Akko Rosewood vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Rosewood and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stand out as excellent options for those seeking linear switches with unique characteristics. The Rosewood is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a tactile experience right out of the box. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a more subdued sound profile, featuring a whisper-quiet topping-out noise while still delivering a clacky bottom-out sound. This switch is particularly noteworthy for its silky smooth keystroke feel, described as neither overly polished nor artificially dampened, allowing for a refined typing experience. While both switches provide a linear feel, the Akko Rosewood leans towards those who enjoy a rich auditory experience, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear caters to users seeking a quieter option without sacrificing the essence of a linear switch. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, it becomes evident that there are distinct differences between their top housings. The Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer characteristics. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear employs a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer composition. This rigidity allows for clearer resonance, and its translucent nature particularly enhances RGB lighting effects, providing a more visually appealing aesthetic while typing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing of both switches, they share a common material: nylon. As a classic switch housing material, nylon is recognized for its ability to contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. Since both the Rosewood and the Semi-Silent Linear use nylon for their bottom housings, they will elicit similar tactile feedback when pressed. The softness of the nylon helps in absorbing sound, which impacts the bottom-out sound and feel positively in both cases. This material consistency ensures that despite their differences in top housing, the bottom-end performance of the switches remains comparable.
In summary, the contrasting materials in the top housings lead to different sound profiles in the Akko Rosewood and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, while their shared nylon bottom housings unify their tactile experience. The nylon top housing of the Rosewood provides a muffled, richer sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear creates a brighter and clearer auditory feedback. Nevertheless, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience thanks to their nylon bottoms, which contribute to a similar depth of sound when the keys bottom out. This blend of materials showcases how switching technologies can produce diverse auditory outcomes while maintaining tactile similarities.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom-out force. The Rosewood switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a gentler touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has an unknown actuation force but boasts a heavier bottom-out force of 62 grams. As such, users of the Jwick switch may experience a more substantial feel when bottoming out, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a firmer keypress. Overall, the Akko Rosewood switch is lighter compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, making it more suited for prolonged use, while the latter may appeal to individuals who prefer a more robust typing experience due to its higher bottom-out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Akko Rosewood features a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Rosewood switch provides a deeper experience, which some users may prefer for its hearty feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear switch may appeal to gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses. Thus, those looking for a rapid response time would favor the Jwick switch, while the Akko Rosewood caters to users seeking a more pronounced depth in their key presses.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 switch delivers a deep and satisfying thocky sound that enhances the overall typing experience, primarily due to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which accentuates its acoustic profile. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch presents a more nuanced sound signature with its semi-silent nature. While it still features a clacky bottom-out noise that many typists find enjoyable, the topping-out sound is whisper-quiet, creating a balance between auditory satisfaction and a more subdued typing experience. This can be particularly advantageous in office settings where noise may be a concern, though both switches typically deliver impressive sound characteristics depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch is not explicitly detailed, but it can be inferred that its factory lube contributes to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, reminiscent of high-quality linear switches. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch boasts a multifaceted tactile profile, being described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. This variety ensures that it is approachable for most typists, providing a gentle typing experience without being overly aggressive. The snappy responsiveness of this switch is a key highlight, making it feel lively and engaging as you type, while the buttery and polished characteristics promote a seamless and fluid keystroke experience.
In summary, both the Akko Rosewood and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches cater to different preferences, with the Rosewood focusing on a rich sound profile and an implied smooth feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more balanced auditory experience paired with responsive and polished tactile qualities. If you're looking for a deeper thocky sound, the Rosewood will likely fulfill that desire, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear’s innovative characteristics provide a more subdued yet satisfying experience. Ultimately, both switches can offer enjoyable and unique typing results, making them strong contenders in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a lighter key feel combined with a deep, satisfying thocky sound and you’re looking for an engaging typing experience, the Akko Rosewood is a fantastic choice. It caters well to those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustics and a smooth, polished feel due to its factory lubrication. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier keystroke with a more subdued sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be more suitable for you. Its innovation lies in its whisper-quiet topping-out and responsive, silky typing experience, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where you want to minimize noise while still enjoying a lively feel. Ultimately, both switches provide unique experiences: the Rosewood for a richer auditory presence, and the Semi-Silent Linear for a balanced, quiet, yet effective performance. Choose based on your typing style, setting, and sound preferences to find the perfect switch for your needs.
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