Outemu Silent Green vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Green and the Akko Rosewood offer distinct experiences for users, despite both being categorized as linear switches. The Outemu Silent Green is designed for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience and are looking for a smooth keystroke feel without the distraction of clicky sounds, making it a suitable option for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood stands out for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a layer of factory-applied lubricant that provides a rich acoustic experience right out of the box, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback while they type. Each switch brings unique strengths, whether it's the Silent Green’s noise reduction for a more subdued ambiance or the Rosewood's auditory richness for a more engaging typing 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Akko Rosewood, it’s essential to note their distinct compositions: the Silent Green features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, while the Rosewood employs nylon for these components. The polycarbonate used in the Silent Green is known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic, coupled with the material's translucency, enhances the RGB lighting experience, making it visually striking while also creating a vibrant auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the nylon used in the Rosewood provides a stark contrast. It is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, leading to a deeper, fuller tone that offers a distinctly rounder sound profile when typing. This fundamental difference indicates how the choice of material affects both the acoustic and aesthetic experiences of the switches.
The bottom housings of each switch reinforce these auditory differences; the Silent Green’s polycarbonate bottom also promotes a resonant sound due to its stiffer properties, leading to a consistent clear breakout sound when keys are fully pressed. Conversely, the nylon bottom in the Akko Rosewood contributes to the overall sound profile by deepening the bottom-out sound, further queueing it towards a softer and more muted experience. As such, while both switches provide an engaging typing experience, their sound outputs vary significantly based on their materials. For typists, this underscores the importance of selecting a switch that aligns with their sound preferences, whether they desire a sharp and bright keystroke or a richer and more rounded tone.
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Silent Green and Akko Rosewood ultimately distills down to personal auditory preference and the desired tactile feedback. The inherent differences in acoustics provided by the polycarbonate and nylon materials impact not just the sound but also the feel of the switch at both the top and bottom stages. Should a switch employ both polycarbonate and nylon in other configurations, the resultant sound variations would yield a hybrid experience, allowing for the potential of achieving a broader spectrum of auditory satisfaction. Thus, understanding the materials behind these switches can greatly enhance a typist's overall choice tailored to their specific needs in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Silent Green switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the 40 grams required by the Rosewood switch, making the latter lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Green again comes in heavier at 60 grams, whereas the Rosewood has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. As a result, users who prefer a lighter touch will find the Akko Rosewood switch more suitable, while those who appreciate a firmer push feel may lean towards the Outemu Silent Green switch for its more substantial resistance. Overall, the differences in force ratings indicate distinct typing experiences, catering to varying preferences among users.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, users will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom of the switch. Consequently, both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback during typing or gaming, which can lead to comparable performance and comfort levels.
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 Silent Green 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Green switches are noted for their understated characteristics, allowing for a quieter typing experience suitable for those who prefer minimal noise distractions. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver a deep, satisfying "thock" sound that many enthusiasts appreciate, attributing this quality to the application of lubricant from the factory. While both switches cater to distinct auditory preferences, the choice between a muted soundscape and a punchy acoustic response will depend on the user's environment and personal taste.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Green switches are designed to provide a smooth, linear experience that enables uninterrupted keystrokes without any tactile bumps. This design promotes a seamless typing experience, making it a favorite among individuals who value fluidity in their keystrokes. The Akko Rosewood switches, on the other hand, also offer a linear feel but may provide a more consistent pressure throughout their travel, enhancing the overall linear typing sensation. Both switches aim for a smooth experience, making them appealing to those who prefer linear switches over tactile or clicky options.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Green and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, with the Silent Green catering to those who favor quietness and the Rosewood providing a charmingly resonant "thock." In terms of feel, while both are linear, they deliver a smooth typing experience that is characteristic of this switch type. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a silent environment or the satisfying sound that the Rosewood switches produce, as both switches can provide a rewarding typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, you should consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a medium actuation force and desire a quieter typing experience, the Silent Green switch may be your best bet. Its 60-gram bottom out force strikes a balance that some find comfortable for extended typing sessions, especially if loud keyboard sounds are a concern in your environment. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter actuation—thanks to the 50-gram bottom out force of the Rosewood switch—and enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback from your keyboard, the Akko Rosewood will likely align better with your needs. Its deep, satisfying "thocky" sound, enhanced by the factory-applied lubricant, adds a pleasurable sensory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a balanced feel with a quieter operation or a more expressive sound profile coupled with a lighter touch.
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