Akko Rosewood vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the options can be both exciting and overwhelming. The Akko Rosewood and Durock Sea Glass are two notable linear switches, each offering a distinctive typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Rosewood switches are celebrated for their deep, thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, providing a satisfying auditory feedback right out of the box. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a rich sound profile while typing. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches charm users with their aesthetically pleasing pastel color options and a unique typing experience characterized by a wispiness and airiness. Their lightweight feeling, despite a relatively high bottom-out force of 62g, makes them easier to press, perfect for those who favor a feather-like touch. However, the distinct hollow sound signature of the Sea Glass may appeal to a different auditory preference compared to the Rosewood's deep resonance. Ultimately, both switches present appealing features that cater to a variety of typists, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.

By the numbers

Akko Rosewood Linear

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko Rosewood and Durock Sea Glass both utilize nylon as a primary material for their switch housings, yet they represent distinct approaches to sound and feel in their designs. The Rosewood’s nylon top housing provides a classic switch experience characterized by a deeper, fuller sound. Its softer composition allows the material to absorb sound more effectively, producing a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Sea Glass employs a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, which contributes a slightly brighter sound while maintaining a pleasant auditory experience. While both switches benefit from nylon’s inherent qualities, the difference in material blends results in notable variations in sound characteristic, enabling enthusiasts to choose based on their preferred auditory feedback.

In terms of bottom housing, the Akko Rosewood continues its reliance on nylon, echoing the sound profile of its top housing and ensuring a consistent experience with a fuller, rounded tone. The Durock Sea Glass, however, features the same Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend as its top housing, which again results in a bright sound profile. This means that while the Rosewood excels in providing a uniform deeper sound across both housings, the Sea Glass offers a distinct acoustic signature that varies between its top and bottom sections. Therefore, the tactile experience of bottoming out on the switches will differ significantly between the two brands, with the Rosewood yielding a more pronounced thump and the Sea Glass delivering a lighter, brighter feel upon release.

Ultimately, both the Akko Rosewood and Durock Sea Glass switches showcase exceptional qualities rooted in nylon, yet they cater to different preferences in sound profile and feedback. A user looking for a cohesive sound experience can expect consistency with Rosewood’s housings, while a user who is interested in experimenting with contrasts may be drawn to the charming dichotomy found in the Sea Glass’s material blend. By considering how the top and bottom housings influence the overall typing experience, consumers can make an informed choice that best aligns with their tactile and auditory preferences.

Weight

The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing feel. This means that while the Rosewood allows for quicker key presses with less effort, the Sea Glass provides a firmer resistance that might enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a more tactile response. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch would gravitate towards the Rosewood, while the Sea Glass would cater to those desiring a heavier and more robust feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the Rosewood features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass measures a slightly shorter 3.8 mm. This difference positions the Rosewood as the switch with a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial, leisurely feel when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass could be advantageous for gamers who prioritize quicker response times and prefer a more immediate actuation. Ultimately, while both switches offer effective performance, the choice between them may come down to personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Rosewood linear switch stands out with its deep, satisfying ‘thock’ that resonates with each keystroke, enhanced by a layer of factory-applied lubricant that contributes to its overall acoustic profile. This switch is designed to please those who appreciate a more pronounced sound signature while typing. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch presents a uniquely hollow sound signature, characterized by a dryness, wispiness, and airiness that may sound less profound than the Rosewood. While both switches can produce distinct auditory experiences, the choice of keyboard and keycaps will also significantly influence the final sound, meaning that both switches could ultimately yield satisfactory results depending on your setup.

When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch is likely to provide a smoother, yet slightly more grounded typing experience compared to the Sea Glass. The Rosewood’s linear nature is refined, offering a direct and confident actuation without the friction found in tactile or clicky options. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass switches are lauded for their frictionless nature, making each keypress feel almost effortless. This switch design combines a mild, feathery touch with easy actuation, allowing for extended periods of typing without fatigue. The Sea Glass offers a typing experience that minimizes resistance while remaining gentle and approachable, catering to both casual users and enthusiasts alike.

In summary, both the Akko Rosewood and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Rosewood excels in delivering a pronounced auditory experience with its thocky sound, while the Sea Glass impresses with its airy acoustics and exceptionally smooth feel. Ultimately, if you value a deeper sound and a straightforward typing sensation, the Rosewood might be your preferred choice. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter, frictionless experience with an elegantly hollow sound, the Sea Glass could be ideal. Whichever option you choose, both switches have the potential to enhance your typing experience, depending largely on your specific preferences and keyboard configuration.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Akko Rosewood and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you gravitate towards a light and responsive typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, the Akko Rosewood would be a fantastic fit for you. The 50g bottom-out force makes it easy to type for extended periods without finger fatigue, and the factory-applied lubricant enhances the overall acoustics right out of the box. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a slightly heavier actuation at 62g and appreciate unique aesthetics, the Durock Sea Glass switches may be the better choice. They provide an airy, frictionless feel and a distinct sound signature that stands out from typical linear switches. The pastel colors can also appeal to those looking to personalize their setup. Thus, your decision can be guided by whether you prioritize a lightweight, thocky sound with smooth typing or an aesthetically pleasing, airier feel with a mild resistance. Both switches offer their unique qualities, ensuring you can find the right fit for your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more