crave an engaging auditory experience combined with a smooth typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mini i Tactile

$6.00 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more