KTT Ash Gray vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between a tactile switch like the KTT Ash Gray and a linear switch like the Keygeek Keygeek Raw can make a significant impact on your typing experience. The KTT Ash Gray is renowned for its blend of tactile feedback, offering a subtle yet noticeable response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend that provides a creamy and lightweight feel. While the Ash Gray is categorized as 'easy-to-press', 'mild', and 'neutral', the Keygeek Raw is classified as 'textured', 'mild', 'neutral', and 'subtle'. Each switch has its own strengths and reasons for consideration, but ultimately the best choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches offer distinct advantages. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, crisp sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing offers a unique sound profile exclusive to this switch, promising a different typing experience altogether. Both switches excel in their top housing materials, highlighting the importance of material choice in achieving the desired sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Ash Gray's nylon material delivers a deep and full sound profile, creating a dull and round sound that some users prefer. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing provides a distinct typing experience exclusive to this switch. The difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches showcases the impact that housing material can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch. Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, both switches prioritize sound quality and typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences. While the Ash Gray excels in its polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, the Keygeek Raw stands out with its Nylon & UPE blend top housing for an exclusive typing experience. Similarly, the bottom housing materials of both switches, whether nylon or UMPE & Si blend, contribute to the overall sound profile and typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Keygeek Raw linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Keygeek Raw has a heavier bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Ash Gray has a bottom out force of 53 grams. The Keygeek Raw provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Ash Gray offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches fall under the medium category, with the Ash Gray leaning towards the lighter end and the Keygeek Raw towards the heavier side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, we find that the Ash Gray has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Keygeek Raw's 3.4 mm distance. Although the difference is minimal, it may still play a role in the overall feel of the switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for quicker response times, especially among gamers. Ultimately, the decision of which switch to choose may come down to personal preference - those seeking a slightly deeper keypress may lean towards the Ash Gray, while those looking for a slightly shorter travel distance may prefer the Keygeek Raw.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch are considered neutral switches, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for a wide range of users and environments, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, or whether you plan to use them at home or in a work setting. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is described as easy-to-press, providing a gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Keygeek Raw switch, on the other hand, offers a textured feel right out of the box due to its unique material blend. Some users may prefer the slight friction provided by these switches for a more tactile typing experience.
Overall, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Ash Gray switch provides a blend of tactile feedback that is substantial yet unobtrusive, while the Keygeek Raw switch stands out for its creamy yet lightweight feel. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother typing experience with a gentle resistance or a slightly textured feel right out of the box, each switch offers distinct advantages for keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, but rest assured that you can achieve similar results in sound and feel with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Ash Gray tactile switch if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a tactile response that strikes a balance between noticeable feedback and a light touch. This switch provides a pleasant typing experience without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, choose the Keygeek Raw linear switch if you appreciate a slightly higher bottom out force and a unique material blend that offers a creamy and lightweight feel. Additionally, if you enjoy hand-lubing your switches, the Keygeek Raw provides a perfect starting point with its unlubricated surface. Ultimately, consider your preferences for bottom out force, tactile response, and material blend to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and overall preferences.
Mentioned in this article
