TTC Neptune vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often face a delightful dilemma when it comes to choosing the perfect switch, and comparing the TTC Neptune and Akko Rosewood linear switches presents a compelling juxtaposition. The TTC Neptune is celebrated for its innovative design that offers a smooth, frictionless glide, akin to the delightful texture of mochi or tapioca pearls. This ultralight switch allows for rapid typing without sacrificing comfort, and its muted, thocky sound signature adds a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver a deeply resonant thock right out of the box, amplified by a factory-applied lubricant that enhances their tactile quality. Each switch appeals to different preferences: the Neptune excels in a lightweight, almost ethereal typing experience, while the Rosewood provides a rich acoustic feedback that can enhance the pleasure of each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you the most.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Neptune and the Akko Rosewood switches exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, leading to varied sound profiles during use. The Neptune features a POM top housing, which is characterized by its unique ability to create an exceptionally pleasing sound that leans towards a deeper and more muted quality. This is in contrast to the Rosewood, which employs a nylon top housing that also produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, but with notable differences in sound absorption due to the softer nature of nylon. As a result, while both switches share a commonality in generating deeper sound profiles, the POM material of the Neptune brings a unique crispness and smoothness, while the nylon of the Rosewood offers a duller and more rounded sound.
On the lower end, the differences become even more pronounced. The Neptune features a polycarbonate bottom housing crafted from a stiffer plastic, which leads to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This choice enhances the clarity and brightness of the overall sound, making the key's bottom-out feel distinct and vibrant. Conversely, the Rosewood retains nylon for its bottom housing, mirroring the top's material characteristics to create a sound profile that is consistently deeper and fuller. The nylon's absorption properties play a crucial role in dulling the impact of the bottom-out sound, lending a softer feel and sound that resonates with those more subtle tones.
When considering the performance of each switch, it becomes clear that the varying characteristics of the housings play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The Neptune's combination of a POM top and polycarbonate bottom results in a sound signature that balances muted deep tones with an articulate finish, especially emphasized during the release of the key. In contrast, the Rosewood, with its all-nylon construction, maintains a cohesive sound throughout its operation, favoring a warm, rounded experience from key press to release. Ultimately, while both switches produce deeper sound profiles, their differing materials serve to create unique experiences that cater to different user preferences, showcasing how even nuanced material choices can significantly affect performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both offer light resistance that can enhance typing comfort for extended periods. The Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams, while the Rosewood is slightly lighter at 40 grams, making the Rosewood the better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they share a common threshold for fully depressing the key. This similarity in bottom out force means users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of keystroke completion, despite the slight difference in actuation force. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that feels lighter during activation, the Akko Rosewood is the way to go, while both options provide a soft typing experience well-suited for lengthy use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the Neptune, with its travel distance of 3.8 mm, offers a shorter keypress than the Rosewood's 4 mm distance. This difference highlights a noticeable contrast in user experience: those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers, may prefer the Neptune for its quicker actuation. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Rosewood caters to users who appreciate a deeper feel in their keystrokes, which can create a more satisfying typing experience for some. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences, with the Neptune being the shorter option and the Rosewood providing a more profound depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 comparing the sound of the TTC Neptune and the Akko Rosewood linear switches, both exhibit a thocky sound signature, which is characterized by a deep and satisfying thud that adds an auditory richness to each keystroke. The Neptune's sound is muted, producing a more subdued and low-pitched tone, making it a quieter option overall. In contrast, the Rosewood switch is noted for its deep thock right out of the box due to a factory-applied lubricant, which not only enhances the sound profile but also reinforces its satisfying acoustic feedback. While both switches deliver a desirable thocky quality, the Neptune is slightly less pronounced in volume, making it ideal for quieter environments.
Regarding the feel of these two switches, the TTC Neptune stands out with its unique internal structure that provides a buttery and frictionless typing experience. The sensation is akin to typing on a bed of mochi, characterized by an effortless keystroke that flows without any resistance. Additionally, the gummy aspect of the Neptune's feel adds an interesting tactile dimension when bottoming out, reminiscent of a trampoline. The Akko Rosewood, however, does not have specific descriptors listed for its feel, which leaves its tactile characteristics unknown. This means that while the Neptune offers a highly refined typing experience, the Rosewood’s tactile feedback remains a mystery without further information.
In conclusion, the TTC Neptune and Akko Rosewood linear switches have distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Neptune provides a muted and soft thocky sound paired with an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, while the Rosewood excels in delivering a rich thock straight from the factory but remains undefined in terms of tactile feedback. Ultimately, those looking for a satisfying typing experience can expect enjoyable results from either switch, though the Neptune may be better suited for quieter settings due to its muted nature.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you favor an exceptionally smooth and frictionless typing experience combined with a light actuation force, the Neptune is well-suited for fast-paced tasks like gaming or touch typing. Its unique gummy feel and muted thocky sound signature make it appealing for those looking for an effortless yet satisfying keystroke without excessive noise. On the other hand, if you prioritize auditory feedback and a richer sound profile, the Akko Rosewood is the way to go. Its deep and satisfying thock offers a more pronounced acoustic experience right out of the box, thanks in part to the factory lubricant, making it ideal for users who enjoy a tactile engagement accompanied by pleasant sound. Therefore, consider how important typing feel and sound are to you when making your selection—whether you lean towards the smooth glide of the Neptune or the robust audio presence of the Rosewood, both switches provide an excellent typing experience but cater to slightly different user preferences.
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