KTT Ash Gray vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between tactile and linear variations can significantly impact your typing experience. The KTT Ash Gray switch stands out with its well-balanced tactile response that strikes a harmony between a gratifying feel and unobtrusive feedback. Designed to offer a light touch and crisp actuation, it is perfect for typists who appreciate a mild tactile bump without overwhelming sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch caters to those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. With its shorter travel distance and smooth actuation, this linear switch provides quick responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out that enhances typing efficiency. While the Ash Gray embodies a tactile experience ideal for writers and gamers who enjoy feedback, the Gold Silver shines for those seeking a seamless and rapid keystroke experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and TTC Gold Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. This shared material choice offers a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience, as polycarbonate is recognized for its rigidity, allowing for enhanced resonance. The translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing to users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. Consequently, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing serves to elevate the overall user experience in a similar manner for both switch models.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the KTT Ash Gray and TTC Gold Silver are made from nylon, which emphasizes a deeper, more rounded sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound vibrations compared to harder materials, contributing to a fuller typing experience. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, they share the qualities that come with this material, including a more muted and less crisp sensation when bottoming out the keys. Thus, while the top housings of both switches contribute to the clarity and brightness of the sound, the nylon bottoms provide a complementary depth that enhances overall typing acoustics.
When comparing the complete design of both switches, it becomes evident that while they exhibit similarities in their sound profiles due to shared materials, the interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a pivotal role in defining their overall performance. The polycarbonate top impacts the sound characteristics upon key release, while the nylon bottom governs the tactile feel and sound produced during key presses. As a result, users can expect an integrated sound profile that combines the bright, resonant qualities of the polycarbonate with the deeper, fuller sound contributed by the nylon, allowing for an exceptionally well-rounded typing experience in both the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Gold Silver.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, we find distinct differences. The Ash Gray tactile switch features a medium-light actuation force of 38 grams, while the TTC Gold Silver switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that typists who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions might favor the Ash Gray, whereas those seeking a more substantial feel may lean toward the Gold Silver. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver switch is unknown, making it difficult to compare this specific metric directly. The Ash Gray's bottom out force is 53 grams, indicating that it provides a defined and recognizable stopping point when fully pressed. Thus, if a user desires a lighter switch, the KTT Ash Gray is the ideal choice; conversely, if they prefer a bit more resistance, the TTC Gold Silver stands out, though its full performance can’t be completely assessed without the bottom out force data.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means they provide an identical experience in terms of key travel when pressed. Since both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom, users can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness from either switch. This parity in travel distance ensures that both switches feel comparable during use, allowing for a consistent typing experience regardless of choice.
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 Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 considering the sound profile, the KTT Ash Gray switch delivers a neutral tone that is moderate in both actuation force and sound output. This quality renders it versatile for various environments, whether you're typing at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver switch produces a thocky sound that offers a deep, rich auditory experience, akin to a soft thud or knock when keys are pressed. Although it also shares a neutral aspect in its sound, the Gold Silver's low-pitched resonant signature provides a more bass-heavy sound that can enhance a tactile typing experience. Overall, while both switches can be suitable for diverse environments, the Ash Gray maintains a more understated acoustic profile, while the Gold Silver offers a more pronounced auditory enjoyment.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray excels with its easy-to-press characteristics, allowing for a gentle resistance that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This light actuation force ensures a comfortable and responsive typing experience that is accessible to most users. Conversely, the TTC Gold Silver stands out with its polished and silky feel, providing a notably smooth key travel and reducing friction during operation. Both switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that appeals to a broad audience, but the Gold Silver shines in its refined smoothness, making it highly desirable for those who value fluidity in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray and TTC Gold Silver switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences that can be suitable for a wide range of users. The Ash Gray's neutral sound and easy-to-press design create a balanced experience for those seeking comfort without overly pronounced feedback. Alternatively, the Gold Silver's thocky sound coupled with its silky, polished feel offers a heightened sensation of responsiveness, making it particularly appealing to users who enjoy a richer auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound dynamics or a smooth tactile sensation, but either way, both can provide satisfying results in your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you value tactile feedback and enjoy a typing experience that balances ease of pressing with a satisfying response, the Ash Gray switch could be your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force and neutral sound profile make it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions, whether for work or casual use, as it reduces finger fatigue while still providing a pleasant tactile experience. On the other hand, if you're drawn to speed and responsiveness, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks, the TTC Gold Silver switch shines with its rapid actuation and polished feel. Its thocky sound and silky smooth travel can greatly enhance your typing enjoyment, especially in an environment where a satisfying auditory feedback is appreciated. Therefore, consider your typing habits and acoustical preferences carefully to choose the switch that best complements your needs.
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