Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Akko Rosewood share distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its refined tactile feedback, featuring a noticeable medium-strength bump that enhances typing precision and dexterity. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, it is designed for users who appreciate tactile cues without excessive noise. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch, classified as a linear switch, provides a smoother and uninterrupted keystroke, renowned for emitting a deep, satisfying thock sound right out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This makes the Rosewood an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter, yet still responsive experience. Both switches have their unique appeal; while the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers tactile feedback ideal for enhancing typing accuracy, the Akko Rosewood presents an inviting auditory experience favored by those seeking a seamless keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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 Purple RGB and the Akko Rosewood switches, it's evident that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity in material contributes to a unified acoustic profile in both switches, lending a deeper and fuller sound to the typing experience. Since nylon is recognized for its softer texture compared to other plastics, it possesses inherent acoustic dampening properties. This characteristic results in a more rounded and less piercing sound. Thus, users can expect a comparable auditory experience from both switches, as the nylon material's sound absorption capabilities play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile.
While both switches share the same housing material, it is important to consider that the differences in design and construction can still influence their overall performance. For instance, even with identical nylon materials, nuances in the manufacturing process, spring tension, and the switch's internal mechanics can lead to distinct tactile experiences and sound characteristics. The MX Purple RGB may have a slightly different feeling due to its unique design elements, while the Akko Rosewood may present its own subtleties. However, both will adhere to the common tonal qualities associated with nylon housing, creating a harmony in sound but potentially diverging in feel during use.
Moreover, the impact of the housing on the typing experience is crucial to understand. While the bottom housing is more influential in determining the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing predominantly affects the sound produced when releasing a key. Given that both the MX Purple RGB and the Akko Rosewood utilize the same nylon material for both top and bottom housings, users will achieve similar results in terms of acoustic dampening. This uniformity suggests that regardless of the small differences in switch design, the foundational sound properties will remain consistent, granting a satisfying typing experience common to both models.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB requires an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Akko Rosewood's actuation force of 40 grams, making the Rosewood switch the lighter option. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unavailable, while the Rosewood switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, signifying a firmer bottoming out sensation. This characteristic can lead to a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In summary, while the actuation forces differ slightly, with the Rosewood being lighter, the contrast becomes clearer with the presence of a specified bottom out force for the Rosewood, showcasing a more definitive tactile result upon keystroke completion.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch is identical, measuring 4 mm each. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a comparable keypress experience in terms of how far the switch travels down when a key is pressed. Consequently, if you are accustomed to one switch, transitioning to the other will likely yield similar tactile feedback and responsiveness, making both options suitable for those who appreciate a consistent key feel across their keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch produces a notably refined and crisp auditory response, characterized by a gentle yet pronounced tactile bump that adds a pleasant richness to typing. This switch achieves a balanced sound profile that is distinct without being overly loud, making it suitable for both general use and gaming environments. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch stands out for its deep, thocky sound, which is both satisfying and resonant. The thocky quality results from a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which enhances the auditory experience by minimizing high-pitched noises and fostering a richer sound. The acoustics of both switches depend on factors such as the choice of keyboard frame and keycaps, so some experimentation may yield varying results.
When considering the feel of the switches, the MX Purple RGB offers a crisp tactile feedback thanks to its short bump, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a pronounced, yet not overly aggressive tactile sensation. This responsiveness can improve typing speed and accuracy, providing a delightful experience during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Rosewood switch, being linear, delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, which many users appreciate for its fluidity. The lack of tactile feedback means it is perfect for those who prefer a consistent typing feel without bumps, contributing to a different style that many find enjoyable.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Akko Rosewood linear switches cater to distinct preferences in terms of sound and feel. The MX Purple RGB is ideal for users who appreciate a tactile experience with a crisp sound, while the Rosewood appeals to those who favor a smoother keypress accompanied by a satisfying thocky sound. Ultimately, the right choice largely depends on your personal typing style and sound preferences, but both switches deliver quality performance, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typical usage scenarios. If you appreciate a tactile feedback with a satisfying bump and you enjoy RGB lighting options, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent choice, especially if you're into gaming or fast typing where you want clear feedback without bottoming out. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience with a rich, thocky sound profile that provides a sense of satisfaction, then the Akko Rosewood linear switch would be more suitable for you. This switch excels in delivering a consistent keystroke experience, making it a solid choice for prolonged typing sessions or a peaceful work environment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you value most in your keyboard experience, whether it’s the tactile engagement of the MX Purple RGB or the serene smoothness and acoustic pleasure of the Rosewood.
Mentioned in this article
