KTT Laurel vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two compelling options are the KTT Laurel and the Akko Rosewood, both recognized for their linear characteristics that favor smooth keystrokes. The KTT Laurel is celebrated for its medium-light feel, featuring a full POM housing and a long pole design that combines responsiveness with comfort, making it ideal for those who prioritize quick typing and a low-pitched acoustic profile. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood delights users with its deep, thocky sound, attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, offering a satisfying auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts seeking tactile feedback. While both switches cater to different preferences—one focusing on a snappy, quiet response and the other emphasizing a richer sound profile—each can enhance your typing experience uniquely. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Laurel and Akko Rosewood switches, the primary difference lies in the materials used for their housing. The Laurel features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, while the Rosewood uses nylon for its housings. The POM material in the Laurel is known for producing a unique, deeper sound profile that is relatively muted compared to switches with harder plastic housings. In contrast, the nylon used in the Rosewood creates a fuller sound, attributed to its softer nature that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, while both switches aim to deliver a deeper sound, the POM of the Laurel may produce a more distinct tone, while the nylon of the Rosewood fosters a more rounded profile.
In terms of how these materials interact with the tactile and auditory feedback of the switches, the POM housing of the Laurel lends itself to creating a unique sound that is often praised for its quality and distinctiveness. This contrasts with the Rosewood's nylon, which, despite being classified as a classic housing material, offers a proven acoustic profile favored by many enthusiasts. While both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, the way in which they handle sound and feel varies, with the POM housing being more rigid and offering a sharper sound, while nylon, being softer, diffuses the auditory feedback for a rounder effect. Consequently, users might be drawn to one over the other based on their specific preferences for sound and feel.
Despite these differences, the potential for achieving similar outcomes in typing sound profiles exists due to the inherent characteristics of both materials. The POM and nylon housings each bring their unique attributes to the overall experience, which can balance out the sound and tactile feedback during use. For instance, even though the Laurel might sound more muted compared to the Rosewood, both can achieve a satisfying deep sound due to their construction. Similarly, the tactile feel of the switches will reflect the qualities of the bottom and top housing, regardless of the material, allowing users to experience a gratifying typing sensation as they press the keys. Thus, while the materials differ, they are designed to ensure a quality performance that enhances user satisfaction in both the KTT Laurel and Akko Rosewood switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we can see that both switches are designed to provide a lightweight typing experience. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly heavier than the Rosewood's actuation force of 40 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to press all the way down. This means that while the Rosewood is marginally lighter in terms of actuation, users will experience a similar tactile bottoming out effect with both switches. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter switch will lean towards the Rosewood for its lower actuation force, while individuals who favor a firmer feel may still appreciate the Laurel, which, while feeling slightly heavier to engage initially, provides the same bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The KTT Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Rosewood features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on the keys, the Laurel will provide a slightly shorter press, which may appeal to those seeking a more responsive feel, particularly favored by gamers. In contrast, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance offers a deeper press, which some users might find more satisfying and substantial. Ultimately, if you prioritize quicker response times, the KTT Laurel would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more pronounced keypress, the Akko Rosewood would suit you better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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
The KTT Laurel linear switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, characterized by its mellow and bass-heavy tones, providing a gentle auditory feedback that many users find pleasing. Its acoustic quality is defined by a smooth sound that is less intrusive, making it suitable for both quiet work environments and casual gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deeper, thocky sound right out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This results in a more resonant and full-bodied auditory experience, appealing to those who appreciate a satisfying sound with each keystroke. While both switches provide enjoyable sound characteristics, the Laurel leans towards a more understated audio profile, while the Rosewood delivers a pronounced acoustic presence.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel is noted for its snappy responsiveness. This characteristic stems from its design, likely involving longer or dual-staged springs, which heighten the sensation of each keystroke and create an engaging typing experience. The quick actuation allows for a fluid typing style that many users crave. In contrast, the feel of the Akko Rosewood switch remains unknown, leaving it open for exploration. It's important to remember that feel can also be influenced by personal preference and typing technique, so users might find their own unique experiences with both switches.
In conclusion, both the KTT Laurel and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer distinct and enjoyable qualities, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Laurel impresses with its smooth, low-pitched sound and responsive, snappy feel, making it a great option for those seeking a subtle yet engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Rosewood presents a deeper sound profile that delivers a satisfying thock, although its tactile feel remains to be specified. Depending on individual tastes, users may choose between these two switches for different auditory and tactile experiences, and if they prefer similar results, experimenting with their specific keyboard setup is essential to achieving their desired outcome.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Laurel and the Akko Rosewood linear switches, consider your preferences for sound and feel alongside the overall typing experience you seek. If you prefer a snappy and responsive feel with a subtly low-pitched sound, the KTT Laurel is the ideal choice for you. Its full POM housing and light to medium weight make it great for rapid typing, particularly if you enjoy a more tactile and engaging experience. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a deeper, more satisfying thocky sound and a more robust auditory feedback, the Akko Rosewood might be your switch of choice. Its factory-applied lubricant enhances the smoothness while still delivering on sound. In essence, if sound quality and depth are your main priorities, go for the Rosewood; however, if you value a bright tactile response with a low-key audio profile, the Laurel would be your best bet.
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