Akko Rosewood vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing options that offer distinct experiences. The Akko Rosewood switches are celebrated for their deep, satisfying "thocky" sound profile, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that accentuates the acoustic feedback with a rich tone. As a linear switch, the Rosewood provides a smooth typing experience without tactile bumps, making it ideal for those who appreciate a quieter, yet satisfyingly deep auditory response. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer a more lively sound, featuring resonant and clacky notes that make each keystroke feel more pronounced and engaging. With an impeccable factory lube job, these switches deliver a silky smooth typing experience along with a high-pitched flair, appealing to users who enjoy a more vibrant auditory landscape. Both switches cater to differing preferences in sound and feel, making the choice between them subjective to individual taste. 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

Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$4.80

$4.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), a notable contrast is immediately evident in their top housing compositions. The Akko Rosewood features a nylon top housing, a traditional choice known for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In stark contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) opts for Ly as its top housing material. Ly contributes a brighter sound signature, producing more resonant clacks when typing. This fundamental difference in material effectiveness means that while the Rosewood is geared towards producing a muted sound experience, the Strawberry Wine emphasizes clarity and sharpness in its audio feedback.

While the top housings demonstrate a marked difference, the bottom housings of both switches showcase a shared characteristic. Both the Akko Rosewood and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which brings a consistent quality to the typing experience across both models. The nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone when the switch bottoms out. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing suggests that, when typing, users will experience a similar sensation in terms of sound depth and absorption regardless of the switch model beneath their fingers. This implies that even with the contrasting top housings, the bottom housing's material ensures that both switches maintain a certain level of sonic cohesion.

Ultimately, while the Akko Rosewood and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) differ in their top housing materials—one favoring softness and the other brightness—they converge in the sound profile provided by their nylon bottom housings. The nylon's impact on the bottom-out sound feels consistent across both switches, and while the top housing's respective materials dictate the release sound and tactile sensation, the integration of nylon guarantees that users will enjoy a deeply satisfying experience when pressing down on either switch. In essence, the combinations of these materials create unique auditory experiences based on how they interact, suggesting that users can find value in both switches depending on their preference for sound dynamics.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, which caters to those who enjoy a more substantial, tactile experience while typing. While both switches provide a relatively linear feel, the marginal differences in their actuation and bottom out forces indicate that the Rosewood is the lighter option, promoting ease of use, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) appeals to users seeking a more defined push feedback. Overall, both switches offer distinct benefits based on user preferences regarding typing comfort and tactile response.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it's clear that they differ in their dimensions. The Rosewood features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Rosewood switch offers a more traditional typing experience with a deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a shorter travel distance that could appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times. For individuals who favor a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a fuller key travel might gravitate towards the Akko Rosewood.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky tone, creating a rich auditory experience that many users find appealing. The factory-applied lubricant contributes to this sound, enriching the acoustic profile right out of the box. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) presents a more vibrant auditory character, showcasing clacky and resonant notes. The higher-pitched tones contribute to a crisp and bright typing experience, where each keystroke rings with a sharp, percussive clarity. While both switches offer unique sounds—one leaning towards a deeper thock and the other towards a brighter clack—the choice may ultimately depend on one’s personal preference for auditory feedback.

When considering feel, the Akko Rosewood's tactile qualities are notable for their smoothness and balanced resistance, providing a consistently pleasant typing experience. Though specific details about its tactile feedback are less emphasized, the switch's innate smoothness likely creates an enjoyable sensation when typing. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is particularly distinguished for its silky smooth feel, enhancing the typing experience by minimizing resistance and allowing for effortless key presses. This differentiated smoothness contributes to the overall comfort when using the keyboard, as the minimal friction aids in fast, fluid typing. While the Rosewood focuses on a balanced feel, the Strawberry Wine prioritizes silky smoothness, which can provide a different but equally satisfying experience.

In conclusion, the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Rosewood provides a rich, thocky sound, while the Strawberry Wine captivates with its clacky and resonant notes. On the feel front, the Rosewood promises a pleasurable typing experience that balances smoothness with resistance, contrasting with the Strawberry Wine’s silky feel that minimizes friction. Ultimately, users can expect distinct yet appealing experiences from both switches, so considering personal preferences in sound and feel will guide you to the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a deeper, more thocky sound that also provides satisfying tactile feedback, the Rosewood switch would be an excellent option for you. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a rich auditory experience right out of the box, thanks to its factory-applied lubricant. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly heavier actuation and appreciate a silky smooth typing experience with bright, clacky, and resonant audio cues, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would likely be the better choice. These switches enhance the overall typing feel while delivering a crisp sound, creating an engaging sensory experience. Consider what aspects are most important to you—depth and satisfaction versus smoothness and clarity—to help guide your decision between these two exceptional switches.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) Linear

$4.80

$4.35 per 10

Learn more