Outemu Silent White vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent White and Akko Rosewood both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silent White is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize quiet operation and a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood, also a linear switch, is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that delivers a rich auditory feedback straight out of the box. While the Silent White is perfect for environments where noise is a concern, the Rosewood invites users who appreciate a more tactile and acoustic presence while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent White and the Akko Rosewood both utilize different materials for their top housings, with the Silent White featuring polycarbonate while the Rosewood employs nylon. The choice of polycarbonate in the Silent White's design leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced tonal quality when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate is also a significant advantage for those looking to integrate RGB lighting into their setups, as it allows for enhanced illumination and visual appeal. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood's nylon top housing produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbing nature. This characteristic results in a rounder sound that may appeal to users who prefer a less aggressive tonal quality.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Silent White and Rosewood utilize nylon, contributing similar characteristics in terms of sound and feel. This consistency in material leads to a deeper and fuller sound experience when bottoming out the switches, a quality that is fundamental in providing a satisfying typing experience. Since nylon's inherent softness absorbs sound, the two switches share the ability to produce a duller and rounder sound, which can create a more muted overall typing experience compared to switches with harder bottom housings. Thus, regardless of the differing top housings, both the Silent White and Rosewood switches will provide users with a harmonious balance of sound and feel due to their shared nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and Akko Rosewood create distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Silent White, with its polycarbonate top, delivers a crisper sound ideal for those who favor clarity, while the Rosewood's nylon top provides a warmer, softer auditory experience. However, the similarities in the nylon bottom housing ensure that users will experience a cohesive performance in terms of typing feel regardless of which switch is chosen. Therefore, selecting between the two will largely depend on individual preferences regarding the top housing’s sound characteristics, with both switches promising a satisfying and engaging typing experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, one can observe notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent White requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Rosewood switch is easier to press and provides a less demanding typing experience, which may be preferable for users looking to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Conversely, the Silent White's heavier actuation and bottom out forces offer a more substantial feel, catering to those who prefer a stronger push during use. Overall, the Akko Rosewood switch is the lighter option, making it ideal for users who prioritize ease of typing, while the Outemu Silent White presents a heavier choice for those who appreciate a firmer tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Silent White offers a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the Rosewood features a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the more traditional distance often preferred for a deeper keystroke experience. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses, the Silent White may cater to your gaming needs better due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you value a more substantial and pronounced feel when typing, the Rosewood with its longer travel distance might be more appealing. Overall, the distinctions in travel distance between these switches highlight varying user preferences in keyboard feel and performance.
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 White 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent White linear switch has no specific characterization, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying "thocky" sound, attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances its acoustic qualities. This difference suggests that if you are looking for a more pronounced auditory experience, the Rosewood would be preferable, while the Silent White may provide a more neutral sound profile, influenced by the board and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Silent White linear switch is also lacking descriptive information, which leaves its tactile response and actuation characteristics unclear. On the other hand, the Rosewood switches are known for delivering a smooth typing experience, aligning with the general expectations from linear switches. Given that both switches are linear in type, you could anticipate that the Silent White may offer a similarly smooth travel, though the exact nuances of its feel remain unknown.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks specific qualities in both sound and feel, the Akko Rosewood provides a rich auditory experience along with a smooth typing sensation. If sound characteristics are crucial for your typing enjoyment, the Rosewood would be the clear choice. However, if you appreciate linear switches that may not emphasize sound and prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent White could serve that purpose, even though its specific qualities remain unspecified. In summary, while both switches share a linear design, the Rosewood clearly stands out in terms of sound and tactile feedback, which may influence your decision depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use. If you value a slightly firmer keystroke and prefer a quieter typing experience—perhaps for a shared workspace or late-night gaming sessions—the Silent White's 60-gram bottom out force offers a balanced feel without the distracting noise. However, if you're drawn to a lighter touch and enjoy the tactile satisfaction of a thocky sound that enhances your typing experience, the Akko Rosewood with its 50-gram bottom out force and factory lubricant would be an excellent choice. The Rosewood's sound profile and feel contribute to a more acoustic and engaging feedback with every keystroke, making it perfect for those who appreciate auditory satisfaction in their typing. Thus, consider your typing environment and personal preferences carefully, as each of these switches caters to different needs in terms of sound, feel, and actuation force.
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