KTT Hyacinth vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Hyacinth and Akko Rosewood both offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Hyacinth is celebrated for its thoughtful design, featuring a 3.5mm travel distance that minimizes the jarring hard bottoming-out sensation. This switch emphasizes a balance of tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, all underpinned by a single-stage elongated spring that promotes a consistent force curve. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood distinguishes itself with its rich, thocky sound profile, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that allows it to produce satisfying acoustic feedback right from the start. While the Hyacinth focuses on a smoother, more subtle feedback experience, the Rosewood caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response. Both switches possess their own charm; Hyacinth is ideal for those seeking comfort and subtlety, whereas Rosewood appeals to users who value auditory satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko Rosewood, distinct differences in sound profiles emerge based on their top housings. The Hyacinth utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This characteristic not only enhances clarity but also makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups, as its translucence allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood's nylon top housing contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is a hallmark of nylon's softer and more absorbent characteristics. This fundamental difference highlights the way housing materials can shape the auditory experience of each switch, suggesting that users desiring brightness and clarity may prefer the Hyacinth, while those looking for richness and depth might favor the Rosewood.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko Rosewood share a commonality in their bottom housings, using nylon. This choice of material yields a similar effect in sound and feel, with both switches evoking a deeper, rounder auditory response. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, ensuring a satisfying feel when bottoming out the switches. This uniformity allows users to experience a consistent depth of sound across both switch types, contrasting the distinct top sounds brought by each housing material. As such, while the top housings diverge significantly in their contributions to sound, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a familiar tactile and auditory experience.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the KTT Hyacinth and Akko Rosewood results in a distinct overall sound profile for each switch. The Hyacinth's polycarbonate top provides a bright, crisp sound when the key is released, heightening its sharpness, while the bottom housing’s nylon maintains a rounder tone during the actuation. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood's nylon top offers a warm, softer sound at release, complemented by a similarly deep response from its nylon bottom during actuation. For users, this means that while both switches can deliver a pleasing sound experience, the nuances in top housing material significantly influence the overall auditory characteristics, guiding personal preferences in selecting one over the other.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Rosewood is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classifying it as light. This makes the Rosewood more suitable for users who prefer a gentler keystroke, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial typing feel may appreciate the Hyacinth's heavier resistance. Therefore, while both switches offer a decent typing experience, the Hyacinth is positioned as the heavier option, making it ideal for users seeking a firmer tactile feedback during typing, while the Rosewood caters to those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko Rosewood linear switches, there is a notable difference. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Rosewood extends to 4 mm. This means that the KTT Hyacinth offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Akko Rosewood. For those who favor quicker response times, the Hyacinth's shorter travel may be more appealing, aligning with the trend of gamers who prefer swift keystrokes. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Rosewood might be preferred by individuals who appreciate a more substantial depth in each keystroke, as it can provide a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance suitable for various environments, making it an adaptable choice for both beginners and experienced users alike. This moderate sound is advantageous in shared spaces where overt noise might be distracting. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is renowned for its deep, thocky sound profile that results from a factory-applied lubricant layer. This auditory experience is typically more pronounced and satisfying, often appealing to users who enjoy a richer sound while typing.
When considering the feel of these switches, the KTT Hyacinth offers a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall comfort during extended typing sessions. Its subtle switch design provides a gentle resistance without overwhelming the user, making it practical in shared or quieter environments. In contrast, the specific feel attributes of the Rosewood switches remain unspecified, leaving an unknown element in how they might compare directly in terms of smoothness or resistance.
Overall, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch delivers a balanced auditory and tactile experience, ideal for users prioritizing versatility and comfort, while the Akko Rosewood caters to those who prefer a more robust sound signature. While the two switches exhibit different sound profiles, their feel may resonate similarly, notably in terms of smoothness and user comfort. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will come down to your personal preference for sound and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the KTT Hyacinth and the Akko Rosewood linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for sound and tactile experience. If you prioritize a smooth and silky typing experience combined with a neutral sound profile that suits both professional environments and casual gaming, the KTT Hyacinth is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 56 grams offers a balanced feel, especially if you are looking to avoid the hard bottoming-out sensation common with longer-stem switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Akko Rosewood might be more suitable. With a softer actuation force of 50 grams and its deep, thocky sound right out of the box, the Rosewood delivers an engaging acoustic experience alongside its satisfying performance. Therefore, consider the context in which you will be using the keyboard, your sensitivity to sound, and how much you value tactile feedback when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
