KTT Pine vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect your typing experience, and two popular options are the KTT Pine and the Akko Rosewood, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct characteristics. The KTT Pine is renowned for its medium-heavy feel and smooth key travel, enhanced by a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction, resulting in a typing experience that is often described as buttery and creamy; it produces a deeper voice with a bassy low-pitched character. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood is celebrated for its rich, thocky sound, which is immediately satisfying and requires no additional modifications thanks to its thin layer of factory lubricant. While the KTT Pine is perfect for those seeking a soft, effortless typing experience, the Akko Rosewood appeals to users who appreciate a more resonant auditory feedback with every keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Pine Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Pine and Akko Rosewood switches, a clear distinction emerges between the use of polycarbonate in the Pine and nylon in the Rosewood. The KTT Pine features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This property is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer characteristics of nylon give it the ability to absorb more sound, thereby producing a more muted and rounder auditory response. Thus, the choice of housing material significantly influences the overall sound quality experienced when interacting with each switch.

The bottom housing of these switches reflects a similar material distinction, with the KTT Pine again employing polycarbonate and the Akko Rosewood utilizing nylon. As with the top housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine enhances the crispness of sound, making the bottom-out experience more pronounced. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing in the Rosewood contributes to a softer, rounder sound profile that further underscores a deeper auditory sensation. This divergence creates a multifaceted experience: while the Pine's polycarbonate delivers a clear and sharp bottom-out sound, the Rosewood's nylon produces a more muted completion to the keystroke. Therefore, the different material properties in the bottom housing also reflect the auditory and tactile experience of each switch.

Both the KTT Pine and Akko Rosewood demonstrate that disparate housing materials can yield unique yet complementary sound profiles when used in tandem. If a switch incorporates both polycarbonate and nylon, the resulting qualities will be divided between the two types of housing. The stiffer polycarbonate will dominate the sound when releasing the key due to its clarity, while the softer nylon will define the sound felt upon bottoming out, softening the strike. This interplay ensures that the user experiences a blend of sharpness and depth, an effect particularly notable in configurations where both materials are present. Thus, switches like the KTT Pine and Akko Rosewood can provide distinct yet comparable auditory experiences based on the harmonization of their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Pine switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium weight, which provides a substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer feel. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable choice for those who favor a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Thus, the Rosewood switch is the lighter option overall, while the Pine switch is heavier, catering to different user preferences in force feedback and typing comfort.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This similarity means that users can expect similar performance and feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. With equal travel distances, both switches will provide a consistent typing experience, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a linear switch feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Pine linear switch produces a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, which creates a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This low-frequency response can be quite soothing and contributes to the overall typing atmosphere, allowing for a subtle yet satisfying feedback with each keystroke. The Akko Rosewood linear switch, while it has not been specifically characterized, is also acknowledged for its pleasant acoustic properties. Despite the lack of precise descriptors for the Rosewood, users can expect a satisfying sound experience, though it may not match the pronounced bassiness of the Pine switch.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine switch stands out with its buttery and creamy sensations, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience. The factory-lubed finish minimizes friction and allows for effortless keystrokes, making it a delight for those who prioritize fluidity in their typing. The Akko Rosewood switch, however, does not have defined descriptors for its feel. Without specific information, its tactile experience remains unknown, but it could provide a different type of satisfaction that balances with the auditory feedback it delivers.

Considering both switches, the KTT Pine linear and Akko Rosewood linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and texture. The Pine is ideal for users seeking a lush auditory experience paired with an incredibly smooth tactile sensation, thanks to its specific characteristics. The Rosewood, while lacking detailed descriptions, promises an appealing sound and potentially a unique feel that might entice those looking for a different typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver enjoyable results, but the Pine is particularly distinguished by its pronounced sound and fluid touch.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between KTT Pine and Akko Rosewood linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a firmer feel and the satisfying weight of a medium switch—ideal for touch typists who prefer a bit of resistance—then the KTT Pine, with its 58-gram bottom out force, would likely suit you well. Its buttery and creamy tactile feedback combined with a deep, bassy sound profile creates an inviting typing experience that is perfect for extended use or for those who enjoy the deeper acoustic feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more subtle auditory cue, the Akko Rosewood with its 50-gram bottom out force and naturally thocky sound might be your go-to option. This switch will likely appeal to those who favor a quick and effortless key press without the extra weight, making it a good match for gaming or rapid typing tasks. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s the tactile feedback and sound of the Pine or the lightness and quick response of the Rosewood, your choice will significantly enhance your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more