KTT Ash Gray vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Ash Gray and Akko Rosewood stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Ash Gray, with its tactile response, offers a balanced blend of feedback that enhances typing without overwhelming the user. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy the satisfaction of tactile interaction without the distraction of overly pronounced feedback. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood excels in delivering a smooth, linear action paired with a rich, "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory lubrication. This switch appeals to typists and gamers who prioritize a seamless keystroke and auditory pleasure with every press. Each switch has its unique advantages, catering to different preferences; while the Ash Gray is perfect for those who appreciate a mild tactile feel, the Rosewood is tailored for users seeking a smooth, quiet experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko Rosewood, a stark contrast can be observed in their top housings. The KTT Ash Gray utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This quality makes the Ash Gray particularly well-suited for RGB lighting setups, allowing the lights to shine through the clear plastic and enhance the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs nylon for its top housing, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. This difference means that while the Ash Gray offers clarity and resonance, the Rosewood focuses on warmth and a more muted auditory experience.
Interestingly, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Akko Rosewood feature nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality leads to similarity in the sound profile when pressing the switches down, as both utilize a material that is renowned for creating a duller and rounder tonality. With the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon in both switches ensures that users will experience a consistent, fuller sound when they actuate the keys. Thus, regardless of the divergence in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a common foundation for sound characteristics in the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials produces distinct auditory outcomes for each switch. While the KTT Ash Gray’s polycarbonate top housing offers clarity and brightness, perfect for players who enjoy a more precise feedback with RGB lighting, the Akko Rosewood’s nylon top lends itself to a warmer and more muted typing sound. Typing feel, therefore, blends the characteristics of both the top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing’s nylon ensuring a consistent depth across both switches. Depending on the desired auditory and tactile experience, users may lean towards one switch over the other, taking into consideration how each housing material uniquely contributes to the overall performance and feel of their keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we see some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light; this makes it well-suited for those who prefer a balance between ease of key presses and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Rosewood has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams but a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, labeling it as light overall. This means the Rosewood may appeal to users seeking a less strenuous typing experience, while the Ash Gray's increased bottom out force could provide a more substantial feel for typists who enjoy that tactile feedback. Consequently, the Ash Gray is the heavier switch due to its higher bottom out force, while the Rosewood is lighter, offering a somewhat softer overall experience. If you're looking for a switch that allows for long periods of typing or gaming without fatigue, the Rosewood may be the better choice, whereas the Ash Gray will satisfy those who prefer a firmer feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch reveals notable differences. The Ash Gray switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter of the two options available. In contrast, the Rosewood switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional standard. This means that if you favor a more responsive feel, the Ash Gray switch would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which is often preferred by gamers for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Rosewood offers a more pronounced depth, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch embodies a neutral profile, producing a moderate sound level that suits a wide range of environments, whether for home or office use. This switch, with its balanced acoustic quality, ensures that it won’t be distracting, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without overwhelming the user or disturbing those nearby. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch stands out with its deep, satisfying "thock" sound, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant. This luxurious sound signature can provide a more tactile auditory experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate pronounced acoustic feedback from their keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press mechanism, characterized by light actuation that minimizes finger fatigue during lengthy typing sessions. This easy actuation, combined with a mild tactile response, makes the Ash Gray suitable for users who prefer a gentle touch without sacrificing feedback. The tactile sensation is designed to be substantial but not excessive, appealing to both beginners and seasoned typists. In contrast, the feel of the Rosewood switch is not explicitly defined but is likely to deliver a smooth experience typical of linear switches, potentially providing a seamless keystroke without the tactile bump found in the Ash Gray.
In conclusion, both switches present distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Ash Gray tactile switch is perfect for those seeking a balanced approach to sound and feel, suitable in various settings without being intrusive. The Akko Rosewood linear switch, with its rich sound and likely smooth feel, caters to aesthetics and auditory pleasure. Depending on your preferences—whether prioritizing tactile feedback or sound enjoyment—you’ll find that each switch has its strengths, yet both can achieve satisfying typing experiences tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you value tactile feedback that is both pleasant and unobtrusive, the Ash Gray is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams provides an easy-to-press feel that accommodates long typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it suitable for both work and casual use. This switch delivers a neutral sound profile, which means it won't disrupt your environment, making it ideal for shared workspaces or quiet settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear action with a satisfying sound, the Rosewood is the better choice. With a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, this switch allows for quick, effortless keystrokes and is particularly suited for gaming or fast-paced typing. The thocky sound produced by the Rosewood enhances the auditory feedback of your typing experience, making it enjoyable and satisfying. In summary, choose the KTT Ash Gray for a balanced tactile experience and moderate sound, while opting for the Akko Rosewood if you desire a whisper-quiet typing feel and a more pronounced acoustic profile.
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