Durock Piano vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Piano and Akko Rosewood offer distinct yet appealing choices for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their unique proprietary material blend, delivering a smooth gliding push feel complemented by a deep, creamy sound signature—a combination that evokes a 'bassy' and 'silky' typing sensation. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches provide a richly satisfying thocky sound right from the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, making them a popular choice for those who crave an auditory delight with each keystroke. While both switches excel in providing a refined linear experience, their distinct acoustic characteristics could appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Akko Rosewood switches, we find a notable contrast between the two despite both contributing to a satisfying auditory experience. The Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary blend of POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings. This material, while not fully disclosed, is known for its rigidity and durability, providing a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs nylon for its housing, a well-recognized material in the industry. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, creating a deeper and fuller tone during typing, which distinguishes it from the potentially crisper sound offered by the Piano's POM blend.

Moreover, the properties of the materials influence how acoustics and tactile feedback are experienced. For the Durock Piano, the distinct sound profile—marked by a satisfying resonance—can be attributed to its POM blend, offering the benefits of robustness and a more defined sound, particularly noticeable when pressing down on the keys (bottom-out sound). Conversely, the Akko Rosewood, with its nylon housings, enriches the auditory experience by diminishing the sharpness of sound; its softer composition yields a more subdued yet rounded sound during both pressing and releasing of the keys. This fundamental difference affects the overall typing experience, where the POM may provide a cleaner and potentially more vibrant sound, while the nylon leans toward producing a warmer auditory impression.

While both switches ultimately aim to create a deep sound profile, the diversity in their materials reveals unique characteristics that shape their individual performances. If one were to seek similar results in sound quality, a careful mix could be employed—combining elements of both switch designs. By replicating the POM features in one housing while utilizing nylon's acoustic dampening in another, one could achieve an optimal blend, capitalizing on the strengths of both materials. Ultimately, the differences in material composition not only define the unique sound each switch produces but also influence the overall tactile experience for the user.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Piano has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Rosewood switch offers a lighter touch, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. The heavier Durock Piano switch, while lacking a defined actuation force, provides a more substantial push feel with its significant bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger tactile response. Overall, those who favor a lighter typing experience may gravitate toward the Akko Rosewood, while those who appreciate a heavier feedback may find the Durock Piano more to their liking.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Piano linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they offer the same tactile feedback when pressed down. This equal distance results in a similar keypress feel for users, ensuring that the performance between the two switches remains consistent in terms of depth of actuation. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect a comparable typing experience, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a specific key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Piano linear switches offer a deep and creamy audio profile, characterized by a bassy resonance that creates a rich and enjoyable tone during use. This deeper sound signature contributes to a satisfying auditory experience, making each keypress feel substantial. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches are known for their thocky sound, which is produced thanks to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. While both switches deliver quality sounds, the Piano leans towards a more bass-driven experience, while the Rosewood's thock resonance adds a unique character that many typists find fulfilling.

In terms of feel, the Durock Pianos excel with their silky smoothness, offering an exceptionally pleasant typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing keys. This smoothness contributes to a more fluid typing motion, making it easier to glide from key to key without any noticeable friction. The feel of the Akko Rosewood switches isn't explicitly detailed, but it's reasonable to expect that their design, alongside the lubricant, would also contribute to a satisfying typing experience. Given that both switches are linear, it’s likely that they share a smooth actuation without a tactile bump, but the specifics of the Rosewood's feel remain unknown.

In conclusion, both the Durock Piano and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Piano providing a deeper bassy sound while the Rosewood delivers a satisfying thock. The Piano switches shine in their silky feel, enhancing the typing experience, while the Rosewood's tactile feedback might also be pleasing, though its specific qualities are less defined. For enthusiasts, choosing between these two will depend on the desired sound profile and the smoothness of the typing experience they value, as both can provide enjoyable results in their own right.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between Durock Piano linear switches and Akko Rosewood linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the specific experience you’re looking to achieve. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch that provides a silky feel with a deep, creamy sound profile, then the Durock Piano is your best bet. The 63.5 grams of bottom-out force combined with its proprietary material blend creates an enjoyable typing experience that many find satisfying, especially for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter switch for quicker key presses and a thocky sound, the Akko Rosewood might be more suitable. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and factory-applied lubricant, it delivers a deep, satisfying auditory feedback straight out of the box. Therefore, consider the Durock Piano for a richer, more robust typing experience, while the Akko Rosewood caters to those who favor a lighter touch with immediate sound gratification. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what enhances your typing enjoyment and fits your specific needs.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more