Akko Rosewood vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Rosewood and Jwick Taro each offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Rosewood switches are renowned for their deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate smooth, linear key presses and a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches provide a tactile sensation that is both snappy and medium-level, accompanied by sharp, crisp clacks that create a more pronounced auditory feedback, making them ideal for typists seeking a cozy yet engaging experience. Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you prefer a seamless linear action with the Rosewood or a tactile and auditory experience with the Taro. However, 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Rosewood and Jwick Taro switches present a striking contrast in their top housing materials, with the Rosewood utilizing nylon and the Taro employing polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Rosewood is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily due to nylon's softer nature, which helps in absorbing sound waves. This characteristic allows for a duller and rounder acoustic experience when typing, making it well-suited for users who prefer a more muted, rich sound. In contrast, the Taro’s polycarbonate top housing generates a sharper and crisper sound profile, owing to polycarbonate's rigidity. This material's stiffer structure facilitates more resonance, resulting in a clear and pronounced auditory feedback, particularly appealing for those who seek a more vibrant typing experience.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon for both the Rosewood and the Taro. This consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches will elicit a deeper, rounder sound profile during typing, as the properties of nylon significantly absorb sound and impact the bottom-out feel. Consequently, when pressed, both switches will feel consistently similar in terms of sound and tactile response because the nylon contributes to the overall acoustical and tactile experience, irrespective of the top housing material.
Ultimately, the overall performance of the Akko Rosewood and Jwick Taro switches can be understood through the interplay of their different top housings and identical bottom housings. While the Rosewood's nylon top presents a more subdued and rich auditory experience, the Taro's polycarbonate top offers a bright and resonant response when keys are released. However, the similarity in their bottom housings ensures that both switches provide a comparable feel at the bottom-out stage. This blend of distinct top housing characteristics while maintaining identical bottom housing properties allows users to choose between a warmer or brighter sound profile while still experiencing a familiar bottom-out sensation with each keypress.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rosewood switch has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch has an unknown actuation force, but a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance when fully pressed. The Taro switch is characterized as medium-heavy, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel while typing. Consequently, the Rosewood is the lighter option, making it ideal for longer use, whereas the Taro is heavier, providing a stronger push for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience. In summary, if the actuation forces were similar, one could expect analogous performance outcomes when typing or gaming; however, with the current data, the differences in weight and feel remain significant.
Travel distance
The Akko Rosewood linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm highlights a notable distinction between the two switches. Gamers seeking quick response times may prefer the Taro's shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster actuation. However, for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience with a deeper feel, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Rosewood providing a longer and more pronounced travel compared to the Taro.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 stands out with its deep, satisfying thocky sound, largely attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances its acoustic profile. This characteristic lends itself to a more immersive and resonant typing experience, ideal for auditory enthusiasts who value a rich and full-bodied sound. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch presents a more acute and crisp auditory experience, delivering sharp clacks that can invigorate the typing experience without overwhelming the user. This produces a neutral sound signature that appeals to a wide range of users, making it suitable for both casual and professional environments. It’s important to note that sound is also influenced by the specific keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps, which can slightly alter the perceived qualities of both switches.
In terms of feel, the Akko Rosewood linear switch typically offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, characteristic of linear switches which provide a seamless typing experience without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is designed with a unique feel, featuring a combination of buttery smoothness and a stepped tactile response. This means that while users experience a comfortable and fluid keystroke, they also encounter a distinct two-stage bump that makes the actuation point more noticeable, providing feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate tactile feedback.
Combining all this information, the Akko Rosewood and Jwick Taro switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Rosewood's deep thock and smooth keypress provide a rich auditory experience, while the Taro offers a crisp sound and a tactile feel that is both fluid and responsive. Users looking for either a linear switch with a satisfying acoustic quality or a tactile switch with a diverse range of sensations would find these options appealing. Ultimately, selecting between them would depend on whether one prioritizes sound richness or tactile feedback in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a light touch and enjoy a smooth, linear keystroke with a deep, thocky sound, the Rosewood switch is likely the better option for you. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it comfortable for both long typing sessions and gaming, where rapid key presses can be crucial. Conversely, if you appreciate a tactile feedback with a bit more resistance, the Taro switch might suit you better. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying yet cozy typing experience, complementing its snappy, crisp clacks. The Taro’s buttery feel with a stepped design may enhance your productivity, especially for tasks that require precision. Therefore, consider how you use your keyboard most frequently; if you value a cushioned, silent experience, opt for the Rosewood. If you prefer that delightful tactile bump to guide your keystrokes, the Taro will likely be your top choice. Ultimately, your personal preferences will dictate which switch will bring you the most joy in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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