KTT Ash Gray vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference and typing style play crucial roles in the decision-making process. The KTT Ash Gray switch, known for its tactile response, strikes a perfect balance with a light touch and a crisp actuation, offering a mild yet satisfying feedback that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the feel of tactile feedback without disruption, thus catering to both typists and casual gamers. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switch presents a smooth linear feel, delivering a seamless keystroke experience and a satisfying bottom-out sound. This match is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a more fluid keypress with minimal resistance. While the Ash Gray provides a delightful tactile sensation, the Flaming Pink focuses on a sleek, responsive typing experience. With both switches offering unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Flaming Pink switches share a similar quality in their top housing material; both utilize polycarbonate, which is known for its ability to produce a sharp, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness in the polycarbonate not only contributes to the sound clarity but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing allows light to pass through effectively, making these switches particularly attractive for users who enjoy visual customization on their keyboards. Therefore, when it comes to the sound and visual qualities, users can expect a striking resemblance between the two models, ensuring that both will produce clear, resonant sounds quite similarly.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, introducing an intriguing dynamic to their overall audio characteristics. Nylon's softer material contributes a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a unique contrast with the crispness of the polycarbonate. This combination facilitates a distinct playing experience; while the top housing enhances the sound during key releases, the nylon bottom absorbs some noise, resulting in a softer bottom-out sound when keys are pressed down. Hence, while the top housings offer clarity, the bottom housings provide warmth and depth, suggesting that even though both models utilize the same materials, their sound dynamics can differ based on the interaction of these materials.
Ultimately, by utilizing two different materials, the KTT Ash Gray and TTC Flaming Pink switches create a balanced sound profile that caters to diverse user preferences. The synergy between the stiff polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom allows for a multi-faceted typing experience. This means users can achieve a cohesive auditory experience that combines clarity and warmth, regardless of whether they choose Ash Gray or Flaming Pink. Consequently, the same foundational materials, polycarbonate in the top and nylon in the bottom, contribute to a harmonious blend of sound, thus ensuring that users of either switch will enjoy both a bright and rich auditory response while typing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray requires an actuation force of 38 grams and bottoms out at 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Flaming Pink has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams but features a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Ash Gray switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, it provides a heavier bottom out feel compared to the Flaming Pink. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions might gravitate towards the Ash Gray, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback may find the Flaming Pink appealing, especially with its lighter bottom out force. Overall, if you want a lighter touch for typing, the Ash Gray is the better choice, while the Flaming Pink offers a unique balance in force dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, the Ash Gray features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Flaming Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ash Gray the shorter option, catering to those who favor a more responsive keypress, which is often beneficial for gamers seeking quicker reactions. In contrast, the Flaming Pink's travel distance, while marginally longer, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feel with a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Given the minimal difference in travel distance, both switches would provide a similar typing experience, but the Ash Gray's slightly shorter travel distance could be more suitable for those who value swift responsiveness.
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 TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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, both the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Flaming Pink switches excel in offering a moderate audio experience, though their characteristics differ subtly. The Ash Gray boasts a neutral profile, providing a balanced sound that isn’t overwhelming, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. The Flaming Pink, while not explicitly described, offers a smooth and satisfying bottom-out sound, enhancing the typing experience without being too loud. This balance allows for a pleasing auditory response during both gaming and everyday tasks.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch leans towards a gentle, easy-to-press experience, characterized by a light actuation force that minimizes effort and fatigue during prolonged use. Moreover, its mild tactile feedback balances well between subtlety and engagement, offering a comfortable and approachable typing sensation. The Flaming Pink switch, while lacking specific descriptions about its tactile feel, is known for its smooth and responsive action. This smoothness may appeal to those seeking a seamless typing experience, especially for rapid inputs often required in gaming scenarios.
In conclusion, while the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch exhibit distinct qualities, they share a commitment to delivering an enjoyable user experience. The Ash Gray offers a neutral sound profile coupled with easy-to-press tactile feedback, making it a versatile choice suitable for various settings. In contrast, the Flaming Pink provides a smooth and satisfying response, focusing on seamless performance. Both switches cater to users with different preferences, whether seeking tactile feedback or a linear experience, and can provide satisfying results depending on individual typing needs and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate tactile feedback that feels pleasant yet not overwhelming, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions where minimal finger fatigue is a priority. Its medium-light actuation force makes it user-friendly, while its neutral sound profile allows for discreet use in various environments, be it at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother experience that caters to both gaming and everyday tasks, the Flaming Pink linear switch might be your best bet. With its lighter actuation force and responsive feel, it provides an effortless typing experience and a satisfying sound, making it more enjoyable during fast-paced gaming. In short, if you prioritize tactile feedback and a versatile sound, go for the Ash Gray, while the Flaming Pink is your switch of choice for a sleek, linear feel.
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