Akko Rosewood vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Akko Rosewood and the Gazzew U4 presents a fascinating contrast in typing experience and auditory feedback. The Akko Rosewood, a linear switch, is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound that comes with a satisfying auditory experience right out of the box, enhanced by factory-applied lubrication. This makes it ideal for users seeking a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, perfect for gaming or typing at high speeds. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch known for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, delivering a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation with a whisper-quiet sound profile. This makes the U4 an excellent choice for typists who appreciate clear feedback without disruptive noise. Both switches cater to specific preferences, with the Rosewood emphasizing sound and smoothness while the U4 focuses on tactile responsiveness and subtlety. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Rosewood Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Gazzew U4 switches, there are notable similarities and distinctions that influence their auditory profiles and tactile feedback. Both the Rosewood and U4 utilize nylon or a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for their constructions, providing a softness that contributes to a fuller sound. The Rosewood's nylon top housing is said to elicit a deeper sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound waves, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Gazzew U4's proprietary blend is designed to achieve a similar objective but accomplishes this with a custom formulation, potentially offering a distinct performance characteristic alongside the conventional properties associated with nylon.

Both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, reinforcing the emphasis on a rich and deep sound profile. The Rosewood's bottom housing, like the U4's boba plastic, aims to provide a satisfying acoustical experience primarily through the bottom-out sound, which is crucial for typists who prioritize auditory feedback upon keystrokes. Even though the materials differ—a classic nylon versus a proprietary blend—the shared softness between them means that both switches can yield similar auditory results when typing. This also means that while the tactile response may vary slightly, both would inherently offer a smoother feel attributable to their softer constructions.

In considering the effects of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it’s essential to recognize how the combination of top and bottom housings contributes to a harmonized sound profile and feel. Should an individual choose the Akko Rosewood or the Gazzew U4, they can expect a distinct auditory signature shaped by the interaction of the housing materials. While the top housing of the Rosewood distinctly focuses on dampening higher frequencies, the U4’s boba plastic likely offers nuanced variations, subtly altering both the acoustic output and tactile sensation. Ultimately, both types of switches will be successful in delivering a deep, rich sound, demonstrating that while the exact materials may differ, the user experience, especially for sound-affine typists, will exhibit similar satisfying results.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Rosewood switch is lighter overall, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without fatigue. In contrast, the U4 switch exhibits a medium weight, suggesting a more substantial typing experience that some users might favor for a defined feedback. Consequently, while both switches offer distinct experiences, the U4's higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a firmer feel compared to the lighter escapades of the Rosewood, making it better suited for those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

The Akko Rosewood linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction means that the Rosewood offers a more profound typing experience, which can be appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the U4's shorter travel distance is likely to be favored by gamers or users seeking a faster response time, as it allows for quicker actuation. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the longer travel distance of the Rosewood may feel more substantial and deliberate, whereas the U4’s shorter travel provides a more responsive touch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound, resulting from a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances its acoustic profile. This rich sound contributes to an immersive typing experience, offering a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is designed to be whisper quiet, characterized by a muted and low-pitched tone that minimizes the traditional mechanical keyboard noise. The U4’s sound profile, combining these attributes, ensures a subtle typing experience that won’t disturb those around you, making it ideal for quieter environments.

When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch offers a linear experience, typical of most linear switches, which usually means smooth, unbroken movement throughout the keypress without any tactile feedback. This allows for uninterrupted typing, ideal for those who dislike any bumps while pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch stands out with its sharp tactile bump, delivering a distinct feedback sensation. This intensity means that users will experience a tangible signal with each keystroke, allowing for precise typing and giving more tactile satisfaction compared to linear options.

In conclusion, the Akko Rosewood and Gazzew U4 switches provide differing auditory and tactile experiences for typists. The Rosewood's rich, thocky sound appeals to those who enjoy a robust auditory feedback, while the U4 caters to individuals preferring a quieter environment without sacrificing tactile responsiveness. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both options can fulfill specific user needs, allowing newcomers to explore and discover what resonates best for their typing style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter touch while typing and appreciate a satisfying sound profile, the Rosewood switches may be the right fit for you. Their deep, thocky sound, combined with the smooth linear feel, makes them ideal for users seeking a balance of auditory pleasure and effortless key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke, the Gazzew U4 switches would likely serve you better. With a medium bottom-out force and a sharp tactile bump, they offer a distinctive typing experience, complete with a plush bottom-out sensation and a whisper-quiet sound. Think about whether you value a more substantial tactile feel and noise reduction, or if you lean towards a lighter, more acoustic experience. By assessing your priorities in both sound and tactile feedback, you’ll be well-positioned to select the switch that will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more