Akko Rosewood vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between a variety of switch types, each offering a unique typing experience. The Akko Rosewood switch is a linear option cherished for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that ensures a smooth and noise-rich typing experience. This switch is particularly appealing to those who prefer a seamless keystroke, making it ideal for gaming and fast typing without the interruption of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch is a tactile switch designed for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during their key presses. With a gentle yet noticeable tactility and a neutral sound signature, the Violet switches deliver a balanced experience that is pleasing for both typing and general use. While the Rosewood caters to those seeking a quiet yet rich auditory experience, the Violet provides a satisfying feel that many typists appreciate. 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
45g
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
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Jerrzi Violet, a notable contrast exists between their top housings. The Rosewood features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, allowing for a rounded auditory experience. In stark contrast, the Violet employs a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, yielding a more crisp auditory feedback. This difference in top housing materials directly influences the sound character and typing experience, making each switch unique in its acoustic properties.
In examining the bottom housings of both switches, however, we find a point of symmetry. Both the Rosewood and Violet incorporate nylon material for their bottom housings. This shared element assures that users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the differentiating top housing materials. The nylon's softer structure will still absorb sound effectively, contributing to a duller auditory experience from the bottom-outs. As a result, the impact these nylon bottom housings bring will create a consistent feel and sound behavior, regardless of whether the top housing produces a sharper or rounder response.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Rosewood and Violet differ in their material properties, their nylon bottom housing positions both switches in a familiar auditory space during bottom-out phases. The unique qualities of each top housing provide dimensionality, whereas the shared nylon bottom housing ultimately harmonizes the typing experience for users. This synthesis of materials across both switches allows enthusiasts to appreciate the subtle nuances in sound profiles while still enjoying the foundational attributes that both designs share, demonstrating that contrasting top materials can yield harmonious outcomes through a compatible bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, their actuation forces reveal notable differences, while the bottom out force for the Violet remains unknown. The Rosewood's actuation force is 40 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it minimizes fatigue. In contrast, the Violet switch presents a higher actuation force of 45 grams, providing a slightly more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push experience. The Rosewood also boasts a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a moderate effort to press all the way down. Since the bottom out force for the Violet is unavailable, direct comparisons for this aspect cannot be made. Overall, users looking for a lightweight option should gravitate towards the Akko Rosewood, while those who favor a firmer typing experience might lean toward the Jerrzi Violet.
Travel distance
The Akko Rosewood linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Rosewood switch has a more traditional depth, making it a suitable choice for users who appreciate a solid, hearty feel when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the Violet switch's shorter travel distance offers quicker responsiveness, making it an appealing option for gamers seeking faster reaction times. Thus, those who prefer a more profound typing experience may gravitate towards the Rosewood, while those favoring rapid actuation might opt for the Violet switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 switches are renowned for their deep, satisfying thocky sound profile, which gives them a compelling auditory presence straight out of the box. This characteristic sound is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, allowing users to experience a rich acoustic quality that many enthusiasts seek in premium switches. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switches present a more neutral sound signature. This balanced profile means the Violet switches offer a moderate sound level that is suitable for various environments, making them versatile whether you're at home or in a professional setting. While the Rosewood captivates with its distinctive thock, the Violet provides a subtler auditory experience that equally satisfies.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood linear switches are characterized by their smooth actuation without tactile feedback, making them ideal for users who prefer a seamless keystroke experience. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet switches feature a gentle tactile bump, described as "stepped." This means that users will encounter a discernible change in pressure that provides feedback without being overwhelming. The Violet's stepped nature allows for an intuitive typing experience, as users can feel the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and comfort.
In summary, both the Akko Rosewood and Jerrzi Violet switches cater to distinct preferences. The Rosewood switch excels in delivering a satisfying auditory experience with its thocky sound, while the Violet offers a balanced sound profile complemented by its gentle tactile feedback. Users seeking a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke will gravitate towards the Rosewood, whereas those who appreciate tactile feedback without fuss will likely prefer the Violet. Ultimately, personal preference will guide the choice, and both switches can offer a rewarding typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter actuation with a deep, satisfying "thock" sound that enhances your typing experience, the Rosewood switch would be an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for those seeking a smoother and more fluid typing experience, especially if you enjoy a sound profile that stands out and adds character to your setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with a balanced sound, the Jerrzi Violet switches could be the better option. Their gentle tactility and neutral sound make them versatile for both work and casual typing, especially if you appreciate the feel of a stepped switch that provides noticeable actuation points without being overly pronounced. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not just the auditory and tactile preferences you have, but also how you intend to use your keyboard—whether for gaming, typing, or a mix of both.
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