Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Akko Rosewood both offer unique benefits tailored to different user preferences. The MX Speed Silver stands out for its rapid response time, making it a premier choice for gamers who require lightning-fast actuation; its linear action and low spring resistance allow for instantaneous keypresses, ensuring that the slightest advantage can translate into victory in competitive settings. With a textured, thocky feel and a low-pitched sound, it delivers an engaging typing experience that suits fast-paced gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood distinguishes itself through its deep, satisfying thocky sound, accentuated by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances both smoothness and acoustic quality. While the Rosewood may not prioritize speed as much as the Speed Silver, its auditory feedback and overall typing comfort make it an appealing option for those who savor a richer sound profile and tactile 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and Akko Rosewood switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which results in similar acoustic and tactile properties for both types of switches. Nylon, known for being a classic switch housing material, is softer compared to many other plastics. This characteristic allows it to effectively absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile synonymous with both switches. As a result, users can expect a relatively muted typing experience that yields a duller and rounder sound when engaging both the MX Speed Silver and Akko Rosewood switches. This shared material for the housings contributes to an auditory experience that is cohesive across both switches.
While the housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Akko Rosewood are fundamentally the same—nylon—the way that each switch is designed may result in varying experiences in terms of feel and response. In a typical setup, the bottom housing of a switch has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel due to its position, while the top housing influences the auditory feedback during key release. This means that even though both switches utilize nylon, their specific designs and mechanical features will differentiate how the keypress feels under the fingers and how the sound resonates upon actuation. Hence, users may perceive subtle differences in performance and feedback despite the shared housing material.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Akko Rosewood switches provide a similar sound profile due to their nylon housings, which create a dull and rounded auditory experience characteristic of softer plastics. However, while they share a commonality in their materials, the overall typing experience may vary slightly based on the individual switch design and intended usage. Therefore, for users seeking a smooth and sound-absorbing typing experience, both switches will present compelling options. Ultimately, this allows enthusiasts to choose a switch that suits their preferences while enjoying the benefits of nylon as a superior switch housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces. The MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Rosewood offers a lighter actuation force at 40 grams. This means that users may find the Rosewood switch easier to press, potentially allowing for more comfortable typing during extended use. However, the MX Speed Silver does not have a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to fully assess its performance in that regard. In contrast, the Rosewood has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing the switch all the way down. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Akko Rosewood would be a suitable choice, while those who enjoy a heavier typing experience might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Speed Silver despite the unknown bottom out force. Overall, the differences in actuation forces suggest that users will have different experiences depending on their preference for key feel and typing comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the differences are quite clear. The MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a great choice for gamers who favor rapid response times and a more tactile, immediate feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more traditional depth that some users may find preferable for a more substantial typing experience. This makes the Rosewood switch ideal for those who appreciate a hearty depth while typing. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Cherry MX Speed Silver would be the optimal choice, while the Akko Rosewood would cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch produces a low-pitched thocky sound that offers a deep, satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. This makes it enjoyable for users who appreciate a rich acoustic experience, often reminiscent of softer thuds or knocks, enhancing the overall typing engagement. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch is known for producing a similarly deep, thocky resonance straight out of the box, aided by a factory-applied lubricant. Given these attributes, both switches are likely to provide users with a pleasing and robust auditory experience; however, the specific acoustic output may vary depending on keyboard construction and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is characterized by a textured action that can be perceived as a subtle scratchiness during key presses. This textured sensation can be polarizing among users, as some prefer the tactile feedback which enhances their typing experience, while others may seek a smoother, frictionless action. In contrast, the feel of the Akko Rosewood switch is currently unknown, leaving an open question on how it compares to the Speed Silver in terms of texture and overall typing comfort.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Akko Rosewood switches offer a satisfying thocky sound, the Speed Silver is noted for its textured feel, which may not be the case for the Rosewood as information about its texture is unavailable. Ultimately, if you value rich auditory feedback, both switches will deliver, but your experience with the tactile feel may vary based on the type of switch you choose; the Round Rosewood’s performance remains to be experienced. If you prefer a smoother, silent experience or have a specific preference in terms of key feel, it’s worth trying out both switches in person if possible.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches and Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you are a competitive gamer seeking the fastest response times to gain an edge in high-stakes situations, the MX Speed Silver is undoubtedly the better option. Its ultra-sensitive actuation facilitates rapid key presses, allowing for quick actions in intense gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. However, if you value a delightful auditory experience and a tactile sensation while typing, the Akko Rosewood is designed to impress. With its satisfying thocky sound profile and a lighter bottom-out force that provides a smooth typing experience, the Rosewood switch is ideal for typists and casual users who appreciate both sound and feel in their keyboards. So, consider what matters most for your usage: speed or sound and sensation, and you’ll arrive at the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
