KTT Mint vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Akko Rosewood both offer unique experiences despite sharing the linear switch category. The KTT Mint is celebrated for its pleasingly smooth action, characterized by a poppy thockiness that arises from its long pole stem. Users can anticipate a light and fleeting typing feel, which makes it a delightful choice for those who favor speed and agility in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches provide a deeper, more resonant thocky sound right out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This switch caters to those who appreciate a richer auditory feedback and a more substantial typing experience. While both switches promise a satisfying linear feel, the KTT Mint leans towards a more nimble touch, whereas the Akko Rosewood delivers a heavier, more tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Mint Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$2.91 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Akko Rosewood, it becomes evident that their top housings differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The KTT Mint features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, clearer sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material enhances the resonance of the switch, delivering a high-pitched and crisp audio experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood's top housing is made of nylon, which inherently absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer composition. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a rounder audio experience. Consequently, users looking for a vibrant sound may prefer the Mint, while those favoring a richer sound might be inclined toward the Rosewood.

On the other hand, both the KTT Mint and the Akko Rosewood share a commonality in their choice of bottom housing material: nylon. Since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the deeper and fuller sound characteristic of this material is present in both models. Nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes greatly to the tactile and auditory experience when typing; as such, the bottom-out sound and feel for both switches will resonate similarly. Since the bottom housing influences the sound when pressing down on a key, users can expect a consistent performance from both the KTT Mint and the Akko Rosewood at this point of contact.

In essence, the distinct differences between the top housing materials yield varied experiences when typing, but the nylon bottom housings of both the KTT Mint and the Akko Rosewood create a foundation for a fuller auditory experience. While the Mint’s polycarbonate top offers clarity and brightness, the Rosewood’s nylon top brings warmth and depth to the sound profile. Users can look forward to enjoying the rich bottom sound that both switches provide, showcasing how the combination of different materials affects the overall switch performance and user experience. Ultimately, the choice between them may hinge on a preference for tonal clarity versus warmth, while the common nylon bottom ensures a foundational auditory experience that both will deliver.

Weight

The KTT Mint linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Mint switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Rosewood switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it suitable for users who prefer less resistance while typing. This difference in weight can significantly influence the typing experience; while the lighter Rosewood may facilitate longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue, the Mint’s slightly heavier feel may appeal to those who favor a more substantial push for tactile feedback. Thus, while both switches are relatively similar in their bottom out forces, the Rosewood is the lighter option overall, making it ideal for users seeking ease in keystrokes.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch feature identical travel distances of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same key press length when engaging either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches deliver comparable tactile feedback and actuation, resulting in a similar feel during typing or gaming. Consequently, those who prefer one switch over the other might choose based on other characteristics, such as actuation force or sound, since the travel distance remains consistent between the two.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Mint linear switch produces a low-pitched and neutral tone, characterized by a mellower sound profile that tends to be less intrusive, making it suitable for both home and office environments. The low-pitched quality provides a bass-heavy presence that can be quite satisfying to type on. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is known for its deeper, thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that adds a layer of richness to each keystroke. While the Mint's sound is more subtle and versatile, the Rosewood delivers a more pronounced audio experience, creating a distinctly satisfying acoustic feedback that many users find enjoyable.

Regarding feel, the KTT Mint switch is perceived as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience that resonates well with a wide range of users. Its polished finish ensures a smooth and refined key travel, minimizing friction and enhancing the overall tactile pleasure of typing. This makes it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, the feel of the Rosewood switches is less defined in the information provided, leaving some unknowns in how they compare in tactile feedback. However, given the sound profile and the process involved, one could anticipate that the Rosewood may offer a unique tactile sensation that aligns with its thocky sound signature.

In conclusion, while both the KTT Mint and Akko Rosewood linear switches have their unique sound and feel attributes, the Mint is characterized by a mellow and polished experience, whereas the Rosewood stands out for its deep, satisfying sound. If you're drawn to a quieter typing experience, the Mint will serve you well, but if you prefer a richer auditory response, the Rosewood could be more appealing. Ultimately, your choice may depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but either of these switches will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience in distinct ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch boils down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a mildly tactile and smooth experience with a well-rounded sound profile, the KTT Mint is an excellent choice, especially if you value a light actuation and enjoy a poppy thockiness when typing. The Mint's bottom-out force of 53 grams makes it suitable for those who want a medium-light feel without compromising on the satisfaction of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek a more pronounced thocky sound and prefer an even lighter actuation for a softer typing experience, the Akko Rosewood would be the better fit, thanks to its 50-gram bottom-out force and factory-lubricated components which enhance its auditory appeal. Essentially, choose the Mint for a balanced typing experience and the Rosewood for a richer acoustic feedback. Ultimately, both switches can elevate your typing experience, so it comes down to whether you prefer a stable, polished feel or a more pronounced and soothing sound signature.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more