Akko
Bittersweet Switch
Best tactile switches for typists seeking a quiet, thocky typing experience.
Experience the unique feel of the Akko Bittersweet Tactile Switches, designed as the tactile counterpart to the Rosewood switches. These 5-pin switches come pre-lubed for a smooth operation and offer a muted, thocky sound profile. They feature a subtle tactile bump, reminiscent of MX Brown, which provides a distinct typing sensation. Compatible with most keycaps featuring an (X) cross stem, these switches also support LED modification and SMD lighting for personalized aesthetics. Each box contains 45 switches.
$13.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1604
/ 6542
#1604 in Keyboard Keys & Caps
Price vs Category Average
-67%
Below average
Type
Tactile
/ Tactile
Who it's for
- Typists wanting a smooth experience without manual labor
- Budget-conscious builders seeking premium performance on a budget
- Custom keyboard enthusiasts designing themed, color-coordinated builds
Who should skip it
- Perfectionists requiring uniform feel across every single key
- Users demanding maximum stability for their keycaps
- Keyboard hobbyists preferring a deep, low-frequency thock sound
Performance breakdown
Tactile Feedback
Subtle bump provides a familiar, comfortable typing experience for daily tasks.
Acoustic Profile
Factory lubrication delivers a satisfyingly muted and thocky sound signature.
Smoothness
Pre-lubed internals ensure consistent, friction-free travel right out of the box.
Customization Potential
Broad compatibility with SMD lighting and standard keycaps offers excellent versatility.
Installation Ease
Standard 5-pin design makes mounting onto hot-swappable boards quick and simple.
Build Consistency
Reliable manufacturing tolerances ensure a uniform feel across all forty-five switches.
Key Specs
Type
Tactile
Operating Force
48 ± 5gf
Total Travel
3.8 ± 0.2mm
Pre-Travel
2.0mm
Tactile Travel
0.8mm
Tactile Force
60 ± 5gf
Stem Mount Type
MX Style (Cross)
Switch Compatibility
Cherry MX Style
Features
- 5-Pin Tactile Keyswitch design
- Pre-lubricated for smooth operation
- Muted thocky sound profile
- Light tactile bump similar to MX Brown
- MX style structure compatibility
- Ready for LED Mod/Assembly
- SMD compatible for under-switch lighting
- Sold in a convenient 45-piece box
What customers say
Akko Bittersweet switches are highly regarded in the budget linear market, primarily for their exceptional out of box smoothness due to effective factory lubrication. Users consistently praise the satisfying deep thock sound profile, which is acoustically pleasing for both typing and gaming. The unique pink and brown aesthetic is also a major draw for custom builds. While offering an unmatched performance to cost ratio, a few users noted minor spring ping occasionally. Overall, the consensus is that these switches deliver a premium, reliable, and smooth typing experience without demanding a premium price, making them an excellent choice for all keyboard enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
The Bittersweet switch offers a very similar tactile experience to the classic MX Brown. It features a subtle, light bump that provides satisfying feedback without being overly aggressive or fatiguing during long typing sessions.
These are 5-pin switches, which are compatible with most modern hot-swappable mechanical keyboards. If your keyboard PCB only supports 3-pin switches, you can easily clip off the two extra plastic guide pins to make them fit.
No, these switches come pre-lubricated from the factory. This ensures a smooth operation right out of the box, saving you the time and effort of manual lubing.
Yes, the Bittersweet switches are SMD compatible and designed to work with under-switch lighting. They also support LED modification if you prefer to add your own through-hole LEDs.
These switches are designed to produce a muted, thocky sound profile. They avoid the high-pitched clack of some other switches, offering a deeper, more refined acoustic experience.
A standard full-sized keyboard typically requires 104 switches. Since each box contains 45 switches, you would need to purchase three boxes to fully outfit a 100% layout.
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