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Akko Rosewood vs. TTC Yunhai

An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When choosing between the Akko Rosewood and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, enthusiasts can find both options appealing for different reasons. The Akko Rosewood is celebrated for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that contributes to a rich auditory experience right out of the box. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a pronounced acoustic feedback while typing, making it an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys a more tactile sound. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai offers a distinct typing experience with its incredibly light actuation force and deep, rounded sound profile, catering to typists who prefer a gentle and effortless keystroke. While both switches are linear, providing smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, the choice between them boils down to individual preferences related to sound and feel. 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

42g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

50g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.50 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

Nylon

Stem material

POK

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

23mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the TTC Yunhai are strikingly similar, both employing nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is a well-regarded choice in the industry, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. When typing on switches made with nylon, users often experience a more muted sound due to the material's softer characteristics. This is evident in both switches since they leverage the same properties of nylon, leading to a consistent auditory experience that enhances both typing feel and acoustic performance. The use of nylon in both designs suggests that the dual-switch outcomes will produce comparable characteristics in sound quality.

Despite the similar materials, the interplay between the top and bottom housings can affect the overall tactile and auditory experience. While both switches will provide that characteristic round and subdued sound associated with nylon, the bottom housing will primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, while the top housing will be more pertinent to the sound produced when the key is released. In this context, whether it's the Rosewood or Yunhai, the performance nuances predominantly depend on the combined effects of these nylon housings. Therefore, even if both designs share the same materials, the exact experience can vary slightly based on the specific design intentions and configurations of each switch.

It is important to emphasize that the similarity in housing materials means that users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel across both switches. The nylon top and bottom housings in the Akko Rosewood and TTC Yunhai contribute significantly to the overall auditory experience, ensuring that each keypress feels satisfying and resonates with a pleasing timbre. Consequently, enthusiasts can rest assured that, regardless of their choice between the two, they will experience similar tactile feedback and acoustic properties attributed to nylon's distinctive qualities. Thus, whether opting for the Rosewood or the Yunhai, users are likely to appreciate a harmonious typing experience characterized by the warmth and depth offered by nylon.

Weight

The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both exhibit light characteristics, but they differ slightly in their actuation forces. The Rosewood switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Yunhai switch's actuation force is slightly higher at 42 grams. Both switches have an identical bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that once fully pressed down, they require the same amount of force to engage completely. For typists or gamers who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or extended gameplay, the Rosewood switch may be the more suitable option due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing, the Yunhai provides a slightly stronger push feel without sacrificing the lightweight nature overall, as both options are considered light switches.

Travel distance

The Akko Rosewood linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch measures a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights that the Rosewood is designed for users who favor a more substantial keypress feel, providing a hearty depth that many find satisfying. In contrast, the Yunhai's shorter travel distance aligns well with modern preferences, particularly among gamers, for quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. Thus, users seeking a more responsive experience should opt for the shorter Yunhai switch, while those who appreciate a more traditional and deeper keypress should consider the Rosewood. Ultimately, with the differences in travel distance, you can expect distinct tactile experiences from each switch.

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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.

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 celebrated for its deep, satisfying "thock" that resonates pleasantly with each keystroke. This sound profile is enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant, which contributes to a smooth auditory experience right from the start. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch exhibits a different sound characteristic with its unique deep, rounded sound profile. This rounded quality offers a soft, mellow tone that harmonizes well with the gentle nature of the switch's operation. Both switches deliver rich sound experiences, though the Rosewood tends toward a more pronounced thock and the Yunhai leans into a softer auditory impression.

When considering the feel, the Rosewood switch provides a smooth and consistent typing experience, allowing for minimal resistance as you press down on the keys. This contributes to a tactile sensation that many users find enjoyable and satisfying. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch is designed with an incredibly light actuation force, making it exceptionally effortless to type. This can be particularly appealing to typists who prefer a gentler, more forgiving keystroke. While both switches aim to optimize comfort and performance, the Rosewood leans more towards a traditional linear feel, while the Yunhai prioritizes ease and minimal effort.

In conclusion, the Akko Rosewood and TTC Yunhai linear switches each offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Rosewood excels with its deep thock and satisfying feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a robust auditory and tactile experience. Conversely, the Yunhai provides a more refined, gentle auditory output and an incredibly light actuation force, appealing to those who favor a softer touch. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, but both can deliver a highly satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel in your typing experience. If you appreciate a switch that delivers a rich, thocky sound and a tactile experience right out of the box, the Rosewood could be your ideal match. Its well-balanced bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it comfortable for lengthy typing sessions where you desire auditory feedback without requiring a lot of force. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued yet deep sound combined with an exceptionally light actuation force, the Yunhai may be the better fit. This switch provides an effortlessly smooth typing experience that can reduce finger fatigue, making it perfect for prolonged use, especially if you lean towards a softer touch. Ultimately, assess your typing style: if you crave that thocky resonance and satisfying feel, go with the Rosewood; if you seek effortless key presses and a gentle typing experience, the Yunhai should be your choice.

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