Bsun Olive vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing preference, the BSUN Olive and Akko Rosewood offer distinct experiences that cater to different tastes. The Bsun Olive, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its resonant, deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback, providing a medium-weight feel that many users find invigorating and satisfying. Its unique design, featuring an all-POM housing and a long pole stem, results in a crisp bottom-out sound that enhances the overall auditory experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood, known for its linear properties, delivers a smooth keystroke with a deep, 'thocky' sound, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that ensures silent operation without compromising on character. While the Olive is ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory cues for a more engaging typing experience, the Rosewood is perfect for users seeking a fluid and quiet typing motion. Each switch serves specific needs within the keyboard community; 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and Akko Rosewood switches, it's essential to note that both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which results in distinct auditory experiences. The Olive features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, renowned for its unique sound profile that leans towards deeper and more muted tones. This characteristic derives from POM's dense and rigid structure, which can enhance the bottoming-out sound while still delivering a gentle auditory release when the key is lifted. Conversely, the Rosewood switch employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is a classic choice for switch construction, offering a softer, more absorbent quality that produces a fuller sound, perceived as duller and rounder compared to harder plastics like POM.
Both switches are designed to provide a shifting acoustic experience depending on how each housing interacts with the typing actuation and release. The Bsun Olive's POM bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall depth of the sound, particularly when the keys are pressed down firmly. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood's nylon bottom housing inherently absorbs more sound, creating a smoother transition in auditory feedback upon bottoming out. However, the Rosewood's top housing—a nylon variant—also plays a crucial role. Since both top and bottom housings create a symbiotic relationship, the sound profile of the Rosewood manages to maintain a consistent depth across the typing experience. The differing materials ultimately shape the listening experience, highlighting how each housing's qualities contribute to the overall perception of mechanical switches.
In summary, while the Bsun Olive offers a deep, muted sound through its POM housing, the Akko Rosewood creates a similarly profound auditory effect via its nylon construction. Although the specific materials differ, both switches strive to achieve a full-bodied sound profile while providing unique tactile responses. The Olive leads with its POM-driven resonance, while the Rosewood utilizes nylon’s softer touch for a rounder sound experience. Despite these differences in material, users can expect a satisfying acoustic feedback from both types of switches, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts looking for distinct yet comparable sound experiences.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their overall typing experience. The Olive switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Rosewood switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer usage without fatigue might favor the Rosewood switch. Conversely, those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Olive switch, which provides a more substantial feedback during typing. Overall, the Rosewood is the lighter option, while the Olive is heavier, reflecting their respective actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Olive features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Rosewood has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Olive switch provides a comparatively shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate keystroke experience. Conversely, the longer 4 mm travel found in the Rosewood switch may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key feel, as it offers a depth that can enhance the tactile experience. Consequently, if you appreciate responsiveness, the Olive would be the better choice, while those who prefer a more pronounced actuation may gravitate towards the Rosewood.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
The sound profile of the BSUN Olive switches is characterized by a resonant, deep tone that stands out in the mechanical keyboard landscape. This depth is enhanced by its all-POM housing, which contributes to a rich auditory experience that complements the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches produce a similar deep and satisfying thocky sound, largely attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that dampens vibrations and adds to the richness of each keystroke. While both switches have a deep sound signature that can evoke pleasure during use, it's important to remember that sound perception is influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Olive switches excel with their pronounced tactile feedback and invigorating response, striking a balance between medium tactility and rich user experience. They’re often described as having an accented tactile quality, providing notable feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The sharp and snappy nature of the tactile bump ensures that each keypress feels reactive and alive. The Akko Rosewood switches, however, do not have a specific tactile description provided, which makes it challenging to directly compare their physical feedback to that of the Olives. Without further information, we cannot fully ascertain how Rosewood switches behave in terms of tactility and responsiveness.
In summary, both the BSUN Olive and Akko Rosewood switches offer satisfying auditory experiences marked by deep sounds, setting them apart in their own right. The Olives provide a richly tactile experience with significant feedback qualities that can lead to an engaging typing sensation. In contrast, the Rosewood switches are noted for their sound but lack detailed descriptions regarding their tactile feel. With the information available, users can expect a rewarding experience from both switch types, albeit with the Olives offering a more defined tactile sensation that enthusiasts may find appealing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience, the Olive switch's medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams will provide you with invigorating and sharp feedback with every keypress. This tactile sensation, combined with the Olives' resonant, deep sound, creates a satisfying auditory experience that can enhance your typing enjoyment, especially if you like a more engaged typing style. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter touch in your keystrokes, the Rosewood switch may be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, its linear action allows for a gliding motion that many find comfortable, while the deep thocky sound adds a layer of acoustic pleasure without the tactile bump. Ultimately, consider your typing style: opt for the Olive for a more dynamic and tactile experience, or select the Rosewood for a silky smooth ride that still delivers on sound. Whatever you choose, both switches offer unique characteristics that can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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