Akko Rosewood vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially between two distinct options like the Akko Rosewood and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Rosewood switch, known for its linear design, delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a deep, satisfying thocky sound—enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that ensures a pleasant acoustic experience right out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for those who crave seamless typing or gaming with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx combines tactile feedback with a unique sound profile, providing both a refined auditory experience and a pronounced bump in each key press. It offers the best of both worlds: the deep resonance of a thock when bottoming out and whisper-quiet engagement when topping out, giving users the luxury of a satisfying tactile feel alongside near-silent operation. Both switches cater to different preferences; while the Rosewood appeals to those who favor a smooth and consistent typing experience, the U4Tx is ideal for users who value tactile feedback with an acoustically rich output. 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

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Gazzew U4Tx switches share a fundamental similarity in their use of soft plastics, which deeply influence their sound profiles. The Rosewood employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is recognized as a classic choice for switch construction. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Similarly, the U4Tx utilizes its proprietary "boba plastic" blend for both the top and bottom housings. This blend is designed to deliver a rich and deep sound profile, akin to that of nylon. Despite their different labeling, both materials work in tandem to produce a satisfying tactile feedback, characterized by a duller and rounder sound during use.

In terms of performance, while both switches utilize their respective soft plastics to achieve a warm audio signature, there are specific nuances that arise from the unique characteristics of each material. The Akko Rosewood, with its nylon composition, particularly emphasizes a classic typing experience. Users may find that the sound and feel are consistent across the switch due to the uniform nature of its nylon housing. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx's proprietary blend might introduce subtle variations in feedback or acoustics, thanks to its tailored formulation. This could result in a different tactile experience even if the sound produced remains comparably rich, showcasing how variations in material one might think are similar can still confer distinct user experiences.

Ultimately, regardless of these differences, both the Akko Rosewood and Gazzew U4Tx are capable of providing a fulfilling typing experience with their respective sound profiles. Users can expect to enjoy a softer, warmer auditory response from each switch due to the absorption properties inherent in their materials. If one seeks a characteristically quieter typing experience or deeper sound, both switches will deliver, but individual preferences regarding feel and feedback may steer users towards one or the other. As a result, while the basic premise of utilizing softer plastics is consistent, the specific manifestations of that principle can lead to unique user experiences that reflect personal tastes in tactile and auditory feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rosewood features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without much strain. In contrast, the U4Tx does not specify an actuation force, but its bottom out force is heavier at 62.5 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when pressed down completely. This suggests that while the Rosewood is the lighter option for actuation and bottoming out, the U4Tx would provide a more resistant typing experience, which some users might prefer for a stronger tactile feedback. Ultimately, if weight is a concern, the Akko Rosewood would be the better choice for those seeking comfort during prolonged use, while the U4Tx caters to users who appreciate a heavier switch feel.

Travel distance

The Akko Rosewood linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights a contrast in user experience; the Rosewood's greater depth may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial and pronounced keystroke, providing a more traditional typing feel. On the other hand, the U4Tx's shorter travel distance caters to users, particularly gamers, seeking quicker actuation for improved response times. If you're inclined towards a snappy, less abrupt feedback, the U4Tx might be more favorable. Thus, for those who prefer a more responsive action, the U4Tx stands out with its shorter travel distance, while those fond of a deeper, more tactile experience may lean towards the longer-traveling Rosewood switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound that is characterized by a bassy profile due to its factory-applied lubricant. This inherent quality allows for a richer auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a more nuanced sound profile that is a blend of both resonance and muted characteristics. When the U4Tx is bottomed out, it delivers a robust "thock," while enjoying a quieter ascent due to its stealthy design. This combination results in a typing experience that remains acoustically pleasing without being overly loud, striking a balance between impactful and discreet sounds, influenced also by the choice of keyboard setup and keycaps.

Regarding feel, the Rosewood switch's tactile feedback characteristics are not explicitly detailed, but as a linear switch, it would typically provide a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx is specifically designed to deliver a sharp tactile bump with each press. The feedback from the U4Tx is strong and crisp, enhancing the tactile experience significantly. This sharpness ensures that users can easily detect when a key has been activated, catering to those who appreciate pronounced feedback in their typing.

In conclusion, while both the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch excel in their respective sound profiles, the Rosewood offers a rich, thocky experience, while the U4Tx combines deep resonance with muted quietness for an adaptable auditory experience. In terms of feel, the U4Tx stands out with its distinct tactile bump, allowing for a luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but both options promise to deliver satisfying results tailored to different typing styles.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a deep, satisfying thocky sound right out of the box, the Rosewood is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it a great choice for extended typing sessions where reduced finger fatigue is a priority. On the other hand, if you're someone who enjoys a more pronounced tactile feedback while still appreciating a refined sound profile, the U4Tx switch is likely to be more to your liking. With a medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it delivers a sharp tactile bump along with a unique sound experience that balances deep resonance when bottoming out and quieter tones on the upswing. In essence, choose the Rosewood for a lighter touch and more effortless key presses, while opting for the U4Tx if you value tactile feedback combined with a satisfying acoustic experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more