KTT Ash Gray vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). Both switches offer a tactile experience, but with distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a light yet noticeable tactile response, delivering a delightful blend of feedback that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle. On the other hand, the Moyu Black offers a sharp and distinctive tactile feel, featuring a strong downstroke bump and an even sharper upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. These switches are further enhanced by the use of premium materials such as PBT top and bottom housings in the Moyu Black, elevating the typing experience to a rare and premium level. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you decide which one suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in their choice of housing materials. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Moyu Black utilizes a PBT top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Ash Gray creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black offers a neutral sound profile. It doesn't produce a crisp sound, nor is it dull.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ash Gray is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, while the Moyu Black features a PBT bottom housing. Typing on the Ash Gray, with its nylon bottom housing, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black offers a neutral sound profile as well. Neither crisp nor dull, it contributes to a balanced auditory experience.
Considering the impact of these housing materials when pressing and releasing keys, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. As such, the qualities of the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing will be more pronounced during keypresses. Conversely, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the sound profile of the Ash Gray, with its polycarbonate top housing, will be more noticeable at key release. The Moyu Black, with its PBT top and bottom housing, provides a consistent and balanced sound experience throughout keypresses and releases.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are clear differences in weight. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Moyu Black's 50 grams. Similarly, the Ash Gray's bottom out force of 53 grams is lighter than the Moyu Black's 67 grams. This means that the Ash Gray switch provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Moyu Black offers a medium-heavy feel.
For individuals who prefer a lighter touch, the Ash Gray switch would be a suitable option as it allows for extended periods of typing without strain. This makes it ideal for those who use their keyboard extensively for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Moyu Black switch is preferable for those who appreciate a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Moyu Black provide a satisfying tactile feedback that some users find more satisfying.
It is worth noting that while the forces differ between the two switches, both options fall within the medium weight range. This means that individuals seeking a similar typing experience in terms of force will still find comparable results with either switch. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier touch, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Moyu Black switches offer reliable and responsive keystrokes that cater to individual preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ash Gray offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Moyu Black. A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is shallower. However, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive experience, the Ash Gray with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on a key, the Moyu Black with its longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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, the Ash Gray switch is considered to be neutral, offering a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users and environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you're using the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch provides a resonant sound profile, resulting in a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. The sound profile of these switches is clean and sharp, enhancing the overall typing experience. It is important to note that while the switches have their own sound characteristics, the sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Ash Gray switch is described as easy-to-press, 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. Furthermore, the Ash Gray switch is considered mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. These qualities make the Ash Gray switch approachable and comfortable for most users.
On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is described as accented, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being hypertactile or scratchy. Additionally, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is known for its sharp feedback intensity. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, delivering a distinct and satisfying feeling with each keypress.
In conclusion, the Ash Gray switch and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch offer different subjective qualities. The Ash Gray switch provides a light touch with a crisp actuation, offering a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive. Its sound profile is neutral, and the feel is easy-to-press and mild. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch features a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, offering a premium typing experience. Its sound profile is resonant, and the feel is accented and sharp. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can provide a pleasurable typing experience, although with different characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a more subtle tactile feel, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-light force of 53 grams, it offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. The Ash Gray switch provides a light touch and a crisp actuation, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for any environment. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch is easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in a low-impact and comfortable typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a heavier bottom out force and a sharper tactile feel, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch would be the better option for you. With a medium-heavy force of 67 grams, it offers a strong and distinct tactile bump that can be felt with each keypress. The Moyu Black switch has a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, providing a premium typing experience. It produces a resonant sound profile, with a clean and sharp sound. The Moyu Black switch is accented with an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, offering a distinctive and impactful typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch with a more subtle tactile feel, go for the Ash Gray. If you prefer a heavier switch with a sharper tactile feel, go for the Moyu Black. Consider your typing style and the type of typing experience you desire when making your decision.
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