Akko Rosewood vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Rosewood and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream are two options that exemplify the diversity within linear switch design. The Akko Rosewood is celebrated for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound profile, which is enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that provides a refined tactile experience right out of the box. Ideal for gamers and typists who enjoy a rich acoustic feedback, the Rosewood offers a unique sensory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches shine with their innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, resulting in a remarkably smooth and creamy keystroke reminiscent of its namesake dessert. These switches are characterized by their high-pitched, clacky sound, making them a playful choice for those seeking a more lively auditory response. While both switches are linear in nature, they cater to different preferences—whether you favor a deep thocky sound or a bright, clacky feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and acoustic preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko Rosewood and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches present distinct housing materials that contribute divergently to their auditory and tactile experiences. The Rosewood utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a classic material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound waves compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, which merges special materials designed to create a high-pitched, clacky sound signature, while its bottom housing is crafted from POK, a durable and smooth material that further enhances the switch's performance.
Examining the bottom housing materials, the differences become more pronounced. The Rosewood's nylon bottom housing also conforms to the soft and absorbent qualities that lend a muted sound profile, reinforcing the smooth but profound acoustic experience. Meanwhile, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is engineered for superior strength and wear resistance, providing a contrasting experience that enhances the clackiness and responsiveness of the switch. The POK material's durability and low friction properties not only ensure a smooth keystroke but also introduce a brighter overtone to the overall sound, further distinguishing it from the Rosewood's more subdued characteristics.
Despite these differences, the interactions between the top and bottom housings contribute to an overall sensory experience that can be somewhat aligned. While the Rosewood's nylon contributes a consistent, rich sound to both bottoming out and releasing a key, the Vanilla Ice Cream’s combination of KTT blend and POK creates a more nuanced auditory response. The KTT's clackiness dominates when letting go of a key, while POK’s strength ensures a crisp bottom-out sound. Thus, even though the approach to tactile feedback and sound varies between the two, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences that play off the unique attributes of their materials, leading each to deliver satisfying results that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. The Rosewood switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that while both switches are relatively light, the Rosewood is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less effort. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, despite having a lower bottom out force, has a slightly stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Users seeking a lightweight solution for prolonged typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the Akko Rosewood, whereas those who prefer a bit more resistance may find the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream to be a better fit.
Travel distance
The Akko Rosewood linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Rosewood switch the longer option, offering a more traditional feel that some users may prefer for its depth, while the Vanilla Ice Cream caters to those looking for a snappier, more responsive experience often favored by gamers. The shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch allows for quicker actuation, which can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: the Rosewood provides a fuller tactile experience, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a speedier response.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 Akko Rosewood switch produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that contributes to its rich auditory profile. This results in a subdued yet impactful sound that many users find pleasurable and comforting during typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a brighter auditory experience characterized by a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This makes it stand out in the linear switch market, as its resonant qualities might appeal to those who prefer a sharper and more vibrant sound compared to the bassier tones of some other switches. Both sound profiles can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choices, but the Rosewood leans toward a more mellow auditory experience while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a crisp auditory impact.
In terms of feel, the Akko Rosewood switch excels in delivering a smooth keystroke experience, although specific details regarding its tactile sensations are not provided. This suggests a generally pleasant typing experience, but without additional descriptors, its full potential remains somewhat elusive. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is noted for its buttery and creamy feel, allowing for an exceptionally smooth and seamless typing experience. This sensation is likely attributed to the POK materials used in its construction, which offer a silky, effortless glide across the keys. Users can expect their fingers to move fluidly from one keystroke to the next, making the Vanilla Ice Cream a remarkable choice for typists who prioritize a refined keystroke feel.
Considering both switches, the Akko Rosewood and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream each have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Rosewood is perfect for those who favor a deep sound and a general smooth feel without any need for explicit tactile feedback, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is ideal for individuals who enjoy a bright auditory profile and a creamy typing sensation that enhances the typing experience. Ultimately, both options can lead to satisfying results, but the distinct characteristics of each will resonate differently depending on personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a deeper, more thocky sound and appreciate the satisfying auditory feedback that comes with a more bass-heavy tone, the Akko Rosewood would be an excellent choice for you. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams provides a solid, tactile experience that can enhance your typing rhythm. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, more buttery typing experience with a unique high-pitched, resonant sound signature, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is likely the better fit. Its lighter actuation force of 48 grams combined with its creamy feel makes it a great option for those who prioritize a seamless and effortless keystroke. Ultimately, consider the auditory and tactile feedback you value most—whether it's the rich, deep tones of the Rosewood or the bright, crisp clarity of the Vanilla Ice Cream—when making your decision.
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