Akko Rosewood vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to consider are the Akko Rosewood and the Outemu Yellow Silver, both of which are linear switches that cater to different preferences and types of usage. The Akko Rosewood is celebrated for its distinctive "thocky" sound profile, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that ensures a deep and satisfying auditory feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more auditory typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch prides itself on its light actuation force and neutral sound, appealing to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness without the distraction of excessive noise. While both switches offer smooth key presses and excellent performance, the Rosewood excites enthusiasts with its acoustic charm, while the Yellow Silver caters to those seeking efficiency in fast-paced environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Rosewood and Outemu Yellow Silver switches both feature contrasting top housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Rosewood's top housing is constructed from nylon, a classic switch material known for its softer texture, which results in a deeper, fuller sound. This characteristic is enhanced by nylon's sound-absorbing properties, which dampen vibrations and yield a rounded auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Yellow Silver utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a much stiffer material. This stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, emphasizing clarity and resonance. Aesthetically, the transparent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through more effectively, making it an appealing choice for users who seek a colorful, illuminated keyboard experience.
On the bottom housing front, both the Rosewood and Yellow Silver switches share the same material—nylon. This unified choice means that both switches will produce a similar auditory quality when bottoming out, as the nylon's sound-absorbing features continue to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, since the top housings differ, the characteristics of the Rosewood and Yellow Silver will manifest distinctly when pressing down and releasing a key. The warm, rounded sound from the Rosewood's nylon top will complement the deeper tones of its nylon bottom, creating a harmonious listening experience, while the Yellow Silver's stiffer polycarbonate top will enhance the clarity of the nylon bottom, resulting in a more pronounced acoustic effect when keys are released.
In terms of overall performance, the Akko Rosewood and Outemu Yellow Silver switches will ultimately offer unique typing experiences due to their differing top housing materials. The Rosewood will appeal to those who favor a warmer sound profile, creating a more subdued ambiance suitable for quiet workspaces. Conversely, the Yellow Silver caters to users who prefer a brighter, more vibrant auditory response, ideal for those who enjoy the clarity that polycarbonate provides. Although both switches feature nylon in the bottom housing, the distinctions between their top housings drive significant differences in sound and feel, showcasing the importance of material selection in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel. While both switches provide a smooth typing experience, the Rosewood will cater to those seeking a softer response, while the Yellow Silver offers a bit more resistance. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Rosewood is your best bet, whereas the Yellow Silver suits those who favor a comparatively heavier tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch both feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in a similar tactile experience when pressing down on their keys. Since both switches have an identical travel distance, users can expect comparable performance and feedback, making them suitable choices for those who prefer linear switches with consistent actuation depth. Ultimately, this similarity means that users who enjoy one switch may find themselves just as satisfied with the other, as they will deliver an equivalent keystroke feel.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Akko Rosewood linear switch is characterized by its deep, satisfying thocky sound, largely attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances its auditory profile. This rich sound signature not only provides a pleasing auditory experience but also delivers a sense of satisfaction during each keystroke. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch boasts a neutral sound profile, which appeals to gamers and typists who value speed and responsiveness. While it doesn't have the same deep resonance as the Rosewood, it offers a balanced auditory output, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch is celebrated for its smooth linear action, providing a seamless typing experience that many enthusiasts enjoy. The lubrication applied in the factory further contributes to a refined actuation, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a luxurious feel under their fingers. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's light actuation force makes it an excellent choice for users seeking quick key presses. This lighter action translates to a responsive feel that can enhance performance in gaming and fast-paced typing scenarios, although it may require some adjustment for users accustomed to heavier switches.
In summary, while both the Akko Rosewood and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches serve different auditory and tactile preferences, each has its strengths. The Rosewood's thocky sound and plush feel appeal to those who enjoy a rich auditory experience and smooth typing, whereas the Yellow Silver excels with its neutral sound profile and quick actuation for speed-driven tasks. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to varying needs, ensuring that newcomers can find a suitable option based on their personal preferences and intended use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a deep, thocky sound that is enhanced by factory-applied lubricant, the Akko Rosewood switch would be an excellent choice. This switch is particularly appealing if you are someone who enjoys a satisfying auditory feedback while typing or gaming, making it ideal for those who value a tactile acoustic experience. On the other hand, if your focus is on speed and responsiveness, particularly in gaming scenarios, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch may be more suitable for you. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force provides a balance that many typists and gamers appreciate, along with a neutral sound profile that ensures it's versatile for any environment, be it home or office. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you favor a more tactile sound experience with the Rosewood or a balanced and responsive feel with the Yellow Silver.
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