Akko Rosewood vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Rosewood and Bsun Taichi offer distinct features that appeal to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Rosewood switches are celebrated for their deep, satisfying thock sound, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that provides a smooth typing experience right out of the box. This makes them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile, auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switches aim to deliver an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to their long-pole stems, extended springs, and walled stems, offering unparalleled smoothness and stability. This design is particularly attractive for enthusiasts looking for a unique auditory signature and enhanced performance. While both switches are linear and cater to users seeking a quieter typing experience, they embody different sound profiles and tactile sensations. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and Bsun Taichi switches differ significantly in their top housing, with the Rosewood utilizing nylon and the Taichi employing polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Rosewood is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon’s softer composition, which absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Taichi is designed to elicit a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer material that promotes greater resonance. This distinction in top housing materials fundamentally affects the overall sound signature of each switch, with the Rosewood creating a more muted experience while the Taichi offers a bright clarity that may appeal to different users.
When it comes to their bottom housings, both the Akko Rosewood and Bsun Taichi switches share a similarity in their utilization of nylon. This choice results in both switches delivering a consistently deep and full sound profile from their bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing is responsible for absorbing sound and creating a rounder auditory experience, which is particularly evident when the key is bottomed out. Therefore, regardless of the differing top housings, both switches maintain a degree of auditory consistency through their nylon bottom areas, allowing users to experience that familiar depth and fullness to their keystrokes.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in the Akko Rosewood and Bsun Taichi switches creates distinct sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a shared foundation of deeper sound, while the difference in top housing significantly alters the sonic signature produced during key releases. Users who prefer a rounder, fuller sound may gravitate towards the Rosewood, while those seeking a sharper and more responsive auditory experience might prefer the Taichi. In scenarios where sound and tactile feedback are key considerations, the understanding of how each housing material contributes to the overall performance of a switch is essential in making an informed choice.
Weight
The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch offer a comparison in actuation forces, but there is an important distinction regarding their bottom out force. Both switches share the same actuation force of 40 grams, meaning users will experience similar initial keystroke responsiveness—ideal for those who favor lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Rosewood switch has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it takes more force to press the key all the way down, which may impart a more substantial feel upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Taichi switch does not have a specified bottom out force, leaving its characteristics uncertain. Consequently, while both switches provide a light actuation experience, the Rosewood switch is notably heavier in terms of bottoming out, appealing to those who enjoy a more weighted typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko Rosewood linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights a key aspect of their design: the Rosewood switch provides a more traditional depth, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the Taichi switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users who prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers who benefit from faster actuation. Consequently, if you favor a more responsive experience, the Taichi switch may be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more tactile keypress, the Rosewood switch would likely suit you best. Overall, the Rosewood is the longer switch, while the Taichi is the shorter, offering distinct options based on individual preferences for key feel and performance.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 is best known for producing a deep, satisfying thocky sound right out of the box, attributed to its factory-applied lubricant that enhances the auditory experience. This rich sound profile can be particularly appealing if you prefer a more muted and grounded acoustic feedback when typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch offers a unique auditory characteristic with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. This is achieved through the combination of a long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems, which deliver a distinct and more vibrant tone. Ultimately, the sound quality of either switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate material and keycaps, but the inherent designs of the switches yield markedly different auditory experiences.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch is known for delivering a smooth and consistent linear experience, enhanced by its factory lubrication. This provides a satisfying glide without any tactile bumps, making it suitable for those who enjoy a seamless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch emphasizes unparalleled smoothness and stability, likely due to its engineering elements like the long-pole stem and extended springs that help maintain a consistent keypress throughout. While both switches prioritize smoothness, their unique constructions may engender slightly different tactile impressions, but each can offer an enjoyable linear experience.
In conclusion, both the Akko Rosewood and Bsun Taichi linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Rosewood focuses on a deep, thocky sound and a smooth linear feel, while the Taichi stands out with its high-pitched sound and an equally smooth experience facilitated by thoughtful design elements. Choosing between the two ultimately hinges on whether you prefer a more grounded or vibrant sound profile and how much you value the nuances of feel in your typing experience. Since some aspects like smoothness may overlap, experimenting with either can yield satisfying results that reflect your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch involves considering your personal preferences in sound and feel, as well as the overall typing experience you seek. If you appreciate a lighter actuation force and crave a deep, satisfying thocky sound that comes straight out of the box, the Rosewood is an excellent choice. Its tactile feedback combined with the rich auditory experience makes it perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a smooth typing experience with an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, then the Bsun Taichi may be more to your liking. This switch is designed with extended springs and a long-pole stem, providing unparalleled smoothness and stability, ideal for those who prioritize a silky, seamless keystroke.
Ultimately, consider your typing style, the weight of the switch, and the kind of sound profile that enhances your overall experience. If a gratifying thock and lighter press appeal to you, go for the Rosewood; however, if you’re after a uniquely smooth and resonant experience, the Taichi should be your pick.
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