Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing or gaming needs, the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Akko Rosewood offer distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The Outemu Dustproof Purple, a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump during keypress, making it ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback and want to enhance their typing accuracy. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood, a linear switch, excels in providing a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that is often preferred by gamers for its speed and quiet operation. Additionally, the Rosewood's unique feature is its deep, satisfying "thock" sound, attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which adds a touch of auditory delight to each press. While both switches have their merits—tactile feedback versus smooth operation—there’s more to explore that can help you decide which switch aligns best with your preferences. So, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Purple Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Dustproof Purple and Akko Rosewood switches present an interesting contrast in their top housing materials. The Dustproof Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and clearer sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This rigidity allows the switch to resonate at higher frequencies, which delivers a crisp auditory experience. Furthermore, the polycarbonate's translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly when used with RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through, creating a vibrant and visually engaging user experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials are known for their distinct sound characteristics, the Dustproof Purple’s choice emphasizes brightness, while the Rosewood leans towards warmth and depth.

Examining the bottom housings of the two switches reveals a notable similarity. Both the Dustproof Purple and the Rosewood employ nylon in their bottom housings. This commonality ensures that both switches provide a deeper and more resonant sound when bottoming out. The nylon material creates a cushioned feel and a rounder sound profile, which enhances the tactile experience during use. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a similar response in tactile feedback from both models despite the differences in their top housings. Therefore, when pressed, both switches will exhibit qualities reminiscent of the classic nylon sound signature, contributing favorably to the overall typing experience.

Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing in the Outemu Dustproof Purple and a nylon bottom housing in both switches presents a multifaceted auditory profile. The polycarbonate top infuses clarity and brightness into key releases, while the nylon bottom softens the bottom-out sound and enhances the overall depth. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood, with its fully nylon construction, produces a consistently deeper and fuller typing experience. While users of the Dustproof Purple can enjoy the vibrant RGB effects and the crisp high-end response, those who prefer the Akko Rosewood may appreciate the richer, more subdued auditory character. In summary, both switches cater to distinct preferences while retaining some common auditory elements due to their shared nylon bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Purple features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy; this makes it better suited for users who prefer a more substantial feeling while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch, which can enhance comfort during long typing sessions. As a result, the Outemu Dustproof Purple is the heavier switch, while the Akko Rosewood is the lighter option. If a user prioritizes a more tactile experience with a firmer push, the Dustproof Purple would be the recommended choice. Conversely, if they seek a gentler keystroke that allows for extended periods of use without fatigue, the Akko Rosewood would be advantageous.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means users can expect a similar feel and performance when pressing down on the keys. This equal travel distance creates a consistent experience across both switches, allowing for comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness. Consequently, if you're seeking a switch that provides the same travel experience, either option would serve well in that regard, emphasizing a uniformity in the keypress distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch does not have a well-defined sound profile, making it somewhat ambiguous in this regard; however, it’s important to note that the overall sound produced by a switch is influenced by the keyboard's construction, keycap material, and other factors. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is renowned for its deep, satisfying “thock” sound, largely attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This quality provides an auditory experience that enhances typing pleasure, making the Rosewood a popular choice among users who prioritize sound as a key factor in their keyboard experience.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Dustproof Purple doesn’t have a clearly defined tactile or linear characteristic, which can make it difficult to compare directly. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood offers a smooth linear feel, allowing for uninterrupted key presses that many find pleasurable for both typing and gaming. The differentiated tactile response of the Dustproof Purple could offer a unique experience, but without specific characteristics, it remains less distinguishable against the notably smooth action provided by the Rosewood switches.

Overall, if you're seeking an engaging auditory experience, the Akko Rosewood is the clear standout, while the Dustproof Purple's qualities remain less defined. In terms of sound and feel, the Rosewood offers more concrete benefits, making it a more reliable choice for users who prioritize these aspects. That said, if you find yourself leaning towards the Dustproof Purple, be prepared for a bit of experimentation to see how it aligns with your preferences since its specifics are still somewhat unclear.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, consider how you plan to use your keyboard. If you prefer a more tactile feedback and don’t mind a heavier keypress, the Dustproof Purple might be the right choice for you, especially if you enjoy typing with a bit of resistance. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams can enhance typing accuracy, making it suitable for writing and programming tasks where precision is crucial. However, if you seek an effortless and smooth typing experience, or if you enjoy the satisfying auditory feedback of keystrokes, the Akko Rosewood switch would be ideal. With its lighter 50 grams bottom-out force and desirable "thocky" sound profile straight out of the box, the Rosewood caters well to casual gaming and typing where ease and acoustics enhance the experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preference for key feel and sound, as each switch brings its own unique qualities to your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more