KTT Cream Yellow vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko Rosewood linear switches stand out as two compelling options, each with their unique characteristics. The Cream Yellow switch is celebrated for its clacky sound profile, which is achieved through a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, providing an engaging audio experience complemented by a bouncy typing feel due to its lengthened spring. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a deeper, more thocky sound straight out of the box, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that results in a smooth typing experience. Both switches cater to different auditory preferences and tactile sensations, making them appealing for various typing styles. Whether you seek the playful resonance of the Cream Yellow or the satisfying thock of the Rosewood, your choice will ultimately shape your keyboard experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 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 Cream Yellow and the Akko Rosewood, the differences are most pronounced in their top housings. The Cream Yellow utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This quality is especially beneficial for users who enjoy a clear and resonant typing experience, particularly when RGB lighting is used, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition. The properties of nylon absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory feedback when typing. Thus, while both switches utilize distinct top housing materials that produce different sound characteristics, the Cream Yellow delivers a sound that is bright and crisp, whereas the Rosewood aims for a more subdued and rich acoustic output.
On the other hand, both the Cream Yellow and the Rosewood share similar materials for their bottom housings, both of which are made from nylon. This shared choice of nylon creates a consistent auditory experience between the two switches in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. As nylon is known for its softer qualities, it contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that can be felt during key presses. As a result, when users engage either switch, they'll experience the same duller and rounder bottom-out sound that nylon provides, marking a significant point of similarity in their overall performance despite the differences in their top housing materials.
The combination of top and bottom housing materials ultimately defines the overall sound and feel of both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Akko Rosewood switches. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing adds a bright, clear aspect to the switch's sound, while its nylon bottom retains a deeper character. Conversely, the Rosewood's nylon top offers a softer introduction to each keystroke but retains that signature deep sound on bottom-outs due to its nylon bottom. In essence, while the switches display contrasting characteristics predominantly through their tops, the shared nylon constituents create a common ground in their sound profiles, ensuring users will experience a comprehensive and enjoyable typing sensation regardless of their choice.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch that offers a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction means that those who prefer a lighter typing feel and extended typing sessions may lean towards the Rosewood switch, while users who enjoy a firmer push may prefer the Cream Yellow. Overall, the KTT Cream Yellow is the heavier switch, whereas the Akko Rosewood is the lighter option, making it a more suitable choice for users seeking comfort during long periods of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Rosewood boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cream Yellow provides a slightly shorter and potentially more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quick key presses. In contrast, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional and hearty depth that some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you desire the quicker response from the Cream Yellow or the more substantial feedback from the Rosewood.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow 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 Cream Yellow switch stands out with its distinctly clacky audio profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound that is bright and percussive. This is primarily attributed to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that enhances the resonant feedback with each keystroke. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood switch offers a deep, satisfying thocky sound, enriched further by a layer of factory-applied lubricant which contributes to its overall acoustic profile. While the Cream Yellow provides a more high-pitched sound, the Rosewood leans towards a deeper tone, catering to different auditory preferences and enhanced by the specific setup of the keyboard, including factors like keycaps and the board itself.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow is known for providing a bouncy typing sensation, with a longer spring that enhances the overall responsiveness and enjoyment during use. This switch is likely to offer a lively typing experience that can be engaging for frequent typists and gamers alike. The feel of the Akko Rosewood switch, while not detailed in the information provided, likely complements its sound characteristics, offering a robust experience that aims for smooth keystrokes due to its lubrication. Both switches are engineered to provide a significant tactile experience, but without specific descriptions for the Rosewood's feel, a precise comparison remains elusive.
In conclusion, both the KTT Cream Yellow and Akko Rosewood switches serve unique auditory pleasures, with the former emphasizing a clacky, bright sound and the latter delivering a deeper, thock-like tone. The feel of the Cream Yellow is characterized by its bounciness, while the Rosewood’s tactile experience remains undefined, leaving some ambiguity. Overall, each switch caters to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their sound and feel expectations, while also understanding that the final experience will depend on additional factors like keyboard configuration and keycap choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience and appreciate distinct audio feedback, the Cream Yellow is the way to go. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams offers a slightly firmer feel that many enthusiasts find satisfying, alongside its clacky sound profile that adds character to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth and deep acoustics, the Rosewood switch, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, may be more suited to your needs. Its thocky sound, enhanced by factory lubrication, creates a pleasant audio experience without the added force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or quiet environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you seek a more dynamic and bouncy experience or a smooth, muted one, tailoring your mechanical keyboard to fit your unique style and requirements.
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