KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch significantly impacts your typing experience, and two popular options are the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Akko Rosewood. The KTT Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its light actuation force of 37g, making it incredibly easy to type without inducing finger fatigue during long sessions. With a tactile force of 50g, it offers a satisfying tactile bump that enhances the overall feel of each keystroke, creating a delightful typing experience characterized as 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky'. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood, a linear switch, is distinguished by its deep, thocky sound straight out of the box, enriched by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This results in a smooth and uninterrupted keypress, providing a unique auditory pleasure without any tactile feedback, which can be ideal for users who prefer a quieter environment. Both switches have their distinct advantages—whether you lean towards the tactile feedback of the Phalaenopsis or the smooth acoustics of the Rosewood. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Akko Rosewood, notable differences emerge that influence their respective sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. The Phalaenopsis employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a sound profile characterized by sharpness, clarity, and resonance. Being a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate enhances the crispness of key presses, yielding a more defined auditory feedback that is particularly pronounced when RGB lighting is activated due to its transparent properties. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features nylon in both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience, and offers a different tactile sensation during typing that contrasts distinctly with the sharper response of polycarbonate.
The implications of these material choices extend not only to sound characteristics but also to the tactile sensation experienced by the user. In the case of the Phalaenopsis, its uniform polycarbonate composition means that users encounter a consistent sound profile from both the actuation and the bottoming out. This synergy enhances the precision of each keystroke, promoting a more engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Rosewood’s nylon composition allows for a sound profile that diverges between the actuation and bottoming out phases. Since the nylon absorbs impact more effectively, the transition from pressing a key to releasing it produces a softer auditory feedback compared to the sharp crispness of the Phalaenopsis.
Despite these differences, there is potential for achieving similar results in specific contexts. If both switches are designed with the same switch mechanism or stem, the fundamental feel and action could remain consistent, allowing users to experience a uniform typing experience. In scenarios where sound may be less critical, such as in environments where noise is not an issue, enthusiasts may find satisfaction in using either switch, appreciating the unique properties of each material. Ultimately, while the choice between the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Akko Rosewood involves significant material influences on sound and feel, personal preference regarding tactile feedback and auditory experience will play a crucial role in selecting the ideal switch.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both offer a lightweight typing experience, but they do have some differences. The Phalaenopsis features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the Rosewood's 40 grams, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more effortless keypress, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that they provide a similar tactile experience when pressed all the way down. This consistency in bottom out force means that users of both switches will experience similar resistance at the end of their keystrokes. Overall, for those who prioritize a lighter touch, the Phalaenopsis would be the preferred option, while the Rosewood, with its marginally higher actuation force, caters to those who appreciate a stronger push feel without compromising the lightweight nature of the switches.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equivalent in this regard. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches will yield similar results in terms of key actuation and overall feel during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches produce a characteristically deep and rich auditory profile that is consistent with both bassy and thocky descriptors. Users can expect a pronounced and satisfying thock, akin to a soft "thud," which makes each keystroke feel impactful and engaging. The acoustics of the switches might be enhanced or altered by the specific keyboard and keycap choices, but the intrinsic sound quality leans heavily towards a lower frequency range that many enthusiasts find pleasurable. While the Akko Rosewood switch is noted for creating a deep and satisfying thocky sound due to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, specific descriptors of its sound profile weren’t provided. However, it can be inferred that it aspires to deliver a similar auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Phalaenopsis switches offer a distinct tactile experience that can be categorized as stepped. This means that there are two stages to the keystroke: a noticeable bump at the tactile point, providing feedback during typing, but with a gentler overall sensation compared to hypertactile switches. This design helps in reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions, supporting a comfortable experience. As for the Rosewood switches, no specific information about their feel has been provided, which leaves aspects of their tactile response unknown.
Overall, both the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch target unique preferences, particularly in sound. While the Phalaenopsis excels with its distinctive auditory features and a stepped tactile feel, the Rosewood’s potential for a satisfying sound experience is noted but unspecified in terms of tactile feedback. Newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene might find that if they favor the sound profile of the Phalaenopsis, they could also be pleased with the acoustic qualities of the Rosewood, albeit with different tactile sensations that remain unknown. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on the user's specific sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and experiences. If you value tactile feedback while typing, the Phalaenopsis is an excellent option, especially if you often engage in long sessions at the keyboard. Its light actuation force of 37 grams and the satisfying 50-gram tactile bump make it ideal for minimizing finger fatigue while still providing that distinct, stepped tactile response. Additionally, the deeper bassy and thocky sound profile adds to the overall enjoyment of using the switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a richer sound, the Rosewood linear switch would be your go-to. Its linear design provides a consistent keystroke without the tactile bump, allowing for faster typing speeds and less distraction from sound, while the factory-applied lubricant ensures that it produces a deep, satisfying thock right out of the box. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style—whether you favor the tactile engagement of the Phalaenopsis or the fluidity and acoustic enjoyment of the Rosewood.
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