KTT Ash Gray vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can greatly enhance your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray, a tactile switch, and the KTT Kang White, a linear switch. The Ash Gray switch is designed to deliver a tactile response that strikes the perfect balance between being substantial yet unobtrusive. With a light touch and crisp actuation, it provides a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor unnoticed. On the other hand, the Kang White switch stands out for its poppy linear characteristics and dazzling typing sound. Made with a self-lubricating material, it offers an unparalleled smoothness that greatly contributes to typing comfort. The Ash Gray switch is categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral, while the Kang White switch is labeled as low-pitched and neutral. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and KTT Kang White switches both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This choice of material contributes to a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for the vibrant colors of the RGB lighting to shine through and create an aesthetically pleasing visual effect.
While the top housings of the Ash Gray and Kang White switches share similar characteristics, their bottom housings differ. The Ash Gray is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, which provides a distinct typing experience. Typing on Ash Gray switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Kang White switch also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon.
It is important to note that the presence of different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch leads to a division of characteristics between them. When pressing down on either the Ash Gray or Kang White switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the key. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a larger impact on the resulting sound. Despite these slight differences, both the Ash Gray and Kang White switches ultimately deliver a satisfying and responsive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Starting with the actuation force, the Ash Gray requires 38 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Kang White requires 45 grams. This means that the Ash Gray is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Kang White. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams, while the Kang White requires 58 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range, but the Kang White is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ash Gray would be a suitable choice with its lower actuation force. This would allow for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if a user prefers a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, they may opt for the Kang White with its slightly heavier forces.
It is important to note that despite their differences, both switches offer a similar range of actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, if one is unable to access or choose between the two, they can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of typing experience. Overall, weight can be a crucial factor when selecting a switch, as it can greatly impact one's ability to type comfortably and efficiently for extended periods of time.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference in their distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the traditional 4 mm distance of the Kang White. The 4.0mm distance is considered the most traditional, while the 3.0mm distance is categorized as the most shallow. With the Ash Gray having a shorter travel distance, it is likely to appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter distance too abrupt, and prefer the longer travel distance of the Kang White for a more hearty depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of 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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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 switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound level that is suitable for various environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using them at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer different sound profiles, so your choice will depend on personal preference and other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps you use.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is described as easy-to-press. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Ash Gray switch provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, there is no specific information available about the feel of the KTT Kang White switch. However, based on its linear nature, it is likely to provide a smoother typing experience compared to tactile switches.
In summary, the KTT Ash Gray switch delivers a tactile response with a light touch and crisp actuation. It offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. The sound profile of the Ash Gray switch is neutral, providing a moderate sound level suitable for most purposes. Additionally, it has an easy-to-press feel, offering a responsive and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White switch is a linear switch known for its dazzling typing sound and self-lubricating material that provides unparalleled smoothness. Although specific information about the feel of the Kang White switch is not available, linear switches generally offer a smoother typing experience. In conclusion, while the Ash Gray and Kang White switches have their unique qualities, both can provide satisfying results depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light touch and crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray switch is the ideal choice. It offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming, providing a substantial yet unobtrusive experience. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it falls in the medium-light range and offers an easy-to-press feel, making typing effortless and comfortable. The Ash Gray switch also has a neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced typists, whether used at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness, the KTT Kang White switch is the one for you. This switch is an exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch, offering a low-pitched tone with a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, it falls in the medium range and has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various typing preferences and environments.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a light touch, gentle resistance, and a moderate sound profile, the Ash Gray switch would be a great fit. However, if you enjoy a linear switch with a dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness, the Kang White switch would be the perfect option. Consider your typing style, desired sound and feel, and choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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