Akko Rosewood vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When comparing the Akko Rosewood and the Everglide Sunset Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both of which fall into the linear category, users may find distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The Akko Rosewood switches are celebrated for their deep, satisfying thocky sound, thanks in part to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances their acoustic profile right out of the box. This makes them an ideal choice for those who appreciate a rich auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, with their Creamsicle color and unique sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles, offer a typing experience characterized by a rich, bassy tone that feels indulgent and engaging. Their medium weight and distinctive Ly stem contribute to a smooth, polished feel, making them versatile enough for a range of users. While both switches provide a linear experience with certain nuances in sound and feel, the choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a deeper thocky sound or a responsive gliding sensation. 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

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, it is evident that both utilize distinct materials with unique sound and feel characteristics. The Rosewood employs a nylon top and bottom housing, a staple in the mechanical keyboard community known for its capacity to absorb sound and produce a deeper, more resonant typing experience. This results in a fuller sound profile that many users find desirable, particularly for those who enjoy quieter, more muted keystrokes. The acoustic properties of nylon, combined with its softer texture, create a rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience.

In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow features a POM top and bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper sound profile, albeit through different properties. POM, or polyoxymethylene, is known for being a bit harder than nylon, and while it may not absorb sound as effectively, it delivers a unique and pleasing auditory experience. Users have noted that POM housing offers a somewhat muted sound, which may appeal to those seeking clarity without harshness. Thus, while both switches provide a deeper sound, the nuanced differences in their housing materials may lead to slightly different auditory and tactile experiences during use.

Despite these differences, users can achieve similar sound qualities by understanding how the housing materials affect overall performance. For example, the nylon of the Rosewood may provide a softer sound during the bottoming out, while the POM material in the Sunset Yellow retains the satisfying depth but with a different resonance. It’s crucial to note that the impact of each housing on sound is split between the top and bottom when using these switches—resulting in a uniquely combined sound signature that many typists may appreciate regardless of the material chosen. By blending the characteristics of both nylon and POM, enthusiasts can curate their typing experience to suit personal preferences, ensuring satisfaction with either housing choice.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch to the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we find that both the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Rosewood being the lighter option. The Rosewood switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sunset Yellow requires a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams. This indicates that the Rosewood switch provides a lighter typing experience, which may appeal to those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow's medium-light force offers a bit more resistance, catering to users who prefer a firmer keystroke for a more substantial feel while typing. Overall, while both switches may provide satisfactory performance for different preferences, the Rosewood's lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it the preferable choice for those seeking ease of use, while the Sunset Yellow may suit those who enjoy a slightly stronger typing experience.

Travel distance

The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch exhibit differing travel distances, with the Rosewood measuring 4 mm and the Sunset Yellow at 3.2 mm. This makes the Rosewood the longer option, providing a more traditional depth that some users might find preferable for a tactile feel. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who seek quicker response times, which is often favored by gamers looking for an instantaneous keystroke activation. While both switches serve their purpose depending on user preference, choosing the Sunset Yellow may result in a more abrupt feel during use, which some may find less appealing compared to the smoother, deeper experience offered by the Rosewood.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko Rosewood linear switch boasts a deep, satisfying thock that resonates throughout each keystroke, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a rich acoustic experience. This distinctive thocky quality is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which contributes to its deep, lush sound profile. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch delivers a captivating auditory experience that is described as reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With its rich, bassy tones and indulgent character, the Sunset Yellow provides an engaging sound that can elevate your typing experience, making it feel vibrant and lively. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can create a satisfying auditory backdrop as you type, but the Rosewood may appeal more to those seeking a pronounced thock, while the Sunset Yellow offers a more playful and indulgent sound.

The feel of the Akko Rosewood switch is characterized by a smooth and pleasant typing experience, attributed to its factory lube; however, specific details about its tactile qualities are less explicitly described. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow linear switch is renowned for its creamy, frictionless feel that provides a smooth and effortless typing experience. This switch's unique design, which features a Ly stem and a combination of very short travel with a long-pole stem, results in a highly responsive and fluid keystroke. The Sunset Yellow's polished finish, along with its buttery sensation, contributes to reduced friction and enhanced comfort as you type. While the exact feel of the Rosewood is somewhat ambiguous, it's likely to maintain a level of smoothness close to that of the Sunset Yellow, making both potential candidates for users who value ease of use and comfort.

In summary, both the Akko Rosewood and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Rosewood is known for its deep, thocky sound and a smoother typing experience due to factory lubrication. Meanwhile, the Sunset Yellow shines with its unique sound reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles and an exceptionally creamy and frictionless feel. While they each have their unique characteristics, the choice between them ultimately depends on whether you prefer a more profound acoustic experience or a playful, indulgent one combined with a silky smooth typing sensation. Regardless, either switch is likely to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience with their appealing qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Rosewood and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches, your personal preferences and typing experience will guide your choice. If you prioritize a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a deep, thocky sound profile that enhances your typing with a satisfying auditory feedback, the Akko Rosewood is an excellent option for you. Its smooth feel and factory lubrication provide a refined typing experience straight out of the box, making it ideal for anyone seeking both comfort and enjoyment in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly heavier switch with a unique, creamy feel and captivating sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles, the Everglide Sunset Yellow might be your best bet. This switch's medium-light force makes it versatile for a range of users, while its polished feel and frictionless gliding contribute to a sharpened and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice comes down to whether you value a lighter, thocky feedback or a more substantial, creamy input.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more