Archives February 2023

Linear switches and tactile switches are two of the most common types of mechanical keyboard switches. Both offer unique typing experiences and are favored by different groups of users. In this article, we will explore the difference between linear switches and tactile switches and help you determine which one is the best choice for your needs.

Linear switches

Linear switches are known for their smooth, consistent, and silent keystroke. They are popular among gamers who prefer a fast and uninterrupted typing experience. Linear switches lack the bump that tactile switches have, which provides feedback to the user about when a key has been activated. This makes them ideal for fast-paced gaming or tasks where accuracy is key.

many options to choose from

Since linear switches are so populair among gamers there are is a lot of choice here. There are people who want a switch to respond almost instantly, so called fast switches which have a short travel time like the Akko CS Silver. Others might be looking for a good budget switch like the Gateron Milky Yellow. Cherry MX reds are a classic ofcourse but there is something for everyone out there.

Tactile switches

Tactile switches, on the other hand, offer a bump or a tactile feedback when a key is activated. This bump provides an auditory and physical cue to the user that the key has been pressed, which can be helpful for touch typists who prefer to feel their way around the keyboard. Tactile switches are also preferred by writers and programmers who need to type quickly and accurately, but still want some feedback to help ensure they are pressing the correct keys.

Lubing

A big part of getting the best out of any switch is making sure it is lubed. Many switches come out scratchy sounding or don’t feel as smooth as they could be. You can read about lubing here. Don’t feel like doing this yourself? Luckily there are options out there like Akko Linear Black pre-lubed edition.

So which is best for you?

Both linear switches and tactile switches have their own pros and cons. Linear switches are faster and more consistent, but can sometimes be less comfortable to type on for extended periods of time. Tactile switches are slower but provide a more satisfying typing experience, and are often preferred by typists who need to type for long periods of time. In conclusion, the choice between linear switches and tactile switches comes down to personal preference and what you plan to use the keyboard for. Gamers who value speed and accuracy will likely prefer linear switches, while typists and writers may prefer tactile switches for their tactile feedback and comfort. Regardless of which type of switch you choose, both offer high-quality typing experiences that are sure to make your keyboard use more enjoyable. You can check out Akkogear.eu for more switches and for your first order use coupon HELLOAKKO to get 10% off.

Once again it is time to test a linear switch from Akko. This time Akko send over their new Haze pink switches.

Haze Pink is Akko’s first silent switch

Akko keeps pouring out switches like there is no tomorrow. Lineair, tactile, light, heavy, POM, Jelly, all sorts of switches. There is one thing they still didn’t have; a silent switch. Well boys and girls, the wait is over. While most people like there keyboards make clicky, clacky, poppy, dooby, daby sounds, not everybody can appreciate this. This is especially true for co-workers and spouses. While there are options like 0-rings available these don’t always provide the best result and can significantly alter the typing experience. So Akko decided it was time to put out a silent switch.

A closer look

Opening up the Haze pink switches we can see that the top and bottom are both made out of PC whilst the stem is made of POM material. The spring is roughly 15mm in length. So far nothing unlike we have seen before. When looking closer though, there are some very small silicon cushions on the sides of the stem. These are positioned on the top and bottom of the stem’s flanks.

Specifications

Switch name: Akko Haze Pink(Silent)
Type: Linear
Operating Force: 43 ± 5gf
Bottom-Out Force: 58 ± 5gf
Pre-Travel: 2.0 ± 0.3mm
Total Travel: 4.0 ± 0.3mm
Tactile Position: N/A
Housing bottom: PC
Housing top: PC
Stem: POM

Lubing the Haze pink switches

My first impression of the switch was that they felt pretty snappy straight out of the box but I wanted to give them the lube treatment anyway. So as per usual I lubed the housing and stem with Krytox G205g0. I didn’t lube the springs as I didn’t have a thin enough solution handy. Still the end result got me satisfied.
If you wan to know how to lube your switches or wonder what you need, I have made an article about the topic, which you can find here.

Typing experience and ofcourse soundtest

Typing on the Haze pink switches was a pleasant experience. They felt snappy, smooth and light, but not too light. I still love the heavy Jelly black switches (review) but these are special in their own right. The sound, or rather lack of sound is very nice. The only thing making any sound now is my spacebar. Ofcourse you can cut some packing foam to size to fill this up if you want total silence. Since I sometimes do my typing at night and my desk in in the same room as we sleep, these switches proved to be a nice addition. I used the switches in the Monsgeek M1 keyboard (review).

Final thoughts

The Akko Haze Pink switches are nice smooth switches which are incredibly silent. I hope Akko will continue to expend the silent treatment to other switches as well. I would love to see a nice tactile switch like the Jelly Purple without the sound for example. The Haze Pink switches are perfect for people who want to use a mechanical keyboard in an office or other environment where silence is preferred. You can order the switches directly from akkogear.eu. Akkogear.eu is the official European website for Akko products and ships worldwide. By using one of the links provided you help us getting review samples.

What type of user are you?

Open-back headphones allow sound to pass through the back of the ear cups, while closed-back headphones do not. Choosing between open-back and closed-back headphones has many implications. Depending on what you plan to use the headset for, one type of headset may suit your needs better than the other.

Open back headphones provide a more open sound

People who love to hear music the way the artist intended, so called audiophiles, usually prefer to use open back headphones. The tone is generally less harsh on these headphones. Open-back speakers also tend to have a spacious soundstage, which means that sounds seem to come from all directions, making it easy and pleasant to distinguish between different instruments. You can really immerse yourself in the music your are listening in your own private place at home. A great example often to be found on sale over at Amazon is the Sennheiser HD599 which was reviewed on the site.

Closed back headphones give you more bass

I you are someone who loves bass you should consider looking at a closed back headphone. Because of the closed construction of these type of headphones the air gets trapped inside which improves the bass. So if you plan on watching an action movie or listening to some bass heavy hip-hop music a closed back headphone would probadly be the better choice.

Open back headphones are less private

Since the construction of an open back headphone allows the sound to pass through, other people will be able to hear your music as well. This can be really bothersome to others. Another negative aspect would be that things like wind will pass through the headphones would you use them outside. Open back headphones are not made for commuting.

Closed back headphones provide passive noise cancelation

You probably know about noise cancelation on headphones and earbuds like the Airpods pro. Most of the advertised noise cancelation on these headphones are of the active noise cancelation type. This means there are microphones positioned on the outside of the headphone which measure ambient sound and replace this with the opposite sound waves. Closed back headphones have a passive way of isolating unwanted sounds because of their closed construction.

Summary

Open back headphones are better for music listening while closed back headphones are generally better for watching movies. Since the sound quality of open-back headphones is better than that of closed-back headphones, and the sound is more transparent, they are the first choice for audiophiles. Open back headphones are better suited for at home for private use, while closed back headphones can be used without bothering other people.