KTT Ash Gray vs. TTC Gold Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and TTC Gold Brown both offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is both substantial and unobtrusive. With a light touch and crisp actuation, this switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback without being too overwhelming. In contrast, the Gold Brown switch is all about balance. It features a slight bump and moderate weightiness, making it a satisfying choice for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch has a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, adding a touch of quiet elegance to your typing experience. However, let's dive deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch so you can make an informed decision on which one is best suited for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Gold Brown switches share the same housing materials, with polycarbonate used for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually stunning lighting experience. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality from both the Ash Gray and Gold Brown switches.

While both the Ash Gray and Gold Brown switches have the same housing materials, the impact of each housing material differs depending on the area of the switch that is affected. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be more noticeable. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. Conversely, it is the polycarbonate top housing that has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate and its clear resonance contribute to a sharp and crisp sound upon key release. This highlights how the different housing materials in each switch contribute to specific aspects of the typing experience, providing a balanced and nuanced performance overall.

In summary, the KTT Ash Gray and TTC Gold Brown switches offer similar results due to their shared housing materials, polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly when releasing a key. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out a key. However, the impact of these materials varies depending on the area of the switch they affect, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the key release sound. Overall, these switches offer a balanced and versatile typing experience for users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Ash Gray switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Gold Brown switch requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Ash Gray switch will require less force to trigger a keystroke, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter and more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch provides a stronger push feel with its higher actuation force, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.

In terms of the bottom out force, the Ash Gray switch requires 53 grams of force to fully press down, while the Gold Brown switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range, but the Gold Brown switch is slightly heavier in this aspect. These bottom out forces contribute to the overall feeling of the keystroke and can provide additional feedback to the typist.

It is worth noting that although the forces differ between the two switches, they both offer tactile feedback and similar typing results. However, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience would likely find the Ash Gray switch more suitable, while those who enjoy a more substantial and heavier feel would lean towards the Gold Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience for the user.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, we can see that there is a noticeable difference. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the more traditional 4 mm travel distance of the Gold Brown. Gamers who prioritize faster response times tend to prefer shorter travel distances, so the Ash Gray would be a suitable option for them. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Gold Brown with its longer travel distance. It's important to note that both switches offer distinct advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Gold Brown switches can be described as neutral. This means that they have a moderate sound profile that can be suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps you choose. So, while the switches themselves have a neutral sound profile, the overall sound experience may vary.

Moving on to feel, the Ash Gray switch can be characterized as easy-to-press and mild. Easy-to-press switches offer gentle resistance during key presses and require minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch provides a low-impact typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch is also mild and has a buttery feel. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Gold Brown switch is also accented, providing a moderate amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Furthermore, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering all the available information, both the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switches possess their own unique qualities. The Ash Gray switch offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, providing a delightful blend of tactile feedback. It has a neutral sound profile and is easy-to-press, making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch is balanced and has a moderate weightiness. It offers a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches. The Gold Brown switch has a mild and buttery feel, with a moderate amount of tactility and a polished finish.

While the Ash Gray and Gold Brown switches have slightly different characteristics, they both provide a pleasant and satisfying typing experience. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a moderate sound and feel, either of these switches would be an excellent choice. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. With either switch, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of their subjective qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light touch and a crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray switch is a great choice. It offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it provides a medium-light feel that enhances the typing experience. The Ash Gray switch is also described as easy-to-press, making typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides a balanced and satisfying bump, the TTC Gold Brown switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 63 grams, it offers a slightly heavier feel compared to the Ash Gray switch. The Gold Brown switch has a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches without being completely silent. It is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a prominent amount of tactility.

In terms of sound and feel, both switches fall into the neutral category, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and TTC Gold Brown switches comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter and effortless typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback, go for the Ash Gray switch. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a balanced and more pronounced tactile response, the Gold Brown switch is the way to go. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more