Cherry MX Brown vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular choices are the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko Rosewood. The Cherry MX Brown, renowned for its subtlety, provides users with a light typing experience that features gentle tactile feedback and understated audio cues, making it an excellent choice for those who value a balance between typing comfort and a serene environment. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch stands out with its strikingly deep and satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that keeps typing smooth and enjoyable; this switch is perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. While both switches cater to different preferences—one prioritizing tactile feedback and quiet operation, and the other focusing on acoustic satisfaction—each has its own unique appeal based on individual typing styles. 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

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$4.00 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko Rosewood switches, one notable aspect is their use of nylon for both top and bottom housings. Both switches capitalize on the unique properties of nylon, a material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity suggests that users of either switch will experience a comparable auditory feedback, as nylon's softer nature tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastic materials. Consequently, the sound produced when typing is generally rounder and less sharp, which enhances the overall typing experience.

In terms of tactile experience, the identical use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of the MX Brown and Akko Rosewood contributes to a cohesive feel during operation. The bottom housing in particular plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, which is where the user feels the most pronounced feedback. Since both switches utilize nylon in both parts, it's likely that they will deliver a similar tactile sensation, ensuring that typists enjoy a consistent experience regardless of which switch they choose. The shared material enhances the cohesiveness of the switches, making them more appealing to users who prioritize sound and feel.

While the top and bottom housing materials are the same for both switches, the variations in design and switch mechanism may still create subtle differences in the overall performance and feedback. However, because both the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko Rosewood employ nylon in their construction, the fundamental auditory characteristics are likely to align closely. Users can therefore expect a rich sound profile and a smooth keystroke experience, regardless of the specific switch they opt for, showcasing the inherent benefits of utilizing nylon as a classic housing material in mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, it is evident that the Rosewood is the lighter option overall. The actuation force is crucial for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, as the Rosewood's 40 grams allows for less effort during key presses, potentially making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the MX Brown offers a slightly heavier feel, appealing to those who appreciate more substantial feedback while typing. Both switches exhibit a difference in bottom out force as well, with the Brown being heavier at 55 grams compared to the Rosewood's 50 grams. This means that users who opt for the MX Brown are likely to experience a firmer resistance when bottoming out, while the Akko Rosewood provides a softer landing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference—those who favor a lighter touch might gravitate towards the Rosewood, whereas those desiring a more pronounced tactile response may prefer the Cherry MX Brown.

Travel distance

Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch exhibit the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar amount of key travel when pressing down on these switches. This equivalence in travel distance contributes to a comparable feel during typing or gaming, allowing for similar responsiveness and feedback. As a result, individuals who favor either switch will likely find their experiences to be alike in terms of the distance each switch travels from the top to the bottom.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, Cherry MX Brown switches are characterized by their bassy and low-pitched tones, providing a deeper and richer audio experience with each key press. This low-frequency sound adds a certain depth that can be quite satisfying, especially in a typing context where users appreciate more subtle auditory feedback. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switches produce a pronounced, thocky sound due to a factory-applied lubricant that enhances the acoustic profile. This deep sound adds a layer of auditory satisfaction when typing, which can be distinctly different from the MX Brown's more subtle presence. Both switches, though unique in their sound characteristics, rely on various external factors like the keyboard build and keycap material to influence the overall auditory experience, making them versatile in different setups.

In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Browns offer a textured experience, featuring noticeable friction during key presses that can be described as gentle tactility. This tactile feedback allows users to identify when a key has been actuated without the need for fully bottoming out. The Akko Rosewood, being a linear switch, does not offer such tactile feedback, delivering a smoother and more frictionless experience as users press down on the keys. This difference in feel caters to different typing preferences; those who enjoy the tactile bump may lean toward the Browns, while users who prefer a consistent, unbroken action might choose the Rosewoods for a more fluid typing experience.

In summary, the Cherry MX Brown and Akko Rosewood switches serve different preferences and typing styles. The MX Brown offers a more subdued and textured tactile experience with a bassy audio profile, while the Rosewood switches present a smooth, linear action combined with a deep, satisfying sound. While the two switches differ significantly in their tactile feedback, they each provide engaging auditory experiences, making them both great options depending on individual user preferences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, understanding the unique characteristics of Cherry MX Brown and Akko Rosewood switches can help you make an informed decision based on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a balanced, tactile response without overwhelming noise, the Cherry MX Brown switch could be your go-to option. Its subtlety in both sound and tactile feedback makes it ideal for a quiet office environment or for those who type a lot but prefer a tactile sensation without the clicky feedback. On the other hand, if you're drawn to an engaging experience with a satisfying auditory kick, the Akko Rosewood switch would likely be more to your liking. Its lighter actuation force and thocky sound create a vibrant typing atmosphere that’s perfect for gaming or casual typing where noise is less of a concern. Essentially, choosing between these two switches boils down to your preference for tactile feedback versus linear smoothness and sound profile. Knowing what you prioritize in your keyboard experience will help you select the switch that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more