Akko Rosewood vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Rosewood and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) serve as enticing options for differing preferences and typing experiences. The Rosewood, a linear switch, is celebrated for its deep, satisfying "thocky" sound, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that creates a smooth and pleasant auditory experience. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing for typists and gamers seeking a quieter, yet fulfilling sound profile as they type or play. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes hall effect technology to deliver a uniquely balanced typing experience, boasting a neutral sound signature that still resonates with enthusiasts. Its super smooth keystroke, facilitated by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, offers a refined tactile sensation without sacrificing overall feel. Each switch has its own set of benefits, with the Rosewood favoring those who appreciate auditory feedback and the Sticky Rice catering to users who desire a seamless typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Rosewood and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This allows the material to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) incorporates a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer plastic generates a sharper and crisper sound profile, enabling a more resonant and clear auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver rich sound feedback, the Rosewood focuses on a warmer tone, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) emphasizes clarity and brightness.
When examining the bottom housings, an interesting similarity emerges between the Akko Rosewood and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which shares the same acoustic characteristics as described in the context of the Rosewood's construction. This nylon material contributes to a deeper, more rounded sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory experience when the switches bottom out. As a result, despite the different top housing materials, both switches evoke similar outcomes in terms of sound quality when it comes to the lower half of the switch, as both rely on the nylon for that particular sound experience.
The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches highlights the importance of their individual contributions. While the nylon bottoms in both the Rosewood and Sticky Rice (V2) ensure a consistent depth of sound when pressed, the varying top housing materials will dictate the overall auditory character. As such, pressing the switches will elicit the rich, fuller sound from the nylon base, while the sound upon releasing the keys will differ, with the Rosewood offering a softer return and the Sticky Rice (V2) creating a brighter, more pronounced sound. This dynamic interaction ultimately demonstrates how the unique combination of materials can produce a range of tactile and auditory experiences even within switches that share a common bottom housing.
Weight
Both the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch have identical specifications when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, each requiring a light 40 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. This similarity means that users will experience comparable performance in terms of keystroke responsiveness and the feeling of pressing the keys all the way down. With both switches being light, they are particularly suited for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, as the minimal actuation force can help reduce finger fatigue. Therefore, whether one opts for the Rosewood or the Sticky Rice (V2), they can expect a similar tactile experience characterized by a softer, less strenuous typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the differences are clear. The Rosewood boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Sticky Rice (V2) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter. This means that if you prioritize a responsive typing experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) with its shorter travel distance may be the more suitable choice, as gamers often opt for such switches for quicker reaction times. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel during use, the Akko Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance provides that hearty depth many users enjoy. Overall, the selection between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and the corresponding tactile experience they offer.
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 straight out of the box, thanks to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This gives the switch a rich audio profile that many enthusiasts find appealing, offering a pronounced sound that is pleasing during use. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provides a more neutral sound signature while retaining hints of the desirable "thock" sound appreciated by keyboard aficionados. The sound experience of both switches can vary due to factors such as the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps. Ultimately, users can achieve similar auditory satisfaction with either switch, although the Rosewood may lead to a more pronounced thock right from the start.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch excels in delivering a smooth keystroke experience that many find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Its design ensures minimal resistance, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a super smooth keystroke as well, enhanced by its dustproof stem which reduces wobble and promotes an overall refined tactile sensation. This results in a wonderful balance between responsiveness and smoothness. Both switches deliver a satisfactory tactile experience, though users may perceive slight nuances in feedback depending on their preferences.
In conclusion, both the Akko Rosewood and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches provide compelling audio and tactile experiences, each with unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Rosewood is particularly noted for its deep thock sound and smooth feel, while the Sticky Rice (V2) impresses with a balanced sound and refined keystroke performance. Regardless of choice, users can expect a rewarding typing experience, whether they lean towards the rich thock of the Rosewood or the polished sensation of the Sticky Rice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Akko Rosewood linear switch or the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, it's essential to reflect on your typing preferences and what you value in a mechanical keyboard experience. If you lean towards a more expressive sound profile and appreciate the deep, satisfying thocky sound that the Rosewood switches produce, you’ll find them particularly enjoyable, especially for typing and gaming scenarios that call for auditory feedback. The factory-applied lubricant further enhances this experience, creating a smooth feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize a balanced typing experience and a more refined keystroke sensation, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) may be your preferred choice. Its smooth mechanics and dustproof stem minimize wobble, providing a consistent tactile feedback that is particularly appealing for long writing sessions or gaming marathons without the pronounced sound signature of the Rosewood. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value thocky acoustics or a subtler, smoother feel that’s still enjoyable to type on.
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