KTT Kang White vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Kang White and the Akko Rosewood both stand out as compelling linear options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KTT Kang White is celebrated for its exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch, boasting a dazzling typing sound and a remarkable smoothness due to its self-lubricating material. Its low-pitched and neutral characteristics make it an appealing choice for those who prefer a subtle yet enjoyable auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood offers a deep, satisfying thocky sound right out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This switch provides a more pronounced auditory feedback, making it an enticing option for users who relish a more resonant typing experience. While both switches share the linear profile facilitating smooth keystrokes, their distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences highlight different aspects of linear switch design. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the Akko Rosewood switches, a notable contrast arises from the differences in their top housings. The Kang White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and light transmittance, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes nylon for its top housing, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This distinction in material contributes to how each switch responds during typing—while the polycarbonate enhances brightness and resonance, the nylon dampens sound, providing a smoother, more rounded sound signature. Therefore, if someone prefers a high-pitched response for gaming or typing that facilitates enhanced feedback, the Kang White offers an advantage.
Both switches, however, share the same material for their bottom housings—nylon—which allows for a commonality in the sound profile when keys bottom out. The softness of nylon, characteristic of both switches, absorbs sound effectively and contributes to a fuller bottom-out experience. This promotes a more muted sound that many typists may find pleasurable while typing, offering a tactile yet cushioned feel. As such, the presence of nylon in both the KTT Kang White and Akko Rosewood switches ensures that users enjoy a similar roundness in sound and a softer feedback when keys are pressed down, despite the divergence in their top housings.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Kang White enhances RGB lighting, making it perfect for those seeking vibrant illumination. The clear nature of polycarbonate allows light to pass through efficiently, showcasing a colorful and dynamic lighting effect. Conversely, while the nylon housing in the Akko Rosewood is less conducive to lighting effects, it does provide a classic feel appreciated by enthusiasts. For users looking for a combination of vibrant visual effects and audio feedback, the Kang White’s polycarbonate top housing may suit them better, while those prioritizing sound depth and a traditional aesthetic might lean towards the Akko Rosewood. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches can significantly influence the typing experience, shaped by the unique properties of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Kang White features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it 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. This means that users of the Rosewood switch will experience less resistance when pressing the keys, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter feel that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Kang White's heavier forces provide a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch would benefit from the Akko Rosewood, while those who prefer a heftier resistance may gravitate towards the KTT Kang White.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they provide a similar tactile experience when pressed. This equal distance ensures that users can expect a consistent feel during key presses, regardless of which switch is chosen. With both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm, they are particularly suitable for those who appreciate linear switches in terms of smoothness and consistent travel characteristics.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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 Kang White linear switch offers a captivating acoustic experience marked by its low-pitched and neutral qualities. This switch delivers a rich bass-heavy tone that works well in various environments, making it suitable for both home and office use. The sound is not overly intrusive, striking a balance that can satisfy both beginners and advanced users. Meanwhile, the Akko Rosewood linear switch stands out with its deep, satisfying thocky sound, thanks to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This adds an extra layer of richness to the auditory experience, making each keystroke feel purposeful and fulfilling. While both switches produce pleasant sounds, the Kang White leans towards a more moderate and versatile auditory profile, whereas the Rosewood offers a more pronounced and resonant experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Kang White's self-lubricating material provides an unparalleled smoothness during typing, ensuring that each keystroke feels fluid and seamless. This quality is beneficial for long typing sessions, as it minimizes friction and enhances overall comfort. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch, while specific tactile feedback levels are unknown, is recognized for its smooth operation. The construction likely supports a similar seamless typing experience, making both switches appealing choices for users seeking a fluid typing feel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Kang White and Akko Rosewood linear switches provide enjoyable sound and typing experiences, yet they cater to different preferences in auditory feedback. The Kang White excels with its low-pitched, neutral tones, while the Rosewood offers a more pronounced thocky sound. In terms of feel, both switches provide smooth operation, making them suitable choices for anyone looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience. Overall, regardless of sound preference, users can anticipate a pleasing tactile experience from either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, your specific typing preferences and environments play crucial roles. If you favor a moderately heavier actuation and desire a smooth, satisfying typing experience along with a low-pitched sound profile, the Kang White is an excellent choice for both general use and focused tasks. Its self-lubricating material enhances the overall feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more pronounced acoustic character, the Rosewood switch’s thocky sound and softer actuation force might be more suitable for you. Its factory-applied lubricant delivers a unique auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable, particularly in casual or creative environments. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a medium actuation force and silky smoothness or a lighter switch with deeper, more resonant acoustics.
Mentioned in this article
