Outemu Cream Pink vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves deliberating between options like the Outemu Cream Pink and the Akko Rosewood, both of which are linear switches that promise smooth keypress experiences. The Outemu Cream Pink, while not specifically known for a standout characteristic, is favored for its overall reliability and performance in various typing situations, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a consistent and responsive feel. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches distinguish themselves with their deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant, which delivers an auditory pleasure that many find particularly appealing during both gaming and typing sessions. While both switches cater to a linear preference, their unique attributes can cater to different user priorities—be it the Cream Pink’s dependable performance or the Rosewood's acoustic charm. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Cream Pink Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Pink and the Akko Rosewood switches, it becomes evident that they share a commonality in their construction: both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is renowned in the keyboard enthusiast community for its acoustic properties. As noted, nylon is a softer plastic that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile; it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder, more subdued auditory feedback. Consequently, switching from one of these models to the other will yield similar acoustic experiences, given that both are designed to minimize sharp sounds and provide a pleasant typing experience.

Delving deeper into the respective housings, we observe that both switches are crafted from nylon, suggesting their performance characteristics will largely align. Specifically, the top housing of each switch plays a pivotal role in the sound produced upon releasing a key, while the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses. Since both the Cream Pink and Rosewood are constructed from nylon, users can expect a similarly consistent dampened sound profile that reinforces the calm typing atmosphere typical of mechanical switches utilizing this material. In practices like gaming or extended typing sessions, the switches will afford users a noise-reduced experience that is both comfortable and engaging.

While the materials are the same, the design nuances of each switch may still affect how their characteristics manifest. The integration of other elements, such as the spring and internal structure, would introduce variances in feel and actuation force. However, the overarching consensus remains that both the Outemu Cream Pink and Akko Rosewood, with their shared nylon housings, are likely to provide an equivalent auditory satisfaction and tactile feedback, allowing enthusiasts to choose between them based on aesthetic preference rather than performance disparities. Thus, regardless of which switch one opts for, the ultimate typing experience promises to be similarly rich and enjoyable.

Weight

The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Cream Pink features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, positioning it in the medium-heavy range. In contrast, the Rosewood boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The difference in actuation forces suggests that the Rosewood offers a more responsive feel with less effort required to register keystrokes, while the Cream Pink provides a more substantial experience due to its heavier push feel. Ultimately, if users prefer a lighter switch that allows for easier and longer use, they may gravitate toward the Akko Rosewood, whereas those who appreciate a more robust keystroke will likely prefer the Outemu Cream Pink.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile sensation when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This equal travel distance ensures consistent feedback and responsiveness in typing and gaming experiences. As a result, individuals who prioritize switch feel will find both options to deliver comparable performance, allowing for seamless interchangeability depending on personal preference or aesthetic choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the Cream Pink's sound characteristics remain unspecified, leaving a gap in its auditory profile. In contrast, the Rosewood switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that gives it a rich auditory experience right out of the box. This difference indicates that while the Cream Pink's sound remains a mystery, the Rosewood provides a distinct and fulfilling acoustic feedback that many users appreciate.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the Outemu Cream Pink’s tactile response is also unspecified, which makes it challenging to provide a direct comparison in this aspect. However, the Akko Rosewood switch is noted for its smooth action, typical of linear switches, which allows for a fluid typing experience without any tactile bump to interrupt the flow. The unknown nature of the Cream Pink's feel means that users might need to test it personally to discern its characteristics, but expect that if you seek a linear experience, the Rosewood will undoubtedly deliver a satisfying sensation during use.

In conclusion, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch stands out for its pleasing, thocky sound and smooth feel, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cream Pink switch remain unclear. Users looking for a readily satisfying auditory experience are likely to prefer the Rosewood for its sound profile and touch response. Since the Cream Pink lacks specific descriptors for both sound and feel, those interested may have to approach it with an open mind and personal exploration, while the Rosewood offers a more defined and enjoyable experience from the outset. If sound and feel qualities were to align, they would likely provide similar results in terms of user satisfaction, but as it stands, the Rosewood currently has the edge in both categories.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switches and the Akko Rosewood linear switches, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier key feel and a more substantial actuation force, the Cream Pink might be the better option for you, as its 65-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance typographical precision and control. However, if you lean towards a lighter touch and want a smoother typing experience with less effort, the Rosewood's 50-gram actuation might suit you better. Moreover, if sound is a significant consideration in your keyboard experience, the Akko Rosewood switches offer a deep, thocky sound profile straight out of the box, amplified by a factory-applied lubricant. This can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of typing. Conversely, if you value a more muted sound and a clearer tactile feedback while typing, the Cream Pink switches may be your preference. Overall, reflecting on your typing habits, sound preferences, and the tactile experience you seek will guide you to the switch that best meets your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Pink Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more