Akko Rosewood vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular linear options stand out: the Akko Rosewood and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Akko Rosewood switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a layer of factory-applied lubricant that lends a distinct auditory pleasure to each keystroke. This switch caters to users who appreciate a tactile auditory response, making it a great choice for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch excels in environments where quietude is paramount, offering a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal sound. This switch is perfect for those who desire a smooth typing experience without the distractions of audible feedback, embodying attributes such as 'silky,' 'muted,' and 'polished.' While both switches offer their unique advantages, your choice ultimately depends on your priorities—whether you crave the engaging sound of the Rosewood or the serene usability of the Silent Ink Black. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Akko Rosewood and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches utilize different housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and overall typing experience. The Rosewood switches feature a nylon top and bottom housing, recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being made from a relatively softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a more subdued auditory response that tends to yield a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches employ a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, which is characterized by a pointed high-pitched sound that offers a clacky feel. This difference is primarily rooted in the material composition, with nylon creating a warmer tone compared to the brighter quality of the INK blend.
When considering the overall sound characteristic during typing, the impact of the housing materials becomes even more pronounced. The Rosewood's nylon construction contributes to a muted sound profile that complements its deeper acoustics, particularly felt during bottoming out when a key is pressed down. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black’s INK blend materials enhance the typist's experience with a satisfyingly crisp and sharp auditory moment, resulting in a more lively typing experience. This distinction is vital for users preferences; those who value a subtler type feel may gravitate towards the Rosewood, while those who enjoy an energetic and clear sound might prefer the Gateron switches.
Despite their differences, both switch designs can yield unique yet satisfying typing experiences based on their specific materials. If a user employs the Akko Rosewood's nylon housing with its softer properties, the result will produce a typing experience imbued with a rounder sound quality. On the other hand, utilizing the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches with its INK blend material will deliver a light and distinctive clackiness. Ultimately, the qualities of each housing material, whether soft nylon or a high-pitched INK blend, can create desired typist results—providing varying auditory feedback and tactile sensations that cater to individual typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences in both 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 prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and bottoms out at 70 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile experience. Overall, if you favor lighter switches for comfort and stamina, the Akko Rosewood is the better choice; however, if you enjoy a stronger push-back from your keystrokes, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is ideal. In terms of actuation force, the Rosewood is lighter, while the Silent Ink Black is heavier, leading to a distinct typing experience between the two.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a similar feel and response when pressing down on keys that utilize these switches. The 4 mm travel allows for consistent performance in typing or gaming scenarios, ensuring that both switches deliver a comparable experience in terms of key actuation. Consequently, whether using the Rosewood or the Silent Ink Black, users will likely achieve similar results regarding travel and tactile feedback.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko Rosewood switch produces a deep and satisfying thock that adds an auditory richness to the typing experience. Its sound profile benefits from a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which enhances the thocky response and gives it a pronounced, resonant quality. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch presents a muted sound signature, specifically designed for quieter environments. This switch minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard noises, creating a softer and more subdued acoustic experience. While the Rosewood offers an engaging thock, the Silent Ink Black prioritizes discretion, making it a more suitable choice for shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Rosewood switch delivers a tactile experience that is likely to satisfy users who enjoy a pronounced feedback while typing. Its smooth actuation and satisfying bottom-out enhance the sense of immersion and control. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is characterized by its silky and polished nature, which ensures an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This sleek feel is a result of its refined construction and factory lube application, allowing for swift key presses without the annoying friction often found in cheaper switches. While both switches aim for a high-quality tactile experience, they cater to different priorities, with the Rosewood leaning towards tactile feedback and the Silent Ink Black focusing on smoothness and comfort.
Ultimately, the Akko Rosewood and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches each offer unique attributes suited to different preferences. The Rosewood is ideal for those who appreciate a deeper sound and tactile feedback, making it great for enthusiasts who relish the auditory elements of typing. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black is perfect for individuals who need to maintain a quieter typing environment without sacrificing smoothness. Depending on your priorities, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, making them excellent options for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter key feel with a delightful thocky sound, ideal for a satisfying tactile experience while typing at home or in a setting where sound is not a major concern, the Rosewood is an excellent option. Its smooth, well-lubed feel provides pleasing auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. Conversely, if you are in a quieter environment—like an office or a shared workspace—where you need to minimize noise without sacrificing a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be the better choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force offers a substantial feel with a muted sound profile, ensuring that your typing remains private and unobtrusive. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the environment in which you'll predominantly use your keyboard.
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