KTT Glimp vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Glimp and Akko Rosewood both offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Glimp is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, providing a responsive typing feel that balances substantial feedback with comfort—ideal for those who type for extended periods and seek a slightly clackier auditory experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch boasts a deep, resonant thock with a surprisingly delightful sound profile right out of the box, thanks to its factory-applied lubricant; this makes it a fantastic choice for users who value a smooth and rich auditory experience. While both switches exemplify linear design principles, the Glimp leans into a more vibrant sound and balanced feedback, whereas the Rosewood offers a deeper acoustic profile with enhanced smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your personal typing style and sound preference.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Akko Rosewood, distinct differences emerge between their top housings. The KTT Glimp employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffness, which allows for better resonance and clarity when typing. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal—especially when paired with RGB lighting—but also allows for a more vibrant illumination effect. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a nylon top housing, known for its classic use in switch construction. The softer nature of nylon leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as it effectively absorbs sound and provides a duller, rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials affects not just the sound quality but also the overall tactile feedback of each keyboard.
Both the KTT Glimp and the Akko Rosewood utilize nylon for their bottom housings, establishing a commonality that unites their sound profiles. In both cases, the nylon material’s absorbent properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. As the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the keys are pressed down, both switches provide a similar tactile experience due to the signature characteristics of nylon. This means that while the top housings create contrasting auditory profiles—the Glimp offering clarity and sharpness through polycarbonate, and the Rosewood delivering depth through nylon—their shared bottom housing material brings a degree of consistency to the overall typing experience.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in both the KTT Glimp and the Akko Rosewood results in a unique interplay of sound characteristics. The Glimp’s polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance when keys are released, complementing the deep and rich tones generated by its nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the Rosewood’s nylon top provides a softer and rounded sound upon key release, harmonizing well with its similar bottom housing material. This effective pairing of materials ensures that despite the differences in the top housing, both switches can still yield satisfactory outcomes, enabling customizers to achieve distinct typing experiences while benefiting from the depth provided by nylon in both models.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we can see some noteworthy differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option. In contrast, the Rosewood switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This difference means that the Rosewood switch is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended periods, ideal for work or long gaming sessions. Conversely, the Glimp, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may appeal to users who favor a more substantial typing feedback. Thus, while both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, the choice largely depends on individual preferences for weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience an identical keypress depth when using either switch. This equivalence in travel distance ensures that the tactile feedback and overall typing experience will be similar for both switches, providing a consistent feel for users regardless of which option they choose. Since both switches have the same travel distance, you can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of responsiveness and key actuation depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Glimp and Akko Rosewood linear switches, distinct differences emerge. The Glimp features a fairly clacky sound, characterized by a crisp and snappy auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. This sharpness provides a bright, percussive element that some users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Rosewood switch offers a deep, thocky sound, which is inherently satisfying and complements the typing experience well. The Rosewood’s auditory profile benefits from a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, further deepening the sound and providing a unique resonance. Both sound signatures cater to different preferences; while the Glimp delivers a bright and lively keypress, the Rosewood gives a richer, more substantial auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Glimp switch stands out with its creamy texture, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that allows for effortless gliding across the keys. This luxurious sensation can be attributed to either the lubrication present in the switch or the materials used in its construction, making each keystroke a pleasure. It also provides mild resistance, striking a balance between comfort and engagement. Conversely, the feel qualities of the Rosewood switch remain unknown, making it difficult to draw comparisons in this aspect. However, since both switches are linear types, one can reasonably expect that both provide a smooth keypress experience, emphasizing fluidity in typing.
Overall, both the KTT Glimp and Akko Rosewood linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Glimp offers a bright, clacky sound and a creamy, smooth feel, appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback as part of their typing journey. Meanwhile, the Rosewood excels in providing a deep, thocky sound, likely paired with a substantial feel, although that aspect remains unspecified. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback; both options promise a satisfying typing experience, with each switch appealing to different facets of that experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-light actuation force accompanied by a responsive and satisfying tactile feel, the Glimp is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile enhances the auditory experience of typing, making it particularly enjoyable for those who thrive on tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter actuation, the Akko Rosewood switch's 50-gram bottom-out force provides a fluid typing experience with a deeper, thocky sound straight out of the box. This makes it an ideal option for those who appreciate a quieter typing environment while still enjoying a rich sound quality. Ultimately, consider your typing habits—whether you prefer a more substantial tactile response or a lighter, smoother action—when making your selection. Both switches offer unique benefits, ensuring that you'll find satisfaction regardless of the path you choose.
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