KTT Mallo vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mallo and Akko Rosewood present two distinct yet appealing options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The KTT Mallo is celebrated for its subtle tactile feedback that delivers just the right amount of responsiveness without overwhelming the typist. With a medium-light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Mallo switch offers a harmonious typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who require versatility in various environments. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood shines with its striking linear response and robust thocky sound, enhanced by a specially applied lubricant that creates a smooth and satisfying keystroke. This switch appeals especially to gamers and avid typists who enjoy a more direct typing experience without tactile interruptions. Both switches have their unique attributes and benefits, catering to diverse user needs; 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and the Akko Rosewood switches display notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly impact their sound profiles. The Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, producing a sharper and crisper sound when typing. This emphasis on clarity makes it particularly suitable for setups with RGB lighting, as the light can easily shine through and highlight its aesthetic appeal. In stark contrast, the Rosewood employs a nylon top housing, which, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and thus results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The distinction between the two materials showcases how variations in hardness and sound absorption properties can lead to contrasting auditory experiences even though they share the same bottom housing material.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a cohesive element to their overall sound profile despite the diverging characteristics of the top housings. The nylon bottom housing in both the KTT Mallo and the Akko Rosewood contributes to a rounder sound, as it absorbs sound waves more effectively due to its softer composition. This similarity ensures that regardless of the differences in the top housings, both switches share the ability to create a pleasant and deep typing experience owing to the common material used in the bottom housing. The traits imparted by nylon, such as the muffled sound upon bottoming out, unify the typing feel and auditory output when pressed down.
In terms of performance, the combination of different top housings leads to interesting results when the switches are engaged. The KTT Mallo, with its polycarbonate top, allows for a more prominent and resonant sound when keys are released. Meanwhile, the Akko Rosewood's nylon top might offer a more subdued key release. When pressing down the keys, the bottom housing of both switches guarantees a full-bodied sound. Therefore, while the Mallo excels in producing sharper sounds due to the polycarbonate's properties, the Rosewood's nylon top housing provides a more rounded sound, illustrating how distinct materials can serve specific auditory preferences while still converging on a shared level of satisfaction due to their similar bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Mallo switch has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Rosewood switch has a defined actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This means that the Rosewood requires less force to trigger a keystroke, which could be advantageous for those who favor prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Mallo’s heavier bottom out force could provide a satisfying feel. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique characteristics, the Rosewood is the lighter option with a lower actuation force, making it more suitable for users who prioritize ease of use.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they offer the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect comparable feedback and responsiveness when typing or gaming, leading to similar experiences in terms of keypress feel and depth. Since both switches share this identical travel distance, any performance-related results, such as actuation feel and typing comfort, could yield equivalent outcomes, making either switch a viable option for enthusiasts looking for similar characteristics in tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 considering the sound profiles of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, they present markedly different auditory experiences. The Mallo showcases a neutral sound signature, offering a balanced moderate sound that is neither intrusive nor overly quiet. Its subdued nature makes it suitable for various environments, maintaining a pleasant auditory backdrop without dominating the soundscape. In stark contrast, the Rosewood switch is noted for its deep, satisfying "thocky" sound, a product of a factory-applied lubricant that enhances its acoustic response. This distinct sound can be appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke, making it quite suitable for those who appreciate the tactile aspect of typing.
In terms of tactile feel, the KTT Mallo switches excel with their gentle and mild tactile feedback. The feathery actuation means that users will experience minimal finger fatigue, making it especially comfortable for extended use whether for gaming, typing, or during work sessions. Their subtle and stepped nature provides a level of tactile feedback that is satisfying without being overwhelming, catering to those who prefer a more restrained experience. On the other hand, the specifics of the Rosewood switches’ feel, particularly in their tactile qualities or resistance, remain unknown. However, as they are categorized as linear switches, users can expect a smoother actuation with no tactile bump, differing greatly from the Mallo's tactile characteristics.
In summary, the KTT Mallo and Akko Rosewood switches each offer distinct subjective qualities suited to different preferences. The Mallo provides a balanced auditory experience with gentle yet noticeable tactile feedback, making it versatile and approachable for a broad range of users. Conversely, the Rosewood switch stands out with its deep sound profile appealing to those who enjoy pronounced acoustic feedback without tactile resistance. Ultimately, choosing between these two depends on whether you prioritize auditory satisfaction and pronounced feedback (Rosewood) or prefer a more nuanced and adaptable typing experience (Mallo).
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're someone who enjoys tactile feedback while typing without overwhelming sensations, the KTT Mallo is an excellent choice. Its medium-light force of 55 grams and subtle tactility provide a well-rounded experience, making it suitable for both long typing sessions and gaming. Furthermore, the neutral and subdued sound profile ensures that it can be used comfortably in shared environments without causing distractions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke and a more pronounced auditory experience, the Akko Rosewood linear switch might be the better option for you. With a lighter actuation force of just 50 grams and its naturally thocky sound, the Rosewood excels in gaming and offers a satisfying experience for those who appreciate a more effortless keypress. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and environment; the Mallo for balanced feedback and versatile use, and the Rosewood for a smoother, more acoustically engaging experience.
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