Akko Rosewood vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switches is crucial to enhancing your typing experience, and the Akko Rosewood and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches present two distinct options. The Akko Rosewood is a linear switch that stands out with its deep, satisfying thocky sound made possible by a factory-applied lubricant, offering a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that's ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quiet yet enjoyable auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches provide a tactile feedback that many find comforting and familiar, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that allows for responsive typing with minimal fatigue during long hours of use. The combination of POM stem and nylon housing adds to their durability and enjoyable feel. While the Rosewood excels in delivering a seamless sound and feel, the WS Brown introduces a tactile sensation that enhances typing precision and feedback. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the Akko Rosewood and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are described as nylon, revealing a shared characteristic that significantly influences the typing experience. Both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which is a common choice in mechanical keyboard design. This material is noted for its softness relative to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively. Consequently, both the Akko Rosewood and WS Brown offer a deeper and fuller sound profile because of this acoustic property, resulting in a typing experience that is both pleasant and dampened, rather than sharp or hollow.
While the use of nylon in both products brings about similar acoustic benefits, the overall feel of the switches may still present slight differences due to factors beyond just the material. The design and engineering of each switch—including stem construction, spring tension, and key shape—may affect how each switch responds when pressed. Thus, users may experience some variances in the tactile feedback and the sound of the key bottoming out, even though the basic sound absorption properties remain consistent across both products due to the shared nylon component.
In summary, the identical nylon housings of the Akko Rosewood and Wuque Studio WS Brown suggest that they will produce comparable sound profiles, contributing to a satisfying typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder auditory feedback. However, the overall experience may still differ slightly as influenced by switch design features other than housing material. Ultimately, both switches showcase the intrinsic sound-dampening qualities of nylon, allowing users to expect similar results despite the nuanced differences in their respective mechanical designs.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rosewood switch features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can enhance endurance during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Brown switch has an actuation force that is not specified, with a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This characteristic suggests that the WS Brown may provide a slightly more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a heavier push. Overall, while the Rosewood is clearly the lighter option, the WS Brown offers a heavier bottom out force, contributing to a different typing experience that some users might prefer despite the unknown actuation force.
Travel distance
The Akko Rosewood linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Rosewood switch the longer option, offering a more pronounced feel when pressing down, which some users might prefer for its depth and feedback. In contrast, the WS Brown switch, with its 3.8 mm travel distance, might appeal to those who favor quicker response times and a more responsive typing experience, aligning with the current trend towards shorter travel distances favored by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a deeper actuation or a brisker keystroke.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound that is both rich and resonant, thanks in part to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances its acoustic profile. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a more profound auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a pleasantly familiar sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. The auditory experience is characterized as harmonious and balanced, highlighting its traditional nylon housing and POM stem combination. While both switches provide enjoyable sounds, the Rosewood favors a deeper thock while the WS Brown maintains a more standard mechanical click feel.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Rosewood linear switch is likely smooth and consistent, offering a seamless typing experience devoid of tactile bumps. This smoothness allows for effortless gliding through keystrokes, appealing to those who prefer linear switches for a clean action. Conversely, the WS Brown tactile switch provides a medium-light actuation force, delivering a tactile bump that gives noticeable feedback when a key is activated. This tactile response enhances the typing experience, making it engaging and alleviating any feelings of fatigue during long typing sessions. The differences in feel cater to different preferences—smooth and linear versus tactile and responsive.
In conclusion, the Akko Rosewood linear switch captivates users with its deep thocky sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more profound auditory experience and seamless keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch strikes a balance between auditory familiarity and tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy the distinct sensation of tactile bumps and a less pronounced sound profile. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, offering a satisfying experience tailored to varying typing preferences, leading enthusiasts to choose based on what resonates most with their personal typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter switch with a soft and smooth feel, as well as an engaging auditory experience characterized by a deep thocky sound, the Rosewood is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force of 50 grams makes it particularly ideal for those who type rapidly or engage in extensive gaming sessions where quick response is crucial without the fatigue that can accompany heavier switches. On the other hand, if you're someone who appreciates tactile feedback and a slightly firmer typing experience, the WS Brown switch with its 55-gram actuation force will likely serve you well. This switch provides a comforting auditory sensation while ensuring a balance between responsiveness and comfort for those prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, if you're seeking a satisfying tactile sensation and a classic feel reminiscent of many beloved switches, the WS Brown is your go-to option. In the end, it comes down to whether you prioritize softness and sound or tactile feedback and comfort in your typing experience.