Akko Rosewood vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Rosewood and the Huano Sakura stand out as two excellent linear options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Rosewood switch is renowned for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, making it an enticing choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback in their typing without the distraction of clicky sounds. In contrast, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, making it perfect for extended typing sessions where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. While both switches fall into the linear category, they serve distinct purposes—whether you lean towards the tactile pleasure of the Rosewood or the effortless feel of the Sakura. 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
40g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Huano Sakura, the most prominent distinction lies within the properties of their top housings. The Rosewood features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This quality enables the nylon material to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience. Conversely, the Huano Sakura is constructed with a POK top housing, a material noted for its exceptional durability and smoothness. With a coefficient of friction that enhances its sliding capabilities, POK gives a distinctive clacky sound during typing, differentiating it from the velvety qualities contributed by the nylon of the Rosewood.
While the top housings are markedly different, the bottom housings of both the Rosewood and Sakura switches share a common trait: they are both crafted from nylon. This consistency in material means that users will experience similar deeper and fuller sound profiles when the key is bottomed out. Since both switches use nylon in their bottom constructions, they will offer a cushioned, sound-absorbing quality that contributes to a rounded feel when typing. Consequently, while the overall auditory experience is influenced by the differing top housing materials, the bottom housing's insulation helps maintain a cohesive and enjoyable typing experience for both models.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials results in unique sound profiles for the Akko Rosewood and Huano Sakura switches, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a degree of similarity in the typing feel. For those who prefer a smoother and more durable switch experience, the Huano Sakura provides a striking contrast to the Rosewood’s voice-dampening characteristics, reflecting the nuanced impact of housing materials—each offering distinct auditory features when pressed. This interplay of materials illustrates how switching dynamics can be tailored, allowing users to select according to their sound preferences and desired typing sensations.
Weight
The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch both feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. The Rosewood has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura is even lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Sakura switch requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Rosewood, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch. In contrast, the Rosewood, being marginally heavier, may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer feel. Overall, both switches will offer a responsive experience, but the Sakura is the lighter option, while the Rosewood holds the title for being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The Rosewood boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional measurement and provides a deeper keypress experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which caters to those who favor a quicker response time, often preferred by gamers. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Sakura would be the more beneficial choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced feel when typing, the Rosewood’s longer travel distance of 4 mm would likely be more satisfying. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Rosewood is the longer option, and the Sakura is the shorter, delivering distinct experiences based on travel distance.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound that many users find appealing for its richness and resonance, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant. This thocky nature contributes to an immersive typing experience, particularly when paired with compatible keycaps and a well-constructed keyboard. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch features medium acoustics that lean towards a more subdued profile. This means that while it provides a pleasant audible feedback, it does so in a less pronounced manner, making it conducive for environments where quiet operation is preferred, especially during extended typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch offers a smooth and responsive experience that is ideal for users who appreciate a linear switch without any tactile bump or click. The lubrication enhances the overall smoothness, allowing for quick key presses and effortless gliding across the switch stem. On the other hand, the Sakura linear switch is characterized by its feather-light touch, making it among the lightest options available. This lightweight action combined with its linear design promotes swift and fatigue-free typing, ideal for those who type for long hours and prefer a lighter keypress.
In summary, both the Akko Rosewood and Huano Sakura linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Rosewood switch offers a richer sound profile and a smooth, slightly heavier feel, perfect for users who enjoy a deeper acoustic experience. Conversely, the Sakura is lighter and quieter, showcasing a medium sound that is suitable for those valuing a gentle touch during extensive typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, making either choice valid for different typing scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel during typing. If you appreciate a deeper acoustic profile and find satisfaction in a thocky sound with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Rosewood switch is likely the better fit for you. This switch excels in providing a rich auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable, especially if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light touch and comfort for extended sessions, the Sakura switch, with its lower actuation force of 45 grams and medium acoustics, might be the better option. This switch is designed for ease and speed, making it ideal for tasks requiring prolonged typing without fatigue. In summary, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards auditory satisfaction and a richer sound experience with the Rosewood or favor a soft, effortless keystroke from the Sakura.
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