Gateron Melodic vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the KTT Rose, a linear switch. The Gateron Melodic is praised for reinvigorating the clicky switch category by offering a smooth factory lubing process and dual-railed stems for a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Rose stands out for its unique use of progressive springs, providing a substantial yet not heavy typing experience with a touch of elegance. While the Melodic is known for being 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Rose is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Rose utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Melodic and the Rose utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a balanced sound experience for users of both switches.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the qualities brought by each material - polycarbonate and nylon - are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This distribution of housing materials ensures that both the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Rose provide a unique sound experience for users, with a balance of sharpness and depth in their sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, it is evident that the Melodic has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Rose's heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. However, both switches have an actuation force of None grams. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of triggering a keystroke. The lighter bottom out force of the Melodic switch makes it more suitable for typing for longer periods of time or extended gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Rose switch offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feel and keypress experience in terms of how far the switch moves from the top to the bottom. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel, making it a matter of personal preference when choosing between the two switches. Ultimately, whether choosing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the KTT Rose linear switch, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched clean sound that immerses users in each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Rose linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that suits a variety of typing preferences. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, so users can choose based on their desired sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and reactive feel. On the other hand, the KTT Rose linear switch offers a mild and polished feel, presenting a gentle typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to users looking for either a more dynamic and responsive feel or a smoother and refined typing experience.
Overall, users can expect a unique and immersive typing experience with both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Rose linear switch. Depending on whether you prefer a higher-pitched clicky sound with pronounced feedback and smoothness or a low-pitched linear sound with a gentle and polished feel, both switches offer quality performance that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing sensation, but either way, users can expect satisfying results with these mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Melodic may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Rose switch might be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a higher-pitched and sharp sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing feel, the Melodic switch is worth considering. Conversely, if you prefer a low-pitched and mellow sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel, the Rose switch could be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and bottom out force.
Mentioned in this article
