Akko Rosewood vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko Rosewood and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear keyboard switches, enthusiasts will find two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Akko Rosewood switches are celebrated for their deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that provides an instantly pleasing auditory feedback right out of the box. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more acoustic experience while typing. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches boast a unique design that combines a shorter activation point with a long pole stem, facilitating a quick and responsive typing feel. Their creamy sound signature adds an additional layer of enjoyment, making them a fantastic choice for users who favor a more dynamic and engaging experience. While each switch offers a compelling case for consideration, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Jwick Splash Brothers, a clear distinction arises between the top housings while their bottom housings share similarities. The Rosewood's top housing is crafted from nylon, a classic material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances aesthetics, particularly when using RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those seeking both visual appeal and auditory clarity.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, reinforcing similarities in sound characteristics at the lower end. The nylon bottom housing in both the Rosewood and Splash Brothers contributes to a deeper, rounder sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs sound effectively. This shared material means that regardless of the conflicting top housings, users will have a consistent auditory experience when pressing down on either switch. The bottom housing's influence is paramount in determining the overall sound quality upon bottoming out, cementing a common thread between the two models.
While the top and bottom housing compositions lead to varied sound profiles with the Rosewood offering a warmer tone and the Splash Brothers a brighter one, the simultaneous presence of nylon in the bottom should not be overlooked. By combining the distinct auditory qualities of nylon and polycarbonate, users are likely to find that their typing experience remains pleasantly balanced. Ultimately, each switch’s unique materials contribute differently to the keypress feel and sound, showcasing how nuanced the tactile feedback and auditory characteristics are, while also emphasizing the advantage of having similar materials in one aspect to unify the overall experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The Rosewood switch features a defined actuation force of 40 grams, whereas the Splash Brothers switch lacks a specific value for its actuation force, making direct comparisons difficult. However, the bottom out forces are relatively close, with the Rosewood measuring 50 grams and the Splash Brothers at 48 grams. This indicates that both switches have a light feel when it comes to typing experiences, but the Rosewood switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. Consequently, the Rosewood switch might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly higher bottom out force, while the Splash Brothers offer a softer overall feel that could be better for extended typing sessions. In summary, the Rosewood is the heavier option regarding actuation and bottom-out forces, while the Splash Brothers remains lighter with its undefined actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we see a clear difference: the Rosewood features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Splash Brothers the preferred choice for gamers who seek quicker response times due to its reduced distance, aligning with the current trend of shorter travel distances in modern switches. Conversely, the Rosewood's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each key press, providing a deeper, more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for response time versus tactile depth.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
The Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound that many enthusiasts find enjoyable, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This sound profile is characterized by its richness and depth, making it ideal for those who appreciate a stronger auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch features a creamy sound signature, contributing to a subtly neutral auditory experience. This switch strikes a balance, suitable for various environments, whether at home or work, and is likely to offer a moderate sound profile that won't be overly disruptive.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch is acclaimed for its smooth operation, providing a pleasurable typing experience that is effortless and enjoyable, although specific tactile characteristics are not detailed. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch excels with a unique combination of characteristics: it is snappy and responsive, vivid in its feedback with a bouncy sensation that invigorates the typing action. The mild and polished qualities of the Splash Brothers ensure a gentle yet refined typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users, making it approachable and accessible.
In summary, each switch has its distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko Rosewood focuses on delivering a rich auditory experience with an emphasis on depth, while the Jwick Splash Brothers offer a creamy and moderate sound profile enhanced by a responsive and bouncy typing experience. Depending on an individual's preferences for sound depth versus neutrality and the desired tactile feedback, both switches can provide satisfying experiences in their own right. As such, users will find that either choice can lead to enjoyable typing, albeit in notably different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Akko Rosewood linear switches and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you favor a deeper and more satisfying auditory experience, along with a smoothed-out typing sensation straight from the box, the Rosewood switches are an excellent choice, offering a thocky sound that is ideal for achieving that beloved mechanical keyboard acoustics. They provide a light bottom-out force that is perfect for those who enjoy a less strenuous typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes speed and responsiveness, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be your go-to option. Their snappy and bouncy feel, combined with a creamy sound signature, allows for a lively typing experience that can keep up with faster-paced gaming or intensive typing sessions. Additionally, the Splash Brothers’ mild characteristics make them versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a shared workspace. In essence, consider the Akko Rosewood for a more theatrical typing experience, while the Jwick Splash Brothers can satisfy your craving for speed and agility.
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