KTT Purple Click vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Click and the Akko Rosewood represent two distinct approaches to typing experience, each catering to different preferences. The KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its high-pitched, satisfying auditory feedback that strikes a balance between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, making it an invigorating choice for those who enjoy a crisp and crunchy response with each press. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood, a linear switch, offers a markedly different experience with its deep, thocky sound profile, enhanced by factory-applied lubricant that ensures a smooth, quiet operation without the tactile bump, ideal for users seeking a more subdued and fluid typing experience. While both switches serve unique functionalities—one emphasizing an engaging auditory experience and tactility, and the other prioritizing smoothness and subtlety—your ultimate choice will depend on your typing style and sound preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Purple Click and the Akko Rosewood in terms of housing materials, notable differences can be observed, particularly in their top housings. The KTT Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material allows for a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, making the keypresses sound crisper and more resonant. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs a nylon top housing, a classic switch material that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon absorbs more sound due to its softer properties, resulting in a rounder sound. Therefore, if you are seeking a keyboard experience that emphasizes brighter, more vibrant tones, the Purple Click would likely appeal more due to its polycarbonate construction.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which results in similarities between the two when it comes to sound absorption during typing. Nylon, as a softer plastic, helps create a more muted sound profile, contributing a deeper and rounder quality to the overall typing experience. As a result, both the Purple Click and the Rosewood will elicit a similar sound and feel when actuating the switch down, as this aspect is dominated by the characteristics of the bottom housing. This consistency in material allows for a combined effect where both switches present a balanced auditory sensation during the keystroke.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the differences between the KTT Purple Click and the Akko Rosewood highlight the impact that varied top housing materials can have on sound signature. The contrasting effects from the polycarbonate and nylon top housings create distinct sound profiles when keys are released, effectively splitting the quality of sound between the two housings. The Purple Click offers a sharpened auditory experience during the release of the key, while the Akko Rosewood provides a smoother, more enveloped sound. Ultimately, while both share a common bottom housing material promoting sound absorption, the variance in their top housing materials caters to diverse user preferences regarding typing acoustics and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Click switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both exhibit an identical actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ; the Purple Click has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Rosewood's bottom out force is lighter at 50 grams. This distinction means that while both switches feel similar at the point of actuation, the Purple Click will require a bit more effort when pressing all the way down. For users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Purple Click may be more appealing due to its heavier bottom out force. In contrast, those seeking a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming might favor the Rosewood switch.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of each switch. This identical travel distance results in comparable typing experiences, as both switches require the same amount of key travel to register a press. Consequently, whether a user prefers the tactile feedback of the Purple Click or the smoothness of the Rosewood, they will find that the physical act of pressing the switches feels nearly equivalent in terms of distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 characteristics of the KTT Purple Click switches are notable for their high-pitched and satisfying click, which can be described as crunchy and resonant. This kind of auditory feedback provides a lively and engaging typing experience, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. The clarity and sharpness of the sound contribute to an immersive experience, particularly when used with compatible keycaps and a well-constructed keyboard. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switches offer a completely different auditory experience with their deep, thocky sound. This rich tone comes largely from a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which enhances the acoustic quality of the keystrokes, delivering a smooth and subdued response without the distinctive clicks that characterize the Purple Click switches.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the KTT Purple Click is invigorating, providing pronounced tactile feedback that combines a moderate to firm actuation force with a snappy responsiveness. This blend creates an immersive typing sensation that is both engaging and satisfying. The stepped tactile profile allows users to experience a clear differentiation between the pre-travel and post-travel phases of the keystroke, making it distinctly different from smoother switch designs. The Akko Rosewood switches, being linear, are designed to provide a consistent key press without any tactile bump or click, offering a smoother feel throughout the entire keystroke. The absence of the pronounced feedback means that the typing experience can feel fluid, enabling quick and quiet keystrokes, ideal for users who prefer a subtle touch.
In summary, the KTT Purple Click and Akko Rosewood switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Purple Click delivers a lively, clicky experience that is both invigorating and satisfying, while the Rosewood presents a deeper, more muted sound paired with a smooth, linear feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value tactile feedback and pronounced auditory cues or a quieter, smoother typing experience. Both will provide enjoyable results based on their unique attributes, but the overall experience will vary significantly depending on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Purple Click and the Akko Rosewood linear switch largely depends on your preferences for sound and typing experience. If you find yourself drawn to a more interactive typing experience and enjoy the distinctive sound of a clicky switch, the KTT Purple Click is an excellent option. Its medium-light actuation force and pronounced tactile feedback create an invigorating typing sensation that many find satisfying, whether for coding, gaming, or general typing tasks. The high-pitched, resonant click can add a playful element to your setup, making each keystroke feel rewarding. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a deeper sound, the Akko Rosewood should be your choice. With its light 50-gram actuation force and thocky sound profile, it offers a tranquil, enjoyable typing experience that is particularly suited for long writing sessions or environments where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you desire the stimulating feedback and auditory delight of the Purple Click or the seamless and soft touch of the Rosewood, as both switches cater to distinctly different typing styles and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
