KTT Purple Star vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Star and the Akko Rosewood present two enticing options that cater to different typing preferences. The Purple Star switches stand out for their all-POM construction, providing a remarkably smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out force, making them ideal for typists who favor a gentle touch and comfort during long typing sessions. Their mild, low-pitched sound signature ensures that they are discreet, perfect for those working in quieter environments. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches are celebrated for their deep, thocky acoustics, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that creates a satisfying auditory feedback right out of the box. While the Rosewood caters to users who appreciate tactile sensations and a more pronounced audio experience, it offers a different kind of engagement for the typist. Both switches boast their unique qualities: the Purple Star for its effortless keystrokes and subtle sound, and the Rosewood for its rich tones and sturdiness. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the Akko Rosewood, we find that both switches utilize different types of plastic, resulting in notable differences in sound characteristics. The Purple Star features a polyoxymethylene (POM) top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a unique sound profile that is both deeper and relatively muted. This quality is particularly appealing to those who prefer a typing experience that minimizes higher frequency sounds and creates an overall pleasant auditory environment. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is a traditional choice for switch housings, and its presence contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that differs in texture, as it absorbs sound more efficiently than harder materials. This results in a rounder and duller sound, making the typing experience feel different, although still rich in depth.
In terms of the specific impact each housing material has within its respective switch, the POM and nylon materials exhibit contrasting behaviors that shape the overall typing experience. For the KTT Purple Star, the impact of the top housing on sound becomes pronounced upon releasing a key, as the muted quality of the POM contributes to a softer sound transition. Meanwhile, the Akko Rosewood’s nylon top housing, while also providing a rounded sound, offers a slightly different tonal signature due to its inherent softness compared to POM. On the concrete surface of type, users may notice that the Akko Rosewood's transitions have a more pronounced fullness, especially when compared to the Purple Star's relatively more restrained output. Thus, the materials contribute separately yet significantly to the overall auditory experience of typing.
Both switches ultimately demonstrate how housing materials affect the sound and feel of the switch, even when their top and bottom materials differ. While the KTT Purple Star employs hard and muted POM, leading to a unique pleasing effect, the Akko Rosewood's classic nylon setup yields a fuller and rounder auditory experience. If used in similar contexts, both switch types can provide satisfying results but cater to slightly different preferences in sound quality. Typists seeking a deeper, muted sound might gravitate towards the Purple Star, while those desiring a rounder and fuller auditory experience might prefer the Akko Rosewood. Both switches offer distinctive qualities that enhance the typing experience, creating unique performances rooted in the materials that comprise their housings.
Weight
The KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams with the same bottom out force of 50 grams. Despite the Rosewood's marginally lighter actuation force, both switches bottom out at the same strength, providing a consistent tactile feedback experience when pressed fully down. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Akko Rosewood is the better choice due to its lower actuation force. In contrast, those who enjoy a slightly more substantial typing feel might gravitate towards the KTT Purple Star. Ultimately, while both switches are classified as light, the Rosewood offers a slight advantage in terms of actuation for those seeking a gentle touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Purple Star features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Rosewood has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This puts the Purple Star in a favorable position for users seeking a quicker response time, as shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers for their more rapid actuation. On the other hand, the Rosewood's longer 4 mm travel distance might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel and depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for responsiveness, the KTT Purple Star is the better option, while the Akko Rosewood caters to those who appreciate a more traditional and hearty keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone, which results in a typing experience that is soothing and gentle on the ears. This quality is beneficial, especially for users who prefer a quieter environment or engage in prolonged typing sessions, as it minimizes distractions. On the other hand, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch is known for producing a deep, satisfying thocky sound, the specific characteristics of that sound have not been elaborated upon. However, it's clear that the sound signature of the Rosewood is likely more resonant compared to the Purple Star, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke.
When we consider the feel of these switches, the KTT Purple Star stands out with its mild typing feel, making it approachable for a broad range of typists. The very low actuation force of 45g means that these switches require minimal effort to press, ensuring a comfortable typing experience that reduces fatigue during extended typing. This switch is designed to be easy to press, making it especially appealing to light typists. In contrast, the specific tactile qualities of the Rosewood switch are not detailed, signifying a gap in information. However, given its distinct sound profile, it can be inferred that it may have a different feel altogether, potentially appealing to users looking for a more tactile sensation.
In summary, while both the KTT Purple Star and the Akko Rosewood linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Purple Star provides a smooth, mild, and quiet typing experience that is ideal for those who favor gentleness and ease of use. The Rosewood, with its deep sound signature, likely appeals to users seeking a more resonant auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Purple Star and the Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and sound requirements. If you’re someone who values a smooth, buttery typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the KTT Purple Star is an excellent option for you. Its lighter bottom-out force and mild feel make it particularly suitable for those who engage in extended typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue and offers a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more satisfying auditory feedback during your keystrokes, the Akko Rosewood would be a better fit. With its thocky sound and enhanced tactile presence right out of the box, the Rosewood can add a more pronounced and enjoyable acoustic element to your typing. Therefore, take into consideration both the auditory sensations you desire and the tactile experience you seek, as this will guide you in making the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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