KTT Ash Gray vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and KTT Mallo both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ash Gray switch is known for its tactile response that strikes a perfect balance between a light touch and crisp actuation, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that is noticeable but not overwhelming. On the other hand, the Mallo switch is praised for its gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, offering a subtle feedback that is just enough to enhance typing experience without being overpowering. While the Ash Gray switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Mild', the Mallo switch boasts a wider range of categorizations including 'Feathery', 'Stepped', and 'Subdued'. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, it's important to consider your preference for tactility and typing feel. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design. While both switches share these characteristics in their top housings, they may differ in other components.
In contrast, the Ash Gray and Mallo each have nylon bottom housings, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer texture absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and more rounded sound. This difference in material for the bottom housing affects the overall typing experience, emphasizing the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite variations in other components, both switches maintain a similar typing experience with the presence of a nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the distribution of housing materials in a switch, such as the KTT Ash Gray and Mallo, plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback of the typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing impacts the overall typing sensation and bottom-out sound. By understanding the unique qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in each housing component, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their switch preferences to achieve their desired sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In comparison, the KTT Mallo tactile switch has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 55 grams, also considered medium-light. Both switches fall into the same weight category, providing a balance between a comfortable typing experience and tactile feedback. Users who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Ash Gray, while those who desire a slightly firmer feel may opt for the Mallo. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch. This means that the Ash Gray will provide a slightly quicker keypress feel compared to the Mallo. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Ash Gray due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced keypress and deeper feeling may lean towards the Mallo. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who appreciate a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 and Mallo switches fall under the category of neutral switches, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for various typing environments and user preferences. However, the Mallo switch also has a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed, making it a more subtle option for those who prefer quieter switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ash Gray is known for its easy-to-press characteristic, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Mallo switch is described as feathery, being exceptionally light to press and requiring little exertion from the fingers. This makes it comfortable for long typing sessions, such as gaming or work. Both switches also fall under the category of mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer different but complementary qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches provide a neutral sound profile, the Mallo switch stands out with its subdued sound profile, making it a quieter option. In terms of feel, the Ash Gray offers an easy-to-press experience, while the Mallo provides a feathery light typing feel. Overall, both switches strike a balance between tactile feedback and typing comfort, appealing to a wide range of users with their versatile qualities. Whether you choose the Ash Gray or Mallo switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a crisp actuation, the Ash Gray may be the ideal choice for you. Its blend of tactile feedback and light touch offers a delightful typing experience that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a gentle tactility and a versatile sound signature, the Mallo may be more suitable for your needs. Its subtle feedback and medium-light typing feel make it a versatile option for various typing environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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