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Akko Rosewood vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options are the Akko Rosewood and the Wuque Studio WS Red, both linear switches that cater to distinct preferences. The Akko Rosewood is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a layer of factory-applied lubricant that amplifies the auditory experience. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more resonant keystroke without the distraction of sharp clicks or high-pitched noises. In contrast, the WS Red features a bouncy and responsive typing experience, courtesy of its 22mm double-stage spring, which offers a heavier actuation force and solid feedback with each keystroke. This design brings a touch of weightiness that many users find gratifying, making it a great choice for typists who prefer a more substantial feel as they type. Both switches boast their unique advantages, appealing to different user preferences in sound and tactile response. 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

3.80 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

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Wuque Studio WS Red, we note that both switches feature nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This shared material choice is significant because nylon is renowned for its sound-absorbing properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The malleability of nylon allows it to absorb vibrations more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a softer touch and a sound that is both duller and rounder. Consequently, users of both the Rosewood and WS Red can expect a consistently muted yet rich auditory experience, which can enhance typing comfort and satisfaction.

However, while both switches utilize the same nylon material for their housings, the overall characteristics of each switch can still vary based on their structural design and internal components. For instance, even though both switch types may showcase a similar sound profile due to nylon's inherent qualities, factors such as spring tension and the shape of the stem can affect the feel and performance when pressing the keys. This means that while the auditory qualities of each switch may align closely, the tactile response might differ, making each switch unique in its typing experience.

Ultimately, the similarities in the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and Wuque Studio WS Red afford users a cohesion in sound production. However, the specific design elements of each switch are crucial in delivering a distinct typing feel and performance. If the switches were to differ in housing material, one could expect greater variation in sound and tactile feedback. As it stands, users will benefit from the familiar characteristics provided by nylon, setting the stage for a reliably satisfying typing experience across both options.

Weight

The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to different user preferences. The Rosewood switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option that is well-suited for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the WS Red switch features a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, but its actuation force is unspecified. This heavier feel may be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, as it offers a more tactile response. Overall, while both switches serve different user needs, the Rosewood's lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it more comfortable for prolonged use, while the WS Red provides a firmer push for users who prefer a more substantial feel.

Travel distance

The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have different travel distances, with the Rosewood measuring 4 mm and the WS Red at 3.8 mm. This makes the WS Red the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Rosewood offers a more traditional and hearty feel. Those who prefer a deeper travel distance might gravitate towards the Akko Rosewood for its more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preference for either responsiveness or depth in your typing experience.

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 Red 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 is characterized by a deep and satisfying thocky sound, made even more pleasant due to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances its acoustic qualities straight out of the box. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch also maintains a familiar sound signature, largely attributed to its classic material blend, delivering a sound that leans towards being bouncy and responsive without excessive noise. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, though the Rosewood may provide a more pronounced thock that many enthusiasts find satisfying.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Rosewood switch is tailored for a smooth linear experience that promotes effortless keystrokes, ideal for those who enjoy a fluid typing motion. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch features a heavier actuation force resulting from its unique 22mm double-stage spring, which adds a noticeable weight to each keystroke, contributing to a bouncy and responsive typing experience. While both switches provide a linear feel, the Rosewood leans towards a lighter, more fluid responsiveness, whereas the WS Red favors a more substantial touch.

Overall, both the Akko Rosewood and Wuque Studio WS Red switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different typing preferences. The Rosewood is suited for those who appreciate a pronounced thock sound and a smooth feel, while the WS Red caters to users who prefer a heavier actuation force and a bouncy typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor the deep sound and fluidity of the Rosewood or the substantial feel and responsiveness of the WS Red.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the overall gaming or typing experience you desire. If you prefer a lighter key feel combined with a pleasing auditory feedback, the Rosewood switch, with its 50-gram bottom out force and delightful thocky sound, may be your best choice. It's ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where you value comfort and want a satisfying acoustic experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, the WS Red switch could be the way to go. Its bouncy and responsive feel, courtesy of the double-stage spring, provides a sense of weight that can enhance your precision, making it fit for both intense gaming and focused typing assignments. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by whether you favor a lighter touch and sound richness with the Rosewood or a heavier, crisp feedback with the WS Red.

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