Outemu Blue vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and Akko Rosewood represent two distinct experiences tailored for different preferences. The Outemu Blue switches are recognized for their tactile feedback and pronounced click sound, making them a great choice for typists who relish the auditory and physical response of each keystroke. This clicky feedback can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, particularly for those who enjoy an audible confirmation with each press. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches offer a smoother and quieter typing experience with their linear design. Known for producing a deep, satisfying "thocky" sound thanks to a factory-applied lubricant, these switches cater to users who prefer a more subdued keystroke without the distraction of clicks while maintaining a rich acoustic profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Blue and Akko Rosewood switches boils down to whether you favor tactile feedback and sound or a smooth, quieter 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and Akko Rosewood switches showcase distinct characteristics stemming from their differing top housing materials. The Outemu Blue utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material’s rigidity amplifies the clarity of sound, making it particularly suitable for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a nylon top housing, which is a softer material that absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is associated with a more muted auditory experience. Thus, while the Outemu Blue focuses on creating an incisive sound, the Akko Rosewood leans towards generating a more mellow and rounded auditory feedback.
When considering the bottom housings, both the Outemu Blue and Akko Rosewood utilize nylon, leading to a convergence in their sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing contributes similarly to the sound profile of both switches, ensuring a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows for a greater absorption of sound, which is crucial in shaping the bottom-out experience when a key is pressed down. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in their characteristics—polycarbonate for the Outemu Blue and nylon for the Akko Rosewood—their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a level of consistency in the overall acoustic output, particularly influencing the feel and sound upon key actuation.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch provides unique sensory experiences when typing. The Outemu Blue, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, produces a distinct audio cue sharpness combined with a fuller bottom-out sound, which can appeal to those seeking a more engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood relies on its all-nylon construction to deliver a consistently deeper, softer sound, making it a great option for users looking for a quieter and more subdued typing environment. By understanding how each housing material influences the acoustic qualities, users can better select a switch that aligns with their preferences in both sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Outemu Blue switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Akko Rosewood requires a lighter 40 grams for actuation. This makes the Rosewood a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is unavailable, which leaves a gap in understanding its complete pressure response compared to the Rosewood's defined bottom out force of 50 grams. With the Rosewood bottoming out at this same 50 grams, it presents a balanced experience wherein users can feel a substantial push at the end of their keystrokes, whereas the Outemu Blue’s bottom out force remains uncertain. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter switch should gravitate towards the Akko Rosewood, while users who appreciate a more pronounced feel might prefer the characteristics of the Outemu Blue, although more information on its bottom out force is needed for a full comparison.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This identical travel distance means that users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when pressing down on the keys, regardless of whether they are using the clicky or linear switch. Therefore, those who appreciate the tactile feedback of the Blue switch can enjoy a comparable experience with the smoothness of the Rosewood, as neither switch will require more or less effort to activate. Overall, with both switches sharing the same travel distance, users can achieve similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Blue switch is renowned for its distinctive clicky feedback, which creates a sharp and crisp auditory response during typing. This characteristic click sound can be polarizing; some users appreciate the auditory confirmation of their keystrokes, while others may find it disruptive, particularly in quiet environments. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood switch stands out with a deep and satisfying thocky sound, attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances its acoustic profile. This rich sound provides a more muted yet resonant experience, making it more suitable for those who appreciate a softer auditory feedback while avoiding the sharpness of clicky switches. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue switch offers a tactile bump at the actuation point, delivering a clear physical sensation that typists often enjoy for its feedback. This tactile nature can help in typing accuracy but may also feel somewhat stiffer compared to other types of switches. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump. Users of linear switches typically enjoy an uninterrupted feel throughout the key press, allowing for a fluid typing experience, ideal for rapid gaming or typing scenarios. The absence of tactile feedback in the Rosewood may cater to those who prefer a seamless action over varied sensations.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch cater to very different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. While the Blue offers a pronounced click that some typists love, the Rosewood provides a more subdued thocky sound, making it a favorite for others seeking a less intrusive auditory experience. Additionally, the tactile bump of the Blue contrasts with the smoothness of the Rosewood, showcasing the inherent differences in typing experiences provided by these switches. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and preferences, as both switches will deliver distinct environments suited to various tasks and atmospheres.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you appreciate auditory feedback while typing, enjoy the tactile sensation of a click, and want to recreate a classic mechanical keyboard experience, the Outemu Blue switch could be the right fit for you. This switch, renowned for its clicky sound, may serve you well in a more traditional office environment where audible feedback is beneficial. However, if you favor a quieter typing experience and prefer a smooth, linear feel, the Akko Rosewood switch emerges as a superior choice. With its deep, satisfying thocky sound and light actuation force, it is ideal for those who enjoy a luxurious typing experience without disturbing your surroundings. Ultimately, consider your work or gaming setup, the sounds you want to produce, and the tactile feedback you prefer when making your decision.
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