Akko Rosewood vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches plays a pivotal role, particularly between the Akko Rosewood and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, both of which are linear switches. The Rosewood is renowned for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, augmented by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances the auditory feedback right out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile sound with their typing rhythm, adding a layer of enjoyment to their daily typing tasks. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for an ultra-quiet experience, delivering a soft and serene feel reminiscent of gentle raindrops. With its light 43g bottom-out force, it caters perfectly to users seeking a subtle typing environment free from disruptive noise. While both switches fall into the linear category, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, it is evident that both switches employ nylon for their top housings. This shared material contributes to a similar typing experience, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb sound, resulting in a duller yet rounder auditory sensation when typing. Thus, the similarities in the top housing materials mean that users can expect a cohesive sound quality, which enhances the overall tactile experience of both switches. Whether typing on the Rosewood or the Silent Sakura, you can anticipate a smooth sound environment that focuses on a rich auditory experience.
However, the bottom housings present a notable contrast between the two switches, which significantly influences their overall sound characteristics. The Akko Rosewood utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, mirroring the properties of its top housing. This uniformity further fortifies the switch’s capacity to produce a cohesive sound profile, contributing to its plush and muted bottom-out feel. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. This choice introduces a firmer material that conveys a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This design decision highlights the distinct differences in auditory results between the two switches, as the sharpness of the polycarbonate bottom leads to a more pronounced and resonant typing sound compared to the mellower output of Rosewood.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different housing materials of each switch informs both the auditory and tactile sensations when typing. In the Rosewood, with its complementary nylon composition throughout, users can enjoy a uniform sound experience that focuses on depth and richness. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura presents a more dynamic range due to its contrasting bottom housing material, offering a crisper typing feedback. As such, while both switches share similarities in their top housing, the divergence in their bottom housings produces unique auditory outcomes that can cater to different typing preferences, allowing users to select based on sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rosewood requires an actuation force of 40 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura features a lower actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where reduced finger strain is desirable. In contrast, the Rosewood, while still considered light, offers a slightly firmer feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches exhibit light characteristics, appealing to users who prefer a gentler keystroke experience; however, those who favor a stronger push sensation may find the heavier Rosewood more satisfying. Overall, while both switches are designed for a smooth typing experience, the Silent Sakura stands out as the lighter choice.
Travel distance
The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they share the same measurement when pressed down. This identical travel distance means that users can expect a comparable feel and responsiveness from both switches, providing a similar typing experience. Consequently, whether you opt for the Rosewood or the Silent Sakura, you will achieve similar results in terms of key travel, ensuring consistent performance across both switch types.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 sound profile gives a rich auditory feedback that many typists find gratifying and is well-suited for those who appreciate a pronounced acoustic experience while typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, emitting a soft sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This makes it a suitable option for those who prioritize a serene typing environment, particularly in shared spaces or quiet settings. Overall, while both switches can deliver enjoyable auditory experiences, they cater to very different preferences—one favoring a pronounced sound and the other focusing on quietness.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Rosewood switch is likely to provide a smooth linear response with a delightful, substantial sensation during keypresses, making it satisfying to type on, especially for users who enjoy a more tactile experience although specific details are not provided. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g boasts an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, making it ideal for light typists seeking an effortless keystroke that minimizes fatigue over extended typing sessions. The lightness of the Silent Sakura switch encourages a quick and agile typing style, while the Rosewood's heavier feel may lend itself to a more deliberate approach.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch provide distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences, the Rosewood excels in producing a rich auditory feedback, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet and gentle sound. Feel-wise, the Rosewood offers a satisfying, smooth experience potentially enhanced by its weighty nature, contrasting with the ultra-light responsiveness of the Silent Sakura. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you favor auditory feedback and a heavier feel or a whisper-quiet typing experience with feather-light keystrokes.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch boils down to your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and appreciate the slight resistance of a 50g actuation force, the Rosewood switch will be an excellent choice for you. It's particularly suitable for those who like to immerse themselves in their typing sound, whether for gaming or writing. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more serene typing environment—especially in shared spaces or during late-night sessions—the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for you. With its lighter 43g actuation and whisper-quiet feedback akin to gentle raindrops, it allows for undisturbed concentration while still providing a smooth linear feel. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and the context in which you’ll primarily use your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
