Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Akko Rosewood both offer distinct advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Cherry MX Silent Red is an excellent choice for those who seek a smooth, linear feel combined with a whisper-quiet operation. Its muted, low-pitched sound profile makes it particularly well-suited for noise-sensitive environments, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying typing experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood is celebrated for its deeply resonant thocky sound, which comes courtesy of a factory-applied lubricant. This switch appeals to users who appreciate auditory feedback and the tactile satisfaction that accompanies each keystroke. While both switches provide a linear feel, the choice between the silent operation of the MX Silent Red and the rich acoustic experience of the Rosewood hinges on the specific atmosphere in which they will be used. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and the Akko Rosewood switches are both constructed with nylon for their top and bottom housings, which results in remarkably similar auditory and tactile qualities. Nylon's reputation as a classic switch housing material is well-earned, as it contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to nylon being a softer plastic, which has the capability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Therefore, both switches exhibit a duller and rounder sound when typed on, making them particularly appealing to users who prioritize noise reduction and a smooth typing experience.
Despite the materials being identical in the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Akko Rosewood, the consistency in sound profiles means that users will not experience significant differences. The nylon structure ensures that regardless of the switch branding, the acoustic properties remain largely the same across both switches. The bottom housing has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, assuring that the experience of typing on either switch will result in a similar auditory feedback as well. Consequently, users can expect a restful atmosphere when employing these switches in any environment.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Akko Rosewood switches utilize the same nylon materials for both their top and bottom housings, their performance showcases the impact of the material choice in unison. The shared qualities of nylon lead to harmonious sound profiles, providing an enriching typing experience that caters to sound-sensitive users. Whether utilizing the Cherry MX Silent Red or the Akko Rosewood, one is likely to achieve similar results in terms of acoustics and tactile feedback, enhancing overall user satisfaction.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch offer distinct differences in their actuation forces, impacting the typing experience for users. The MX Silent Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Rosewood is lighter with a 40-gram actuation force. This means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Akko Rosewood, as it allows for quicker keystrokes and reduced fatigue during long typing sessions. In terms of bottoming out, the Cherry MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unfortunately unknown, making a direct comparison difficult; however, the Rosewood has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, which provides a firmer feedback when pressing down all the way. Overall, while the MX Silent Red is heavier in terms of actuation force, the Rosewood’s lighter actuation force and known bottom out force will appeal to those who value a softer push feel in their keyboard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Akko Rosewood linear switches, we find that the MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Rosewood measures at 4.0 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance, which caters to those who prefer a more responsive feel due to the quicker actuation it offers. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood, with its longer 4.0 mm travel distance, would be more suited for users who enjoy a deeper, more deliberate keypress that provides a greater sense of feedback during typing or gaming. Thus, your choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on whether you favor speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is characterized by a muted and low-pitched tone, producing a softer and quieter sound profile compared to more traditional switches. It minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it especially suited for noise-sensitive environments. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a distinct thocky sound that is deep and satisfying, providing a rich auditory feedback upon key presses. The combination of a thocky sound and the inherent characteristics of the switch means that it engages users who appreciate the auditory experience of typing. While the MX Silent Red emphasizes silence, the Rosewood creates a more resonant experience, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a textured experience, which means users will notice a slight friction when pressing the keys. This added texture can be a polarizing feature; some users appreciate the feedback it provides, while others may prefer a smoother feel. The absence of any specific description for the feel of the Rosewood switch leaves an unknown, but it could potentially have differing tactile characteristics. Therefore, those who lean towards a tactile typing experience might find the Silent Red more suitable, while the Rosewood remains an option without detailed feel insights.
Overall, both switches serve different purposes with regards to sound and feel. The Cherry MX Silent Red is tailored for those who prioritize a quieter, smoother experience with a textured feel, excellent for those who type in shared or noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood appeals to users who enjoy a deep, thocky sound and may favor a more robust auditory feedback, despite the lack of additional details on its feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feedback, but you can expect to get a consistently satisfying typing experience from either switch based on their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Silent Red and Akko Rosewood linear switches largely depends on your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting, such as an office or shared living space, the Cherry MX Silent Red is likely your best option. It delivers a satisfying, textured typing experience while maintaining a hushed sound profile, allowing you to type away without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you value auditory feedback in your typing experience and enjoy the rich, thocky sounds that come with each keystroke, then the Akko Rosewood switch is an excellent choice. The sound and feel of the Rosewood provide a more engaging and tactile experience, perfect for those who appreciate the sensory richness of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, aligning your choice with your typing environment and personal style will lead to the most satisfying experience, whether you lean towards the silent, smooth performance of Cherry MX Silent Reds or the expressive, deep acoustics of Akko Rosewood switches.
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