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KTT Orange vs. Akko Rosewood

An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the KTT Orange and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Orange Switch is celebrated for its bouncy feel and frictionless motion, courtesy of its 22mm long spring and expertly crafted components that result in a smooth and low-pitched typing experience. Its polycarbonate milky top housing and vivid orange nylon bottom provide durability while contributing to a refined key travel that users appreciate. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood Switch shines with its deep, thocky sound that enhances the auditory pleasure of typing, thanks to a subtle layer of factory-applied lubricant that ensures a satisfying acoustic feedback. While the KTT Orange leans towards those who prefer a silky-smooth and quiet experience, the Rosewood is ideal for individuals who enjoy a pronounced sound with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is the best fit for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

46g

Actuation force

40g

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

50g

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

Nylon

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm gold-plated spring

Spring

22mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Akko Rosewood switches differ significantly, impacting their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The KTT Orange features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. As a stiff plastic, polycarbonate contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound, producing a crisp and clear audio feedback upon typing. This material is particularly advantageous for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke response, especially in RGB setups where its translucency enhances visual aesthetics. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, which results in a rounder, more muted auditory experience that many typists find pleasing for long typing sessions.

When considering the performance characteristics of each switch, the differences in housing materials play a pivotal role. The KTT Orange, with its uniform use of polycarbonate, is engineered for clarity and resonance, ensuring that both the bottom-out and release sounds reflect its material properties. Thus, typists can expect consistency in the sharpness and articulation of sound, which can enhance the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood's nylon housing creates a contrasting typing experience; the softer material means that users will encounter a less pronounced feedback overall. The deeper tones produced by nylon become apparent, especially during bottoming out, making the Akko Rosewood a better choice for those seeking a warm, cushioned sound.

However, while the two switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different materials, they can still yield similar typing experiences under the right conditions. If an individual were to mix and match a switch configuration where both switches incorporate similar ratios of polycarbonate and nylon in both the top and bottom housings, it would balance out the sonic characteristics. Typists could then enjoy a hybrid experience with elements of clarity and depth. The KTT Orange's design focuses on clarity, while the Akko Rosewood's emphasis is on warmth. This demonstrates how the intentional selection of housing materials directly influences sound and feel, yet a thoughtful design can lead to comparable results through a blend of both properties.

Weight

The KTT Orange linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch showcase notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The KTT Orange requires an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, positioning it firmly in the light category. This difference means that users who prefer a softer touch and potentially longer typing sessions might gravitate towards the Rosewood switch, while those seeking a bit more resistance during keypresses might favor the Orange switch. Overall, the Akko Rosewood offers a lighter feel, appealing to those who prioritize ease of use for extended periods, whereas the KTT Orange provides a slightly heavier experience for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The KTT Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Akko Rosewood has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer choice. This distinction can influence the user experience significantly; the shorter travel distance of the Orange switch may cater to gamers seeking faster response times, while those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation may prefer the Rosewood switch with its greater depth. Ultimately, individuals who favor a swift feel will benefit from the KTT Orange, whereas those who seek a more substantial tactile experience might gravitate towards the Akko Rosewood.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.

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.

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

The sound profile of the KTT Orange switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone, which tends to deliver a mellow and bass-heavy resonance during typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch is recognized for producing a deep and satisfying "thock" sound. This distinction suggests that while both switches provide a unique auditory experience, the Orange leans towards a softer and less pronounced sound signature, likely resulting in a more subdued typing environment. The deeper sound of the Rosewood can enhance the tactile feedback, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate an auditory response while typing.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange switch is notable for its bouncy characteristics, providing a lively, elastic feedback that gives the user a noticeable rebound upon key press. This, combined with its frictionless action, results in a smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance throughout the key travel. The specifics of the Rosewood switch’s feel remain unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, if the Rosewood also employs a refined mechanism, it could potentially offer pleasant tactile qualities as well.

In conclusion, both the KTT Orange and Akko Rosewood switches present distinctive sound and feel attributes that cater to different preferences. The Orange focuses on a smooth, low-pitched sound and a bouncy, frictionless typing sensation, while the Rosewood is celebrated for its deep thocky sound. Without specific feel information about the Rosewood, it's challenging to make a complete comparison in that regard. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, and users will likely find satisfaction in either option based on these unique qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between KTT Orange and Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding actuation feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a more bouncy, energetic typing experience with a smooth, frictionless key travel, the KTT Orange switches may be the better fit for you. Their medium-light feel, combined with a low-pitched sound, makes them ideal for those who like typing or gaming with a lively touch and prefer a less intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter actuation with a satisfying deep thocky sound, the Akko Rosewood switches are worth considering. The lighter 50-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless typing, and their factory-applied lubricant ensures a pleasant acoustic experience right out of the box. Ultimately, consider what aspects you prioritize in a switch—whether it’s the tactile feedback or the auditory feedback—when making your decision, as both switches offer distinct advantages catering to different typing styles and environments.

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