KTT Matcha vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially when we compare offerings like the KTT Matcha and the Akko Rosewood. The KTT Matcha stands out as an exemplary tactile switch, providing a delightful snappy feel that enhances the typing experience with its comfortable, pronounced tactility. Users can also appreciate its long pole stem, which delivers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound that adds a charming audio layer to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood, a linear switch, excels in producing a deep, satisfying thocky sound straight from the box, thanks to its thoughtful design with a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. While the Matcha caters to those who enjoy tactile feedback and acoustics, the Rosewood is ideal for users seeking a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience combined with a rich auditory signature. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your unique typing needs.

By the numbers

KTT Matcha Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Matcha and Akko Rosewood switches are crafted from distinctly different housing materials that greatly influence their acoustic profiles. The Matcha switches utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making the sound profile crisper when typing. Additionally, polycarbonate’s translucency allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, adding aesthetic appeal for users who enjoy custom lighting effects on their keyboards. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches are composed of nylon for both housings, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer properties of nylon help absorb more sound, leading to a quieter and more subdued typing experience, which some users may prefer for a calmer auditory feedback.

When considering performance, the differences in material not only affect the sound but also the overall typing experience. While the Matcha's polycarbonate delivers a clear top-out sound due to its rigidity, the Rosewood’s nylon creates a rounder, softer sound as you type. This distinction becomes particularly relevant in the bottom-out experience; the polycarbonate in the Matcha contributes to a more pronounced noise when the key is fully pressed down, while the nylon in Rosewood cushions the impact, resulting in a more muted response. Consequently, the dual characteristics of each housing material shape how users perceive sound and feedback during typing, ultimately catering to different preferences.

Despite their material differences, both the KTT Matcha and the Akko Rosewood are designed to deliver distinct typing sensations suitable for different types of users. If a switch features mixed materials in the top and bottom housing, it may blend the unique qualities each material contributes; thus, users may experience a hybrid sound profile with both crispness and depth. However, in the case of the Matcha and Rosewood, the separation of polycarbonate and nylon means that the acoustic results and tactile sensations remain largely defined by their respective materials. Ultimately, users can choose between the clarity of the Matcha and the richness of the Rosewood, depending on their personal typing style and sound preference.

Weight

The KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch offer a comparable actuation force, both requiring 40 grams to trigger a keystroke. This similarity ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of initial actuation. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Matcha switch bottoms out at 45 grams, while the Rosewood requires a slightly heftier 50 grams. As a result, the Matcha switch is lighter overall, making it an optimal choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. In contrast, the Rosewood's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, while both switches share the same actuation force, the difference in bottom out force makes them distinctly suited to different user preferences.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they offer identical keypress sensations from the top to the bottom. Because both switches share this travel distance, users can expect similar responsiveness and feel when pressing down on these keys. This makes them comparable in terms of overall travel distance, ensuring that whether you choose the Matcha or the Rosewood, the typing experience will be consistent in that aspect.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we see distinct characteristics. The Matcha has a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy effect when pressed, which results in a bright and percussive auditory experience. This feature provides a certain liveliness to typing, allowing feedback that can keep a typist engaged. In contrast, the Rosewood offers a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound, largely attributed to its factory-applied lubricant, which enhances the richness of each keystroke. This creates a sound signature that is more resonant and full, making it particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate a robust auditory feedback with every key press.

In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch excels with a combination of properties that contribute to a responsive typing experience. It exhibits a stepped tactility, allowing users to feel two stages of the keystroke, alongside a snappy responsiveness that makes each actuation feel lively. The Matcha is accented, providing a noticeable yet balanced amount of tactility without being overwhelming, resulting in a medium-level tactile sensation. Additionally, its feathery nature aids in reducing finger fatigue, which can be particularly beneficial during extended typing sessions. The subjective feel of the Akko Rosewood remains unexplored, making direct comparisons in terms of tactility and other tactile properties difficult. However, linear switches typically provide a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump, emphasizing a consistent press throughout the key’s travel.

Overall, while both switches cater to different auditory preferences, they each offer unique qualities that can suit various typing styles. The KTT Matcha is ideal for those who enjoy a clacky, tactile response that enhances engagement during typing, while the Akko Rosewood's thocky, deep sound provides a different auditory satisfaction, typically favored by users seeking a more muted yet pleasurable auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel—each offering a distinct yet enjoyable keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you value a tactile response with a light actuation and enjoy a lively, snappy typing experience, the Matcha is your best bet. Its feathery feel and clean, clacky sound make it an excellent choice for long typing sessions, especially if you’re in a shared space or prefer switches that communicate a tactile sensation without overwhelming bumpiness. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper, thocky auditory feedback and a smooth linear experience that feels satisfying and substantial under your fingers, the Rosewood is the way to go. Its slightly heavier actuation force adds a sense of authority while still remaining accessible for various typing tasks. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so consider what aspects are most important to you—be it sound, tactile feedback, or overall feel.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more