Outemu Silent Grey vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and the Akko Rosewood stand out for their unique characteristics and intended user experiences. The Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch known for its quiet operation and pronounced bump, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a satisfying feel while maintaining a low noise level in shared spaces. Its muted and thocky sound profile enhances the typing experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switches provide an entirely different sensation with their smooth keypress and deep, satisfying thocky sound, amplified by a layer of factory-applied lubricant. This makes them ideal for users who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke and auditory feedback that is both rich and enjoyable. While the Silent Grey caters to those who emphasize discretion alongside tactile feedback, the Rosewood invites enthusiasts who relish a more pronounced auditory experience with seamless strokes. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 Silent Grey and the Akko Rosewood switches present a study in contrasts when it comes to their top housing materials. The Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic makes for a typing experience that is crisp and clear, particularly advantageous for users who value audible feedback while typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing for an impressive display that complements the aesthetic of a gaming or work setup. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood uses a nylon top housing, a classic choice that produces a deeper and fuller sound. This softer plastic allows for more absorption of sound, creating a duller sound profile that many users find soothing and comfortable for longer typing sessions.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches employ nylon as their material of choice. This commonality means that, regardless of the top housing differences, both switches will deliver a similar experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottoms provide a certain depth to the sound, contributing to a more rounded auditory feedback. This shared bottom housing allows for a consistent typing experience, as the tonal qualities that typists feel most through their key presses are shaped by the nylon. Therefore, despite the top housings' different compositions, both switches offer a harmonious user experience at the point of bottoming out.
In terms of overall sound profiles and user feelings, the contrasting top housings of the Silent Grey and Akko Rosewood contribute distinct characteristics, ultimately influencing the way each switch performs. While the Silent Grey may excel in clarity and brightness due to its polycarbonate top, the Akko’s nylon top promises a more muted and deeper experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent and familiar sensation for typists, regardless of which switch is used. Thus, while users may gravitate towards one switch for its unique auditory traits, the nylon bottoms tie both switches together, allowing for a pleasing typing experience that resonates with enthusiasts of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences can be observed in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Grey features an actuation force of 50 grams, which is on the medium-heavy side, while the Rosewood has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This distinction suggests that users who favor a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may find the Rosewood switch more suitable. In terms of bottom out forces, the Silent Grey also leads with a heavier 65 grams compared to the Rosewood's 50 grams. As a result, while both switches may offer satisfactory performance, the Silent Grey's heavier force provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter switch for extended use should opt for the Akko Rosewood, while those looking for a more pronounced feedback will likely favor the Outemu Silent Grey.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect a similar key feel and actuation experience when using either switch, making them comparable choices for those who prefer a consistent tactile experience during typing or gaming.
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 Grey 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 Grey tactile switch is characterized by a muted and low-pitched profile, delivering a softer and quieter typing experience that helps minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This allows for an environment conducive to concentration, making the Silent Grey a suitable choice for office use or shared spaces. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound, which is rich and resonant due to its factory-applied lubricant. The thocky nature of the Rosewood provides a rewarding auditory experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound with each keystroke. The sound quality of both switches can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the chosen keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Grey switch offers a distinctly sharp tactile experience with a high-feedback intensity. The strong and crisp bump can be felt clearly with every press, providing the user with immediate tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. On the other hand, the characteristics of the Akko Rosewood linear switch are less defined, as linear switches typically lack a tactile bump altogether, which allows for smooth key travel without any interruption. This difference in feel makes the Silent Grey more suitable for those who appreciate tactile feedback, while the Rosewood caters to users who prefer a fluid typing experience without the tactile bump.
In summary, when comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, they cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel. The Silent Grey excels in providing a quiet yet sharp tactile experience, making it an excellent choice for more discreet environments, while the Rosewood offers a deeper auditory feedback with its thocky sound, appealing to those who appreciate a satisfying acoustic response. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a tactile feel or a fluid typing experience, along with the sound profile you find more pleasing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch should ultimately be driven by your personal preferences and typing environment. If you find yourself in a shared or quiet workspace where minimizing noise is crucial, the Silent Grey would be a wise choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams and pronounced tactile bump provide a satisfying experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch and appreciate a richer auditory feedback while typing, the Rosewood would better suit your needs. With a bottom out force of only 50 grams, it allows for effortless key presses and produces a deep, thocky sound that many typists find enjoyable. In essence, choose the Silent Grey for a quiet, tactile experience that emphasizes feedback without the noise, and opt for the Rosewood if you desire a smoother, more responsive feel coupled with a pleasing acoustic signature. Your typing style and environment will guide your final decision.
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