KTT Rose vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Rose and Akko Rosewood present two appealing options, each with its own distinct characteristics. The KTT Rose switches are celebrated not only for their aesthetic charm but also for the advanced engineering of their progressive springs, providing a typing experience that strikes a balance between substantial feedback and effortless keystrokes. Users often enjoy the deep, bassy sounds reminiscent of raindrops, enhancing the sensory pleasure of typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches are renowned for their rich, thocky sound profile, which is immediately gratifying thanks to a layer of factory-applied lubrication that ensures smooth performance out of the box. While both switches are linear, offering a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, the Rosewood’s factory lube and acoustic design cater to those seeking an immersive auditory experience. 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 Rose Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.01 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Rose and the Akko Rosewood, two distinct characteristics stand out. The KTT Rose utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality arises from the polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, enhancing clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a nylon top housing that is softer in composition. As a result, the sound emitted from the Rosewood is deeper and fuller, creating a sound profile characterized by a duller and rounder resonance. This fundamental difference between the two materials leads to distinct auditory experiences, especially when one considers the switch's behavior in a lighting context; the polycarbonate's translucence makes it particularly suitable for use with RGB lighting effects, whereas the nylon's opacity limits such aesthetic capabilities.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find that they are both constructed from nylon. This commonality ensures that both the KTT Rose and the Akko Rosewood share similar attributes in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs sound, leading to a complementary effect in both switches that aligns them in terms of producing a deeper and fuller audio experience during key presses. Therefore, while the top housing contributes to the overall tonal quality differently, the identical nylon bottoms unify the switches under a shared sonic umbrella, contributing significantly to how they feel and sound when typing.

In terms of overall functionality, the different top housings of the KTT Rose and the Akko Rosewood allow for a layered auditory experience. When typing, the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing in the Rose provide a more pronounced pop during key release, leading to a lively sound profile when coupled with its nylon bottom. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood, with its nylon top, mitigates the sharper sounds produced during key release, emphasizing a smoother and more rounded aural experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences, yet this interplay between the materials allows for nuanced personalization in sound and feedback, providing users with a variety of tactile engagements.

Weight

The KTT Rose linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence user experience. The KTT Rose has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel, but its actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it would feel during regular use. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This combination provides a softer typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, the Rosewood switch is the lighter option while the Rose is heavier overall. For users seeking a substantial typing experience, the Rose may be preferable, but those who enjoy a lighter touch may find the Rosewood more suited to their needs.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Rose linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience and feedback when using either switch, allowing for consistent performance in typing and gaming. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they will likely deliver comparable results in terms of actuation point and overall feel when pressed down.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Rose switches produce a low-pitched and neutral tone, characterized by a bassy raindrop effect that’s both mellow and not overly aggressive. This sound signature makes them versatile, suitable for various environments without being too distracting. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood switches are known for their deep and satisfying thocky sound, amplified by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances the overall audio experience. While both switches lean towards a more subdued sound, they cater to different acoustic preferences. The Rosewood’s distinctly thocky resonance provides a fuller aural experience, while the Rose switches offer a softer sound profile that remains approachable and versatile.

Regarding feel, the KTT Rose switches are described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This gentleness makes them easy on the fingers, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. The polished finish ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, which is ideal for users who favor a refined touch. On the other hand, while the feel characteristics of the Akko Rosewood switches are not specified, their sound profile suggests a solid typing experience that is likely satisfying and engaging. If you prioritize smoothness and gentleness in your switches, the KTT Rose would stand out, but both switches are designed to offer pleasant tactile interactions, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

Overall, while each switch has its unique sound and feel characteristics, they share qualities that cater to a balance of tactile enjoyment and auditory satisfaction. The KTT Rose features a more versatile sound with a mild feel that strives for a smooth experience, while the Akko Rosewood brings a more distinct and deep thock to your keystrokes, likely delivering its own kind of richness. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference, and regardless of the switch you select, both options promise to enhance your typing experience within their respective qualities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Rose and Akko Rosewood linear switches, your choice should depend largely on your typing style and acoustic preferences. If you prefer a firmer key feel with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the KTT Rose switch is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy resistance offers a substantial typing experience that many find both satisfying and enjoyable, especially if you appreciate a deeper, bassy sound—like the “bassy raindrops” when you type. This switch is also ideal if you want a versatile option that performs well in both home and office environments, providing a sound profile that blends well into a variety of settings. On the other hand, if you find yourself leaning towards a lighter touch with an effortless stroke, the Akko Rosewood switch—featuring a 50-gram bottom-out force—is the better choice. It excels in producing a rich, thocky sound right out of the box, especially appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback in their typing experience. The Rosewood’s lighter feel makes it suitable for long typing sessions, minimizing fatigue and ensuring a more relaxed typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on your preference for typing weight, sound characteristics, and the overall tactile experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Rose Linear

$3.01 per 10

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Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more