Akko Rosewood vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Rosewood and Dareu Snow linear switches each offer unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko Rosewood is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound right out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that delivers a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Its sound profile is characterized as thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate auditory feedback without the harsh click typical of other switch types. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch distinguishes itself with its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, which creates a deeper sound signature that adds to the smoothness of this linear switch. While both switches offer linear action for uninterrupted keystrokes, the Snow appeals to those who prioritize a more unique sound experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
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 Akko Rosewood and the Dareu Snow, a notable distinction arises from their top housing materials. The Rosewood features a nylon top housing, which is well-known for its sound properties. Because nylon is a soft plastic, it absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic helps to create a muted, warmer auditory experience, making it appealing for users who prefer a softer keypress feel. In contrast, the Dareu Snow utilizes POK material for its top housing. This polyketone is renowned for its durability and smoothness, producing a clacky sound that contrasts with the subdued tones of nylon. While both materials can produce pleasant auditory results, the primary difference comes from their sound profiles—nylon tends to dampen sound, while POK enhances it with a crisper response.
The bottom housings of both switches, interestingly, feature nylon as the material, which yields similar aural qualities for both the Akko Rosewood and the Dareu Snow. This commonality indicates that both switches will have a comparable deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, due to the soft absorption properties of nylon. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users of both switches can expect a warm and rich auditory feedback when they press the keys down. Whether they are using the Rosewood or the Snow, typists will enjoy a soft landing sensation owing to the shared characteristics of nylon, which provides a consistent typing experience in that regard.
Ultimately, the overall performance of these switches will reflect a blend of their unique top housing materials influenced by the shared nylon bottom housing. While the Akko Rosewood delivers a warmer, muted sound profile courtesy of its nylon top housing, the Dareu Snow provides a contrasting, sharper sound due to its POK material. The bottom housing's uniform nylon composition ensures that both switches offer a satisfying bottom-out experience, merging the elements of warmth from the nylon with the intrinsic auditory characteristics of the top housings. Therefore, while they diverge in some respects, the shared nylon bottom housing guarantees a baseline similarity in typing feel between the two. This interplay of materials ultimately contributes to each switch's unique identity while maintaining certain consistent performance traits.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rosewood switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer effortless typing and longer usage without fatigue. In contrast, the Snow switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users appreciate for its tactile feedback. Therefore, the Rosewood is the lighter option, ideal for users seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Snow, being heavier, caters to those who favor a more pronounced keystroke experience. Ultimately, the different forces will lead to a distinct typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for either lighter or heavier key presses.
Travel distance
The Akko Rosewood linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This distinction makes the Rosewood the longer travel switch, providing a more traditional typing experience that some users may prefer for its hearty depth. In contrast, the Snow, with its 3.3 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker and more responsive keystrokes, making it particularly appealing for gamers seeking faster response times. Overall, the difference in travel distances highlights a trade-off between the depth of the typing experience and rapid responsiveness, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 linear switch is characterized by its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that ensures a rich auditory experience with every keystroke. This auditory profile results in a pronounced thud that is both fulfilling and calming, particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a sound with character. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch offers a distinct auditory experience as well, showcasing a low-pitched, thocky tone that provides a bass-heavy, mellow sound. The use of POK material contributes to this deeper sound signature, making it ideal for those who enjoy typing sounds with substance. Although both switches produce thocky tones, the Rosewood is notably more pronounced right out of the box, while the Snow also excels in delivering a satisfying auditory quality.
Regarding feel, the Rosewood is less defined in its tactile feedback compared to the Dareu Snow, which is described as bouncy. The bouncy sensation of the Snow switch offers a spring-like response, providing a lively and responsive experience that enhances typing dynamics and can feel invigorating during prolonged typing sessions. This level of rebound adds a playful aspect to keypresses, making it attractive for users who prefer a more engaging typing experience. The Rosewood does not have a specific description for its feel, meaning it may lack the same notable responsiveness as the Snow, but that does not negate its potential comfort and smoothness typical of linear switches.
In summary, both the Akko Rosewood and Dareu Snow linear switches deliver their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Rosewood is favored for its deep, thocky auditory feedback and may provide a satisfying experience for those who appreciate sound. On the other hand, the Snow switch offers a similar thocky sound with its own advantages, particularly its bouncy responsiveness that enhances the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference; those who value rich sound may prefer the Rosewood, while those who enjoy an engaging, responsive feel might gravitate towards the Snow.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you're seeking a lighter actuation force with an undeniably satisfying thocky sound, the Rosewood switch is an excellent choice, particularly for those who enjoy a more muted yet deep auditory feedback while typing. This switch's light 50-gram bottom-out force can facilitate faster typing, making it an appealing option for gamers or rapid typists who appreciate the ease of a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly stronger 60-gram actuation force with a bouncier feel, along with a unique sound profile thanks to its POK material construction, the Dareu Snow switch may be more suitable for you. The Snow's tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience, making it feel more dynamic and engaging, which is ideal for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience, whether you’re writing, coding, or gaming. Ultimately, by considering how each switch aligns with your typing habits and sound preferences, you can make an informed decision that enhances your keyboard experience.
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