KTT MoonRosa vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the KTT MoonRosa and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT MoonRosa and the Akko Rosewood both present appealing options for users seeking a linear typing experience. The MoonRosa, with its all-POM construction, is revered for delivering a buttery smooth feel and a neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who value both comfort and quiet operation in their typing. Its easy-to-press action is particularly beneficial for prolonged use, whether for gaming or long writing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood distinguishes itself with a rich, deep thocky sound right out of the box, enhanced by its factory-applied lubricant. This switch caters to enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback and a more pronounced acoustic profile compared to its silent counterpart. Both switches offer unique strengths—MoonRosa for sheer smoothness and user-friendly typing, and Rosewood for its satisfying sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT MoonRosa and the Akko Rosewood, both switches utilize different top housing materials that significantly influence their acoustics and tactile experience. The MoonRosa features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a pleasing and unique sound profile, described as deeper and more muted. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a classic switch material recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics like POM, resulting in a rounder sound profile. Although both materials aim for a distinctive acoustic experience, their compositional differences lead to distinct auditory characteristics when typing.
Examining the bottom housing reveals a similar contrast. The KTT MoonRosa also employs a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the switch's overall sound quality, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing. This dual use of POM helps maintain a consistent sound profile throughout the actuation. In comparison, the Akko Rosewood's bottom housing is crafted from nylon, reinforcing the overall deeper and fuller sound characteristic of the switch. This material absorbs sound, creating a bottom-out experience that feels softer and more muted. Therefore, while both switches may produce a similar depth in sound, the varying materials contribute to a distinctive sound experience during bottoming out, with the MoonRosa possibly exhibiting slightly crisper tones due to the use of POM.
Ultimately, the differences between the KTT MoonRosa and Akko Rosewood housing materials can affect their overall performance while also reflecting their individual design philosophies. The MoonRosa, with a consistent POM setup, conveys a unified sound experience, while the Akko Rosewood, with its nylon top and bottom housing, offers a richer, more rounded acoustic profile. For users seeking a certain auditory feedback or switch feel, their choice between the two may hinge on preferences for sound characteristics—particularly around the actuation and bottoming out. Both switches, however, can deliver satisfying results, allowing typists to experience deep sound profiles, albeit through different material implementations.
Weight
The KTT MoonRosa and Akko Rosewood linear switches both offer a light typing experience, but they differ slightly in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The MoonRosa features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Rosewood requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the MoonRosa switch is the lighter option, which may be preferable for users looking for a faster response and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Rosewood’s heavier forces provide a more substantial push feel, catering to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, while both switches are light, the MoonRosa offers a lighter touch compared to the Rosewood's slightly heavier forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there is a notable difference. The MoonRosa features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Rosewood has a greater travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the MoonRosa provides a shorter travel distance, which can contribute to a faster response time, making it a preferable choice for gamers who value quick key presses. On the other hand, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Rosewood may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced key feel and a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you favor responsiveness, the MoonRosa would be the ideal option, whereas the Rosewood would be better suited for those who prefer the deeper actuation of a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 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 KTT MoonRosa linear switch produces a low-pitched tone that is characterized by a mellow and bass-heavy profile. This can create a more grounded audio feedback during typing, which may appeal to those who prefer a subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, attributed to a layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances the acoustic quality. While the MoonRosa offers a neutral sound signature, the Rosewood can create a more pronounced auditory experience. It's important to note that the overall sound can also be significantly influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap selection.
In terms of feel, the MoonRosa is regarded as easy-to-press, providing a gentle resistance that allows for effortless key activation. This feature is particularly beneficial for prolonged typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue and enhances overall comfort. On the other hand, the specific tactile feel of the Rosewood switches is not detailed, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, given that both switches fall under the linear category, users can generally expect a smooth keystroke without the tactile feedback associated with clicky or tactile switches.
Considering both sound and feel, the KTT MoonRosa and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The MoonRosa's low-pitched sound and effortless pressing experience create a comfortable typing environment, whereas the Rosewood's deep thock and presumably smooth feel appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the auditory experience or the tactile comfort of your keyboard switches; either way, both options promise rewarding typing encounters.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, your preferences and typing style will play a significant role. If you favor a lighter actuation and desire an effortless typing experience, the MoonRosa is an excellent choice. Its low 45-gram bottom-out force, combined with its all-POM construction, results in a smooth and easy-to-press feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without significant finger fatigue. Furthermore, the MoonRosa's low-pitched sound profile offers a subdued and mellow tone, perfect for those who prefer quieter environments or are sensitive to noise.
On the other hand, if you appreciate a deeper auditory feedback in your keyboard experience, the Akko Rosewood may be more up your alley. Although it is slightly heavier with a 50-gram bottom-out force, the satisfying thocky sound produced by the Rosewood switches—thanks to the factory-applied lubricant—adds a layer of tactile pleasure that can enhance your typing experience. The Rosewood switch would be especially suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing, creating a more engaging interaction with their keyboard.
Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, low-effort feel or an impactful, thocky tactile feedback in your typing.
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