TTC Ice vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to both the TTC Ice and the Akko Rosewood, two notable linear options that offer unique attributes for different typing experiences. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its stunning crystal-clear design, providing a visually striking aesthetic alongside a smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances both gaming and everyday use. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood excels with its deep, thocky acoustics right out of the box, thanks in part to a thoughtfully applied layer of factory lubricant that enriches the typing experience. Both switches cater to linear-switch lovers, offering distinct sensations and characteristics that might appeal to different users—whether you prioritize visual appeal and responsiveness or sound and tactile sturdiness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and Akko Rosewood switches showcase a distinct divergence in their housing materials which significantly influences their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The Ice employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice translates to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, benefitting from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound but also allows for greater visual appeal when utilized in RGB lighting setups, thanks to its translucency. The polycarbonate housing contributes to a more defined typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a bright and responsive key press.
In stark contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in a markedly different auditory experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound better than polycarbonate, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, the sound produced by the Akko Rosewood switches is characterized by a rounder and more muted quality, catering to users who appreciate a softer auditory feedback and a more cushioned typing experience. The nylon material ensures that users will notice a significant difference in the sound produced when bottoming out a key compared to the sharper sound from the Ice switches.
Despite the differences in materials, both switches achieve distinct sound profiles due to the unique properties of their respective housing choices. The Ice’s polycarbonate construction leads to a clearer sound during both keypress and release, whereas the Rosewood's nylon delivers a more subdued yet pleasant auditory feedback. The key takeaway here is that while both switches harness the sound-modifying properties of their specific materials differently, they can still provide satisfying experiences. Users looking for a particular sound profile would benefit from understanding these nuances, as the interaction between the top and bottom housings ultimately shapes the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which classifies it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. While both switches provide a satisfactory tactile response, the TTC Ice's higher weights give it a more substantial push feel, appealing to users seeking a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, if akin results in feel or performance are desired, one might opt for switches that align closely in actuation forces. However, in this comparison, the Rosewood is lighter while the Ice is heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the TTC Ice has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Rosewood features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm can significantly affect the typing experience. If you favor a more responsive feel that caters to quick actions, such as gaming, the shorter travel distance of the Ice switch may be more appealing. In contrast, if you prefer a more pronounced depth during keypresses and a comforting tactile sensation, the longer travel distance of the Rosewood switch would likely be more satisfying. Thus, while both options serve distinct preferences, the Ice offers quicker response times, and the Rosewood provides a deeper typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 TTC Ice linear switches produce a satisfying bottom-out noise that enhances the overall typing experience, aligning well with both gaming and daily tasks. This sound is generally pleasing, balancing between a subtle yet noticeable presence. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switches are characterized by a deep, thocky sound right out of the box. This distinct auditory profile is partly attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which accentuates the richness of the sound without overwhelming it. Both switches provide enjoyable auditory feedback, but they cater to different preferences—one leaning towards a smoother accent and the other offering a more resonant, pronounced tone.
When considering the feel of these switches, the TTC Ice linear switch is noted for its smooth and responsive actuation. This quality contributes to a seamless typing experience, making it particularly suitable for rapid keystrokes often required in gaming contexts. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood linear switch also offers a smooth actuation but tends to deliver a more tactile experience, likely aided by the way the lubricant interacts with the switch components. The difference in feel can affect typing preferences, as Ice switches may appeal more to those seeking swift responsiveness, while Rosewood switches might be favored by users who enjoy a touch of added depth in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Ice and Akko Rosewood linear switches present engaging auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Ice switch leans towards a clear, satisfying sound and a highly responsive feel, while the Rosewood provides a deeper, thocky auditory experience paired with a smooth yet richly textured feel. Depending on individual preferences, either switch can enhance your typing or gaming experience, and understanding these subjective qualities will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, your choice should align with your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Ice switch is an excellent option, especially for tasks that require precision, such as gaming or coding. Its smooth, responsive action and premium sound, characterized by a satisfying bottom-out thump, can enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter typing feel with a bottom-out force of 50 grams and enjoy a deeper, thocky sound, the Rosewood switch would be more suitable for you. Its factory-applied lubricant contributes not only to a smoother keystroke but also to a more pleasurable acoustic experience straight out of the box. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize a medium actuation force and the aesthetic appeal of the Ice or the lighter touch and rich sound profile of the Rosewood. Choose the switch that resonates best with your style, and you'll enrich your mechanical keyboard experience tremendously.
Mentioned in this article
