Akko Rosewood vs. Gateron Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Rosewood and Gateron Smoothie both stand out as compelling options within the linear category, each providing a distinct typing experience. The Rosewood is renowned for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound, enhanced by a light layer of factory-applied lubricant, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie shines with its all-POM construction, offering an exceptionally smooth feel and a lightweight touch that promises comfort during extended typing sessions. While both switches deliver a thocky sound signature, the Smoothie adds a layer of versatility with its creamy and subdued typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you seek the deeper acoustics of the Rosewood or the remarkable smoothness of the Smoothie. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Rosewood Linear

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Gateron Smoothie, it is evident that the two switches employ different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Rosewood utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, characterized by its softer and more sound-absorbing properties. This results in a typing experience that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's ability to create a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie features POM for both its top and bottom housings, offering a distinct sound that is also on the deeper side but described as being more muted and uniquely pleasing. While both materials provide engaging auditory experiences, their differing sound characteristics imply that the switches will have varying impacts on how sound is perceived during typing sessions.

In terms of tactile experiences, the Akko Rosewood's nylon housing contributes to a softer feel when bottoming out, enhancing the overall comfort during use. The sound profile, heavily influenced by nylon, adds a quality that resonates deeply without harshness. This housing material’s ability to absorb sound results in a smoother typing experience, where the auditory feedback feels cohesive and tranquil. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie's POM housing complements its sound profile with a touch of robustness and clarity, despite being more muted. While POM and nylon both serve to offer a pleasant tactile experience, POM tends to produce a slightly crisper tactile feedback due to its different physical properties. The result is that each switch can cater to distinct preferences, with the Rosewood feeling softer and the Smoothie offering a touch of clarity amidst its muted sound.

In summary, the differences in housing materials between the Akko Rosewood and the Gateron Smoothie contribute to unique sound and tactile profiles for each switch. Despite the contrasting materials—nylon for the Rosewood and POM for the Smoothie—both switches can still yield a pleasing deeper sound. However, the experience will differ based on the softness of the nylon versus the more defined characteristics of the POM. This means that while both can create satisfying auditory feedback, the nuances of each material will dictate the distinctiveness of their performances. If one wishes to achieve similar results, it would be essential to consider the interplay of these materials regarding the overall feel and sound characteristics during use, as each brings its own strengths to the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, both switches feature an identical actuation force of 40 grams, indicating a similar ease of triggering keystrokes, which is beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the Rosewood switch has a clearly defined bottom out force of 50 grams, lending it a slightly heavier feel when fully depressed. In contrast, the Smoothie switch lacks a specified bottom out force, meaning we cannot directly compare the overall feel of bottoming out between the two. This makes the Rosewood switch easily identifiable as the heavier option due to its known bottom out force. Therefore, users who prefer a lighter touch with a consistent actuation but are open to a slightly firmer bottoming out experience may lean toward the Akko Rosewood, while those seeking an undisclosed bottom out sensation can consider the Gateron Smoothie.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Rosewood features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter. This difference may appeal to different user preferences; those who enjoy a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might gravitate towards the Rosewood, as it provides a more pronounced tactile experience. Conversely, gamers and those seeking quicker response times may prefer the Smoothie’s shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Rosewood and Gateron Smoothie linear switches both share a thocky sound signature, which provides a deep and satisfying auditory response when typing. The Rosewood features a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances its deep, thocky resonance straight out of the box. Meanwhile, the Smoothie's sound is characterized by a low-pitched, subtly subdued tone, resulting in a warm and rich acoustics that users often liken to a soft “thud” or gentle “knock.” Both switches emphasize a less intrusive sound profile that is often preferred for quieter environments, but the Rosewood’s explicit lubricant application gives it a slightly different acoustic texture than the Smoothie, which combines its all-POM construction to create a satisfying auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Akko Rosewood is lauded for its consistently smooth keystrokes; however, specific details about its tactile feedback and resistance aren't provided. The Gateron Smoothie switch, on the other hand, is frequently described using terms such as buttery, creamy, and silky, indicating that it provides an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The use of POM as a material provides the Smoothie with noticeable smoothness and minimizes resistance during keystrokes, allowing for a fluid typing experience. While the exact tactile feel of the Rosewood remains somewhat ambiguous, the emphasis on its overall smoothness and quality suggests that it may deliver a similarly enjoyable typing sensation, albeit potentially lacking the defined qualities of the Smoothie.

Overall, both the Akko Rosewood and Gateron Smoothie linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics. The Rosewood’s deep, thocky sound and potentially satisfying feel contrast with the Smoothie's low-pitched, subdued tones and exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. While they may share some subjective qualities, particularly in sound, the Smoothie's description paints a clearer picture of an effortlessly smooth typing sensation. Newcomers should consider these differences and make their choice based on their personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, knowing that in terms of auditory experience, both options promise a pleasing thocky signature.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Akko Rosewood and Gateron Smoothie linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you favor a light touch and appreciate a deep, satisfying thocky sound straight from the box, the Akko Rosewood is an excellent choice. With its 50-gram bottom-out force, it provides a balance of responsiveness and satisfying auditory feedback that many typists find rewarding. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a switch that promises exceptional smoothness with a slightly subdued sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie could be more appealing. Its buttery, creamy feel makes it ideal for long typing sessions, as it allows your fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the distinctive acoustic experience of the Rosewood or the silky, effortless keystroke of the Smoothie. Evaluate your typing style and preferences carefully, and you'll be well-equipped to make a decision that enhances your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more