Cherry MX Orange vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the choice of switches can dramatically affect your typing experience, and two popular options worth considering are the Cherry MX Orange and the KTT Rose switches, both of which are linear. The Cherry MX Orange switches, celebrated for their revival of the original MX Orange design with enhancements from the MX2A generation, offer a smooth and consistent keystroke that many users love for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the KTT Rose switches not only boast a visually appealing design but also introduce a unique typing experience with their progressive springs, creating a pleasant, bassy sound reminiscent of raindrops—perfect for those who appreciate both aesthetics and acoustics. While the MX Orange tends to be favored for its reliability in performance, the KTT Rose leans towards a more sensory experience, appealing to users who prioritize feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
The Cherry MX Orange and KTT Rose switches offer a distinct contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their auditory characteristics and overall typing experience. The MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic can enhance the tactile feedback when typing, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In comparison, the KTT Rose features a polycarbonate top housing that is relatively stiffer, producing a sharper, high-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate not only affects the sound but also provides a clearer resonance—particularly advantageous for those who enjoy RGB lighting, as the transparent nature of polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion.
Interestingly, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, aligning them in this particular aspect. The nylon material is celebrated for imparting a deeper sound quality, creating a cohesive auditory feedback when the switch is bottomed out. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users will experience comparable sound characteristics from that aspect of both switches. Despite the differing top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users will still enjoy a rich, full sound when they press down on the key, emphasizing the tactile experience.
However, the divergence between the top housings has implications for the overall typing experience. While the MX Orange's nylon top results in a subdued sound profile that many users find appealing for its quietness, the KTT Rose’s polycarbonate top allows for a livelier and crisper auditory response upon key release. This means that while both switches utilize nylon on the bottom to create a rich sound when bottomed out, the experience when releasing a key will vary significantly due to the properties of the top housing materials. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on user preference for auditory feedback: a softer, deeper tone versus a sharper, more resonant sound.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange has a specified actuation force of 55 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown; on the other hand, the KTT Rose's actuation force is also unspecified, while its bottom out force is measured at 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. Given this, we can conclude that the Cherry MX Orange is lighter in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the KTT Rose, with its heavier bottom out force, is likely to provide a more substantial tactile experience for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. While both switches excel in different areas, the absence of data for the actuation forces leaves a gap in direct comparison, but it’s clear that KTT Rose has a heavier bottom out force than the Cherry MX Orange's unknown value.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when you press down on either key, the distance traveled is identical. This similarity in travel distance indicates that users can expect a comparable keypress experience in terms of depth and feel. As a result, both switches will deliver similar tactile feedback and actuation, making them suitable for users who prefer linear switches with equivalent travel distances. Thus, whether using the Cherry MX Orange or the KTT Rose, typists and gamers alike can enjoy a consistent performance when pressing down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switches are best experienced in a neutral and balanced realm, which means they’re designed to cater to a wide audience. While the specific sound profile is not stated, they generally offer a smooth acoustic profile that isn’t overly pronounced, making them suitable for various environments. In contrast, the KTT Rose switches produce a low-pitched sound characterized by a bass-heavy tone. The auditory experience is likened to hearing “bassy raindrops” when typing, which adds a unique flavor to the typing experience. This mellow and neutral sound profile means that both switches can be suitable for different settings, but if you prefer a more bassy acoustic signature, the KTT Rose may have the edge.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Orange buttons provide an undisclosed tactile experience, leaving it open for interpretation based on individual preferences and external components. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switches are noted for their mild feel, making them approachable for novices and seasoned typists alike. The polished nature of the Rose switches ensures a refined typing experience with smooth key travel, which may be attractive for those who prefer less friction. This makes the Rose switches not only gentle but also sleek in operation, appealing to users who prioritize a cushioned and satisfying typing experience.
Overall, while both the Cherry MX Orange and KTT Rose switches serve the purpose of linear switching with a focus on smooth operation, they cater to slightly different sound and feel preferences. The MX Orange maintains a more neutral acoustic profile and an unspecified feel, making it a versatile choice, whereas the KTT Rose stands out with its low-pitched sound and polished, mild experience. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or a smooth, refined tactile sensation during typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Cherry MX Orange and KTT Rose linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you are a user who values a smooth and refined experience with a low-pitched sound, the KTT Rose switch could be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a satisfying tactile response, making it perfect for those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel without being overly burdensome. The bassy undertones and polished nature of the Rose switches ensure that your keystrokes deliver a pleasant auditory feedback while maintaining a gentle and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches may appeal to those who are looking for a nostalgic feel, reviving the classic essence of mechanical switches with a focus on smooth linear movement. Although the exact bottom-out force for the MX Orange is not specified, its reputation for delivering a lightweight yet satisfying typing experience makes it suitable for fast typists or gamers who need rapid actuation without excessive force. In summary, whether you lean towards the classic Cherry MX feel or the more refined, bass-heavy nature of the KTT Rose, your choice will ultimately shape your keyboard experience, so consider what aspects matter most to you in your daily use.
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