Cherry MX Red vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, both the Cherry MX Red and the Akko Rosewood offer unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Red is a classic in the mechanical keyboard community, known for its slightly heftier feel and low-pitched thocky sound, which provides a rich auditory experience that many users find satisfying. Its linear design promotes smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who enjoy rapid key presses and a more immersive sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch stands out with its deep thocky sound that is immediately noticeable, bolstered by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that enhances its performance straight out of the box. While both switches are linear, the Rosewood's characteristic sound and smoothness might appeal more to those who appreciate a bit of extra auditory delight in their typing experience. 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
The Cherry MX Red and the Akko Rosewood switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, a material widely recognized for its beneficial acoustic properties. The nylon composition in these switches contributes to producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, which enables it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Therefore, both switches offer a similar auditory experience, characterized by a duller, rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Users can expect a notable reduction in auditory sharpness, contributing to a more enjoyable and satisfying sound profile during use.
Although both switches share the same material for their housings, the individual designs and mechanical properties of the Cherry MX Red and Akko Rosewood could result in different tactile experiences when typing. While the nylon nature of both top and bottom housings ensures acoustic similarities, the feel of each switch can vary due to their unique actuation forces and travel distances. Cherry MX Red switches are known for their linear response without tactile bumps, making for a smooth downward action. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood may have slight variations in the actuation characteristics, which can influence the overall feel during typing, even while maintaining a similar sound profile.
In terms of performance, the inherent properties of nylon mean that both switches will possess comparable durability and sound absorption qualities, ensuring a long-lasting and pleasant typing environment. This similarity in material allows both types of switches to effectively suppress higher frequency sounds, thereby creating a muted auditory experience. Consequently, regardless of the design differences, users can anticipate a harmonious experience from both the Cherry MX Red and Akko Rosewood switches, especially in environments where noise reduction is valued. By understanding these parallels and distinctions, users can make an informed choice based on their preferences for tactile feedback and actuation styles.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Akko Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Rosewood switch requires less force to register a keystroke, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions for those who prefer lighter switches. In terms of the bottom out force, while the MX Red's bottom out force is unknown, the Rosewood switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. This indicates that for users who enjoy a more tactile push feel, the Rosewood may offer a satisfying experience with its defined bottom out, despite being lighter overall in actuation. Ultimately, the Akko Rosewood is the lighter switch, while the Cherry MX Red is heavier, appealing to those who favor a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key, the distance you feel from the top to the bottom is identical for both switches. This similarity ensures that users will experience comparable key presses, resulting in a similar feel when typing or gaming. Whether you choose the MX Red or the Rosewood, the 4 mm travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience across both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Red switches provide a thocky auditory experience characterized by a deep, rich tone that can be quite satisfying during extensive typing sessions. This sound is low-pitched, lending itself to a more bass-heavy overall audio profile compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches are also known for their deep, thocky sound, thanks to a layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances the acoustic properties right out of the box. Both switches produce a pleasing auditory depth, but the lush sound signature of the Rosewood may offer slightly more refinement due to this lubrication, while environmental factors like the keyboard construction and keycap choice will likely influence the overall sound profile for both.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Red switches are recognized for their textured characteristic, which can add a unique tactile sensation during typing. This texture introduces a bit of friction that some users may appreciate, while others might prefer a smoother experience. The Akko Rosewood switches, however, do not come with a described texture quality in the provided information, leaving their specific tactile-feel attributes unknown. Nevertheless, both switches are linear in design, which means that they lack a tactile bump or click, allowing for a more fluid and uninterrupted keystroke experience. Users may find that both can deliver satisfying linear press without the added complexity of texture.
In summary, while both the Cherry MX Red and Akko Rosewood switches deliver a thocky sound profile and a smooth linear feel, the MX Reds stand out with their textured feedback, providing a more distinct tactile sensation. The Rosewood's appeal lies in its out-of-the-box acoustics, enhanced by lubricant, which may elevate its sound quality. Ultimately, your individual preferences, especially in responsiveness and auditory satisfaction, will guide your choice, but both switches are likely to offer enjoyable and similar typing experiences overall.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a classic, slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red is likely the better choice for you. Its responsive nature paired with a more robust auditory experience can enhance your overall typing enjoyment, especially if you appreciate a sound that offers a satisfying "thock" with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force coupled with a deep, rich sound right out of the box, the Akko Rosewood switch is an excellent option. Its factory-applied lubrication ensures that the auditory experience is not only pleasing but also smooth, making it ideal for those who appreciate subtle luxury in their typing experience without needing extra modifications. Ultimately, it’s about finding the switch that resonates with your typing habits, so consider what aspects are most important to you as you make your choice.
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