Cherry MX Orange vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Orange and Akko Rosewood linear switches each offer unique appeal that caters to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Orange is renowned for its refined design, echoing the highly sought-after original MX Orange switches, and it incorporates MX2A generation enhancements to provide a responsive and smooth typing experience. These switches are celebrated for their reliability and durability, making them a great choice for gamers and typists who value precision. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches stand out for their rich, "thocky" sound generated directly from the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which not only contributes to a tactile satisfaction but also enhances the overall acoustics of the keyboard. While both switches are linear, catering to those who favor a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback, their differing characteristics can lead to varying user experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Orange and the Akko Rosewood, it is noteworthy that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared material choice establishes a baseline for their performance characteristics, particularly in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Both switches, therefore, share the advantage of a sound signature that is somewhat muted and rounded due to nylon's ability to absorb sound, creating a more pleasant auditory experience during use.
The uniformity in housing materials between the MX Orange and the Akko Rosewood indicates that users can expect consistent performance regarding sound quality across both switches. The nylon top housing primarily affects the sound profile when releasing a key, while the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the feel and sound during the key's bottom-out. Consequently, despite the intricacies of design and switching mechanisms, the reliance on nylon in both switches results in a similarly engaging typing experience. The muted sound and tactile response will likely feel familiar to users switching between the two.
However, while the composition of housing materials is identical, the nuances of each switch's design and responsiveness may lead to differences in overall performance. Factors such as spring tension, actuation force, and additional design features contribute to how each switch feels and sounds in practical use. Therefore, while the Cherry MX Orange and Akko Rosewood may provide a comparable typing experience due to their shared nylon housing, the intrinsic qualities and personalized preferences of users will ultimately differentiate the two in practical scenarios.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange and Akko Rosewood linear switches, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force that cater to different preferences in typing feel and experience. The Cherry MX Orange requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch has a lighter actuation force of just 40 grams, which may appeal to those who favor a less strenuous feel during extended typing or gaming sessions. As for the bottom out forces, the Cherry MX Orange's bottom out force is unknown, while the Rosewood's is recorded at 50 grams, indicating that it provides a defined endpoint when pressed fully down. Thus, users looking for a lighter switch would find the Akko Rosewood more appealing, whereas those who appreciate a heavier switch should gravitate towards the Cherry MX Orange. Overall, these differences highlight individual preferences: lighter switches for comfort and longer usage, and heavier switches for a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they provide an identical experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key. As a result, users can expect similar feedback and force requirements when engaging with these switches, leading to comparable performance during typing or gaming. Thus, whether using the MX Orange or the Rosewood switch, one can anticipate consistent responsiveness due to their equal travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
The Cherry MX Orange switches are characterized by a relatively quiet and subtle sound profile, making them a great choice for environments where noise might be a concern, such as shared workspaces or at home during late-night typing sessions. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches are known for their deep, satisfying "thock" sound, which adds a more pronounced auditory feedback and enhances the overall typing experience. This noticeable sound comes from a factory-applied lubricant that provides a smooth and resonant performance. While both switches can produce a pleasing auditory experience, those who prefer a more muted sound will find the MX Orange more suitable, whereas those who enjoy a pronounced acoustic feedback might gravitate toward the Rosewood.
When it comes to feel, the MX Orange switches offer a smooth linear action with a moderate resistance, providing a nice balance for typists who appreciate a consistent keystroke without a tactile bump. Their linear nature facilitates a fluid typing experience but lacks the feedback that some users might prefer in their switches. On the other hand, the Rosewood switches also provide a linear feel, but many users report an exceptionally smooth keypress, bolstered by the factory lubrication. This can create an almost luxurious typing sensation that enhances comfort over extended sessions. While both switches aim for a linear feel, the Rosewood's refinement in smoothness, thanks to its lubrication, may appeal more to those who prioritize a silky touch.
In summary, the Cherry MX Orange switches provide a quieter sound and a balanced linear feel, making them versatile for various environments, while the Akko Rosewood switches offer a deeper sound profile and a heightened smoothness in their keypress, leading to an overall more satisfying tactile experience. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and feel; if you favor a quieter typing experience, the MX Orange is the way to go, but if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with silky smooth strokes, the Rosewood will be a better fit.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Orange and the Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you find yourself favoring a lighter actuation force and are drawn to a smooth, linear feel with potentially less audible feedback, then the Cherry MX Orange switches might be the right fit for you. They are particularly suitable for those who value a swift, unimpeded keypress experience, especially in fast-paced gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you appreciate a firmer bottom-out force combined with a satisfying, thocky sound profile that enhances tactile feedback, the Akko Rosewood switches will likely resonate more with you. Their factory-applied lubricant contributes to a refined typing experience that feels both rich and robust, making them ideal for long typing sessions where sound and feel play crucial roles. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique characteristics, so consider what aspects of typing and gaming you prioritize when making your decision.
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