Akko Rosewood vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing options that offer unique characteristics and sound profiles. The Akko Rosewood, renowned for its deep, satisfying thocky sound straight out of the box due to a factory-applied thin layer of lubricant, provides an auditory pleasure that many gamers and typists appreciate. Its linear design ensures a smooth keystroke experience, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also categorizes itself as a linear switch but stands out with its medium-weight construction and all-POM design, striking a balance between affordability and high-quality performance. Users of the Smoothie can expect a similar thocky auditory profile while enjoying a notably smooth keystroke, appealing to those who prioritize both sound and tactile feedback without breaking the bank. While both switches offer impressive qualities, the choice between the mellow resonance of the Rosewood and the balanced smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie may ultimately depend on personal preference. 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
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Rosewood and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches both employ distinct materials for their housings, leading to unique auditory experiences during typing. The Rosewood's top and bottom housings are crafted from nylon, a classic choice known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a quieter and more muted typing experience. This characteristic contributes to the overall aesthetics of the switch, as the sound produced when typing feels rounded and less harsh, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM for both its top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for its ability to produce a notably pleasing and unique sound, which is also on the deeper side. While POM retains some overlap with nylon in terms of delivering a relatively muted sound, the nuances in the typing experience diverge due to the inherent properties of POM. This material is generally on the harder side compared to nylon, which means that the auditory output may vary slightly. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie still remains grounded in delivering a satisfying typing experience with a focus on richness and depth.
Despite the differences in materials, the end results in sound and feel can be similar due to the design and construction of the switches. Both the Akko Rosewood and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches exhibit muted sound profiles and an overall satisfying tactile experience, though the variations in material do lend different qualities to how they perform. The Rosewood utilizes its nylon construction to provide a rounder, softer acoustic experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM offers its own unique sound that is rich yet distinct. Ultimately, users may find that both switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences, allowing personal preference for sound and tactile feedback to guide their selection.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences in actuation force emerge, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. The Rosewood switch has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer push. Without information on its bottom out force, we can't determine how it compares in that aspect. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch for extended use might gravitate toward the Akko Rosewood, while those who favor a heavier switch may prefer the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
The Akko Rosewood linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference means that the Rosewood offers a more traditional and deeper experience when pressing down on a key, making it potentially more appealing for users who enjoy a tactile, sturdy feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its 3.7 mm travel distance, caters to those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers, as the shorter travel can lead to quicker actuation. Therefore, if you lean toward a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Rosewood is the preferred choice, while for those seeking swifter reactions, the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out as the better option.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 straight out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This results in a notable acoustic profile that many users find enjoyable. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie also delivers a thocky sound profile, contributing to a rich audio experience. Both switches excel in offering a pleasant and resonant sound, though the overall perception of their auditory qualities can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switches are recognized for their smoothness, which is complemented by the thoughtfully applied factory lubrication. This results in a pleasant and satisfying typing experience that many users enjoy. The Sea Salt Smoothie is also characterized by its remarkably smooth action, thanks to its all-POM construction, making for a comfortable typing experience. Despite differences in material composition, users can expect a similarly satisfying tactile experience from both switches, providing ease of use and consistency in performance.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Rosewood and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer thocky sound profiles, the Rosewood leans more towards a deep resonance due to its lubricant application, while the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes smoothness alongside its sound. In terms of feel, both switches provide exceptional smoothness, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. If you are seeking a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, either switch will serve you well, as they both excel in delivering similar results in these aspects.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a lighter switch that offers a deep, satisfying thocky sound straight out of the box, the Rosewood is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it well-suited for rapid typing and a more playful feel, especially if you enjoy a tactile and auditory experience while you type. On the other hand, if you're prioritizing a balance between smoothness and cost-effectiveness, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better option for you. While its bottom-out force is unknown, it is designed with medium weight in mind and provides an exceptionally smooth experience coupled with a high-quality thocky sound profile. Choose the Rosewood for a more pronounced auditory experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal if you want smooth operation at a more accessible price point. Ultimately, both switches have their unique appeals, so consider what aspects are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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