Akko Rosewood vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Rosewood and Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Rosewood switch is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound right out of the box, thanks to a factory-applied layer of lubricant that enhances its acoustic profile. This linear switch is ideal for those who prioritize auditory satisfaction while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver shines with its remarkable smoothness and feather-light touch, designed for rapid actuation with a short travel distance. This switch is perfect for users who demand speed and responsiveness, making it a solid choice for competitive gaming. While both switches are linear and provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different styles of use and personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Rosewood and Gateron Smoothie Silver keyboards each utilize distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Rosewood employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic material recognized for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound when typing. This is largely due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Rosewood's switches generate a duller and rounder auditory profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a rich, enveloping sound.
In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver incorporates POM for its top and bottom housings. POM (Polyoxymethylene) is known for its smooth surface and durability, creating a distinct sound characterized as pleasing and uniquely muted. While the Smoothie Silver's sound profile also leans towards the deeper side, it stands apart from the Rosewood's auditory experience, as the POM material introduces a different texture and vibration when keys are pressed. Despite these differences, both switches deliver a satisfying tactile feedback, allowing users to enjoy a comfortable typing experience but in contrasting auditory nuances.
Ultimately, while the Akko Rosewood and Gateron Smoothie Silver rely on different housing materials, similar results can be achieved in terms of sound depth and character. The experience of typing on these switches entails a synergy between the top and bottom housings, where the nylon in the Rosewood and the POM in the Smoothie Silver provide their respective qualities that influence the sound feedback. Therefore, while the materials differ in their composition and resulting sound profile, both switches can convey an engaging typing experience that appeals to varying preferences for auditory and tactile sensations. This means that users can find satisfaction in either switch depending on their desired typing feel and soundscape.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the actuation forces reveal distinct preferences for typing experience. The Rosewood requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes and ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unspecified, making direct comparisons in that regard impossible. Overall, the Rosewood is the lighter option, catering to those who favor ease and comfort, while the Smoothie Silver provides a heavier feel that might appeal to users looking for more resistance and a sense of robustness in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Rosewood switch features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which aligns with the traditional deeper feel favored by many typists. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver switch boasts a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, appealing to gamers who often prefer shorter distances for quicker response times. Therefore, if you prefer a more robust typing experience with hearty depth, the Rosewood is the better choice, while the Smoothie Silver would suit those who like a snappier, more responsive feel, even though it may feel somewhat abrupt to some users. In essence, the Rosewood's travel distance is longer, promoting a more substantial key press, while the Smoothie Silver provides a more rapid actuation with its shorter travel distance.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 that enhances the typing experience, creating a rich auditory feedback that users often find enjoyable. This is partly due to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant which helps to dampen and minimize unwanted noise, resulting in a more refined sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch also offers a thocky sound, but coupled with its overall design, the sound may be sharper, giving it a distinctive character. Nonetheless, both switches can provide a pleasing auditory experience, which can further be tailored by the choice of keycaps and the keyboard's construction.
When it comes to feel, the Akko Rosewood switches excel in providing a smooth, consistent linear experience, characterized by a satisfying resistance that many users appreciate. This switch stands out for its well-balanced actuation force, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver features an extremely light touch with a shorter travel distance, resulting in lightning-fast actuation that appeals to gamers seeking rapid responses. This switch is engineered for unparalleled smoothness, which makes each keystroke feel effortless. Although the typing sensations differ, both switches can deliver a pleasurable tactile experience in their own right.
In summary, both the Akko Rosewood and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Rosewood is praised for its deep thocky sound and satisfying resistance, while the Smoothie Silver stands out for its sharp sound, feather-light touch, and rapid actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory depth and a balanced feel or prefer lightweight speed and incredible smoothness. Regardless of which switch you select, both will likely provide an enjoyable typing experience, rounding out a vivid journey into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you appreciate a heavier touch with a satisfying thock sound, the Rosewood switch, with its light bottom-out force of 50 grams and factory lubrication, is an excellent choice for an enjoyable tactile experience. This makes it particularly appealing for those who spend long hours typing or gaming and want to minimize finger fatigue while still enjoying a rich auditory feedback. Conversely, if you prioritize speed and smoothness with an ultra-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch would be the ideal option. Its design promotes rapid actuation thanks to its short travel distance, making it a great pick for gamers who need quick responses. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value enhanced sound and feel or prioritizing speed and responsiveness, ensuring your keyboard experience aligns with your personal preferences.
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