Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, users often face the dilemma of choosing between the tactile sensation of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the smooth linear feel of the Akko Rosewood. The Crystal Brown switch is celebrated for its distinct tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch offers a linear experience that glides effortlessly, making it ideal for gamers who prefer quick, uninterrupted key presses. Additionally, the Rosewood is noted for its deep and satisfying thocky sound, attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which enhances the overall typing experience. While both switches cater to different preferences and styles—tactile versus linear—they each boast unique features that appeal to specific user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Crystal Brown and Akko Rosewood switches exhibit contrasting sound profiles primarily due to the different materials used in their top housings. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer properties, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material's translucency also enhances the visual experience when paired with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The soft nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tonal quality. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials highlights a significant divergence in acoustics, where those seeking a crisper sound might prefer the Crystal Brown, while those desiring a more rounded auditory experience would gravitate towards the Rosewood.

On the other hand, both the Crystal Brown and Rosewood switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, both made of nylon. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, the bottom housing provides a similar auditory experience by contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound effectively dulls any sharpness that might emerge from the top housing. As a result, when typing on either switch, users will encounter a notably plush, round feel at the bottom of the keypress, attributed to the nylon. This similarity reinforces the idea that while the top housings foster distinct tonal characteristics, the bottom housing can unify the common experience between the two switches.

When pressed, the interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a significant role in how the switches feel and sound during use. For the Crystal Brown, the stiffer polycarbonate top may provide a more pronounced sound upon releasing a key, while the softer nylon bottom contributes to a satisfying bottom-out experience. For the Rosewood, the combined softer feel of both hushed nylon housings results in a more consistent, subdued auditory feedback. Therefore, while the switches differ greatly in their top materials—impacting initial sound and feel—the similarity in their bottom housings ultimately results in a cohesive typing experience centered around a muted sound profile, offering a pleasant balance for enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Brown switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter choice overall. This means the Rosewood switch offers a softer typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or for users who prefer less resistance. In contrast, the heavier forces of the Crystal Brown switch may appeal to those seeking a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Rosewood switch provides a lighter touch compared to the more tactile and heavier Crystal Brown switch.

Travel distance

The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making their keypress distances identical. This similarity means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Consequently, whether using the Crystal Brown or the Rosewood, the feel and performance during typing or gaming will be comparable due to their equal travel distance. Overall, users looking for consistent key action can confidently consider both options without concern for differences in travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch produces a muted sound profile that offers a subtle feedback upon activation, which suits environments where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, which is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This characteristic gives the Rosewood a rich acoustic signature that many users find appealing, especially when used with the right keycaps and keyboard design. While the Crystal Brown's sound is less pronounced, it provides a smooth experience that can be optimized with careful component selection.

When it comes to feel, the Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for its distinctive tactile bump, allowing users to experience a noticeable actuation point that can improve typing accuracy and comfort during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch offers an incredibly smooth feel throughout the entire keypress, lacking any tactile feedback. This seamless travel can be appealing for gamers and casual typists who appreciate a fluid motion without interruption. Users of both switches will find their experiences satisfying, though they cater to different tactile preferences.

In summary, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a quieter sound profile paired with a tactile feel that enhances typing precision, the Akko Rosewood linear switch boasts a rich acoustic experience complemented by smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback; both can provide enjoyable typing experiences with the right setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch should ultimately align with your typing preferences and needs. If you find yourself enjoying the tactile feedback that a switch provides, particularly for typing or gaming where you want to feel distinct actuation points without excessive force, the Crystal Brown is a suitable option with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a little resistance and the tactile bump, making it versatile for both typing and gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth, linear experience combined with a delightful auditory feedback, the Akko Rosewood is your go-to choice. With a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and the added musicality of a "thocky" sound profile, the Rosewood is excellent for quieter environments or for those who enjoy a satisfying sound without interruptions. In summary, opt for the Crystal Brown if you lean towards tactile feedback and versatility, but choose the Rosewood if you seek a smoother, quieter experience with enhanced acoustic characteristics.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more