KTT Ash Gray vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your overall typing experience. The KTT Ash Gray, a tactile switch, is designed to offer a balance of substantial tactile feedback without being overly aggressive, making it ideal for those who appreciate a light touch combined with a crisp actuation. Constituents of a delightful not-too-intense tactile experience, the Ash Gray allows typists to feel their keystrokes while still maintaining a smooth rhythm. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, focuses on delivering premium smoothness and rich acoustics, providing a seamless typing experience without any tactile bump. This makes the Keylin appealing to gamers and typists who prefer a steady keystroke without distractions. Each switch has its own merits depending on your typing preferences, whether it’s the gentle tactile sensation of the Ash Gray or the fluidity of the Keylin. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Keygeek Keylin switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which directly influence their auditory characteristics. The Ash Gray employs a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality makes it particularly well-suited for situations where RGB lighting is employed, as the translucency allows for enhanced light diffusion, resulting in visually appealing effects. Conversely, the Keygeek Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer composition. This softness contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs sound more effectively, producing a dulled and rounder auditory experience. Essentially, the contrasting materials lead to distinct sound signatures that cater to different preferences—clarity and brightness with the Ash Gray versus warmth and richness with the Keylin.
Despite the differentiation in their top housing materials, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Keygeek Keylin share identical nylon bottom housings, which have a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and more rounded sound profile, providing a unified auditory groundwork. This similarity indicates that regardless of the contrasting top housings, both switches will exhibit the same fullness and depth when typing, as the bottom housing's influence on the bottom-out sound and feel is predominant. Therefore, users who appreciate the soft, muted auditory feedback of nylon will find a commonality here, even in the presence of differing top materials.
Ultimately, the sound and experience of typing on the KTT Ash Gray and Keygeek Keylin can be seen as a balance of their materials’ properties. The unique top housing materials create distinct auditory cues when a key is released, with polycarbonate lending brightness to the Ash Gray and nylon offering warmth in the Keylin. However, since both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, they converge in terms of the foundational typist experience—providing a rich and full sound profile when pressed down. Therefore, for those who might prioritize a deeper sound while enjoying the nuanced differences in the keys’ release sounds, these switches offer distinct yet complementary auditory experiences built upon a shared foundation.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 38 grams, which provides a consistent feel when registering keystrokes. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Ash Gray having a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Keylin's bottom out force is lighter at 48 grams. This means that, while both switches require the same effort to actuate, the Ash Gray requires a slightly heavier force when fully pressed down. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter switch experience might lean towards the Keylin for a more effortless typing feel, especially during extended use. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Ash Gray's heftier bottom out force appealing. Overall, the Keylin offers a lighter overall feel due to its lower bottom out force, making it potentially more suitable for long typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, it may influence user preference depending on their typing or gaming style. The Ash Gray, being the shorter option, could provide a quicker response time, making it more appealing for gamers who favor fast keystrokes. Conversely, the Keylin's longer travel distance may offer a more pronounced feedback that some users appreciate for a heartier typing experience. Ultimately, individuals seeking responsiveness may gravitate toward the KTT Ash Gray, while those desiring a more substantial feel might prefer the Keygeek Keylin.
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 Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the KTT Ash Gray switch is characterized by its neutrality, providing a moderate auditory experience that suits various environments, whether at home or in the office. This switch boasts a balanced sound that doesn’t distract users, making it versatile for different typing scenarios. While the Keylin linear switch is known for its rich acoustics, specific sound characteristics were not mentioned in the given information. However, one can generally expect linear switches to offer a quieter experience compared to tactile switches like the Ash Gray, making the Keylin potentially better suited for noise-sensitive environments.
When it comes to feel, the Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press typing experience with gentle resistance, which minimizes finger fatigue during extended sessions. The tactile feedback is substantial yet unobtrusive and is described as mild, providing a comfortable balance that caters to a wide range of users. In contrast, the feel of the Keylin linear switches is not specified, but as linear switches, they are typically known for their smooth and uninterrupted keypresses, which many typists appreciate for their seamless operation. This difference means that while the Ash Gray has distinct tactile feedback, the Keylin may excel in providing an effortlessly smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray and Keygeek Keylin switches offer unique qualities to cater to different typing preferences. If you're after a tactile switch that balances responsiveness with a mild touch, the Ash Gray may be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you're leaning toward a smooth, linear experience with rich acoustics, the Keylin can fulfill that desire, offering a premium feel. Your final choice may hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smooth keypresses, but both options promise an engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate tactile feedback but prefer something that isn't overly pronounced, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force and mild tactile response make it suitable for both casual and professional environments, allowing you to enjoy a smooth typing experience without overwhelming your senses. This switch is particularly beneficial for those who type for extended periods, as its easy-to-press nature reduces finger fatigue while providing a neutral sound profile that is versatile for various settings. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and smoothness, the Keylin linear switch, with its lighter actuation force and premium linear feel, could be your go-to option, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing where key travel is crucial. The Keylin’s rich acoustics and sleek action further enhance your experience, making it perfect for users seeking a seamless and unobtrusive typing sensation. Therefore, your decision should reflect not just your tactile preferences but also how you plan to use your keyboard, whether for daily typing tasks or high-speed gaming sessions.
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