KTT Rose vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the KTT Rose and the Gateron Type L, both linear switches but with distinct characteristics. The KTT Rose is admired for its beautiful design and unique typing experience, thanks to progressive springs that provide a substantial yet not heavy touch. Typing on the Rose switches is likened to hearing bassy raindrops, and it is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L is a part of Sillyworks' innovative "Project Rehash," bringing back classic travel distances and modern lubing techniques. Being the lightest in its series, only requiring 45g to bottom out, the Type L offers an elegant sound signature towards the deeper end of the spectrum and is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', 'Feathery', 'Easy-to-press'. When choosing between the two switches, it's important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine which one best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Rose and the Gateron Type L both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Rose featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Type L utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics to create a duller and rounder sound. While the Rose splits the qualities of these materials between its top and bottom housings, the Type L offers a consistent sound profile throughout due to its uniform nylon construction.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the KTT Rose provides a clear and visually appealing look that is often associated with RGB lighting setups. The Type L, with its nylon top housing, may offer a more traditional appearance but still provides a durable and reliable housing material. While the Rose may appeal to those looking for a more modern and eye-catching design, the Type L caters to users who prioritize functionality and performance over visual flair. Both switches offer distinct options for users based on their preferences for sound profile, appearance, and overall typing experience.
When it comes to typing feel, the materials of the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Rose and Type L influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate producing a crisper sound compared to the duller and rounder sound created by nylon. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to the preferences of the user, whether they prioritize sound, feel, or visual aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, it is apparent that there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Rose switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it unclear whether it requires any force to trigger a keystroke, while the Type L has an actuation force of 38 grams, indicating a relatively light touch is needed. In terms of bottom out force, the Rose switch requires 63.5 grams to fully press down, offering a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Type L only needs 45 grams to bottom out, providing a lighter touch. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces highlights the varying preferences of keyboard users, with the Rose switch catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and the Type L being suitable for individuals who enjoy a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Rose linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect a similar tactile response and overall typing experience from both switches. With the travel distance being the same for both switches, there is no notable difference in terms of the physical distance traveled when pressing down on a key. As a result, whether you choose the Rose or the Type L, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance when using these linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Rose comes in at $3.01, whereas the Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Rose linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving off a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L linear switch also provides a neutral sound profile but leans towards a more subdued tone, producing a dampened sound when pressed. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Rose being more bassy and the Type L being more subtle, depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Rose linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and refined feel that is approachable to most users. The Type L linear switch, on the other hand, offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel, characterized by its exceptionally light key presses that reduce finger fatigue and enhance the overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Rose being more gentle and polished while the Type L is more feathery and easy-to-press, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, both the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Rose switch provides a bass-heavy and mellow sound with a mild and polished typing feel, the Type L switch offers a subdued sound and a feathery, easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing styles, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Rose being more traditional in its sound and feel while the Type L offers a more modern and light touch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would come down to individual preferences in sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a more substantial and bassy typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the KTT Rose switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress with a bottom out force of 45 grams and a sound signature that veers towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum, the Gateron Type L switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
