KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron CM. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch that offers a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response. It provides a light touch with a crisp actuation, striking a balance between a noticeable tactile feedback and avoiding an overwhelming or sandy sensation. On the other hand, the CM is a linear switch that breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing, resulting in a richer and deeper sound signature. This switch is known for its impeccable factory lube job, ensuring an effortlessly smooth typing journey that feels like gliding gracefully with each keystroke. The CM also features a lengthened, dual-staged spring, which provides a bouncy typing experience. Overall, these switches offer distinct characteristics and sensations. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron CM differ in their housing materials. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, while the CM utilizes a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Ash Gray's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the CM's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users looking for a switch with a sharper and crisper sound may prefer the Ash Gray, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the CM.
In terms of aesthetics, the Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing has the advantage of being translucent, making it particularly useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. This allows for a visually appealing and customizable lighting experience. In contrast, the CM's nylon top housing is not transparent and lacks the same visual appeal when it comes to RGB lighting. However, some users may prefer the solid and classic look of the nylon material.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Ash Gray and the CM utilize nylon bottom housings. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, again elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. In this aspect, the two switches share similarities in sound. Both the Ash Gray and the CM will provide a similar sound experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The absorption properties of nylon contribute to a more rounded and dull sound, creating a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron CM play a significant role in the sound profile and aesthetics of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the CM offers a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a common ground when it comes to the nylon bottom housing, as they both elicit a similar deep and round sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light. On the other hand, the CM has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. These variances in force can significantly impact the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Ash Gray would be a suitable choice as it allows for comfortable and extended typing for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the contrary, if one desires a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the CM provides a heavier force that can deliver a more satisfying and tactile response. It is worth noting that if the actuation and bottom out forces are the same for both switches, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required for keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron CM switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance for faster response times, while others may find it too abrupt. Those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke may opt for the switch with the longer travel distance. Overall, while the Ash Gray has a slightly shorter travel distance than the CM, both switches offer similar results with their relatively shorter travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Ash Gray tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, which makes it suitable for a variety of purposes and environments. It delivers a moderate sound that is neither too loud nor too quiet, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. This means that the CM switch produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This can add a satisfying auditory experience to your typing sessions. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. The light actuation force also provides a responsive and low-impact feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. These terms indicate a smooth and refined keystroke with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly, as they melt into each keystroke. This creates a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray has a neutral sound and an easy-to-press, mild feel, providing a balanced and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the CM switch delivers a bassy and thocky sound with a rich and deep tone, giving a satisfying auditory experience. In terms of feel, the CM switch offers a smooth, polished, and frictionless typing experience that feels buttery and creamy. Both switches have their own unique qualities, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to sum up the comparison between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you value a light touch with a crisp actuation and a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, the Ash Gray switch would be a great choice for you. It offers an easy-to-press feel with minimal force required to activate the keys, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a rich, deep sound signature and a bouncy typing experience, the Gateron CM linear switch would be a better fit for you. Its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job contribute to an effortlessly smooth typing journey, evoking a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. The CM switch offers a buttery, polished, and creamy typing experience, with reduced friction and a smooth key travel.
In terms of sound, the Ash Gray switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The CM switch, on the other hand, offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound experience resembling bass tones.
Ultimately, when making a decision between these two switches, consider your preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer their unique characteristics and can enhance your typing experience. So in the end, the choice is yours to make based on what suits you best.
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