KTT Ash Gray vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular contenders are the KTT Ash Gray and the Cherry MX Black. The Ash Gray switch is renowned for its tactile response, providing a substantial yet unobtrusive touch. This switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor unnoticed. On the other hand, the MX Black switch from Cherry has perfected its iconic design with Hyperglide tooling, offering a classic textured smoothness. Typing on these switches produces a familiar deep sound profile. The Ash Gray switch is categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral, while the MX Black switch is characterized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Cherry MX Black switches exhibit distinctive characteristics. The Ash Gray utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the MX Black employs a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Ash Gray and the MX Black use nylon. This common material choice gives both switches a similar characteristic of producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a sound profile that is more muted and rounded.
Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Ash Gray and the MX Black, their impact on the overall switch performance can be distinguished. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become noticeable, as it influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key. So even though the specific materials may differ, the overall experience of the switches will have similarities in terms of sound and feel, based on the distinct impact of the top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ash Gray switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, compared to the 60 grams required for the MX Black switch. This means that the Ash Gray switch is easier to trigger, requiring less force for each keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ash Gray switch is 53 grams, while the MX Black switch requires a heavier force of 80 grams. This indicates that the MX Black switch provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully press down.
Weight, in terms of actuation and bottom out force, is an important factor to consider when selecting a switch. For individuals who prefer lighter switches, such as those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, the Ash Gray switch would be an ideal choice. It allows for comfortable and effortless typing, reducing the strain on the fingers over time. On the other hand, some users may prefer a heavier actuation and bottom out force for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. For these individuals, the MX Black switch would be the preferable option, offering a stronger push feel that can enhance the overall typing sensation.
In terms of similarities, it is worth noting that both switches have an actuation and bottom out force, providing consistent performance for users. Regardless of the force required, both the Ash Gray and MX Black switches are engineered to deliver reliable and responsive keystrokes. Therefore, while the forces may differ, users can expect similar outcomes in terms of smooth and accurate typing, no matter which switch they choose.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm distance of the MX Black is considered to be the more traditional travel distance, while the 3.5 mm of the Ash Gray falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Ash Gray a potentially appealing option for those seeking increased responsiveness. However, individuals who enjoy a deeper, more immersive typing experience may find the longer travel distance of the MX Black to be more satisfying. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference for either a shorter, more rapid key press or a longer, more deliberate keystroke.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Ash Gray switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate level of sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. On the other hand, the MX Black switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it has a deeper and more mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ash Gray switch is known for being easy to press. It offers gentle resistance during key presses and requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Ash Gray switch provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Additionally, it is described as having a mild typing experience, meaning it offers a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its qualities.
In contrast, the MX Black switch is described as textured, which means it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switch is considered stiff, meaning it requires a higher amount of force to actuate and/or bottom-out compared to other switches. This means that you will need to apply more force when pressing the keys with MX Black switches.
To conclude, the Ash Gray switch offers a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive. It has a light touch with crisp actuation, providing a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but far from unnoticed. It has a neutral sound profile and is easy to press, offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch offers a smoothness provided by Cherry's Hyperglide tooling and has a low-pitched sound profile. It is textured and stiff, providing a different typing experience compared to the Ash Gray switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a delightful blend of tactile feedback, the KTT Ash Gray switch is a great choice. This switch offers a light touch with crisp actuation, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. With its easy-to-press and mild characteristics, typing on the Ash Gray switch is effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments, whether you're a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a heavy bottom out force, the Cherry MX Black switch is the way to go. These switches offer a classic textured smoothness and have a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone while typing. The MX Black switch has a stiffer feel, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. If you enjoy a switch with noticeable friction when pressed, the textured characteristic of the MX Black switch might be appealing to you.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a light touch, crisp actuation, and an easy-to-press feel, the Ash Gray switch is an excellent option. However, if you prefer a heavy bottom out force, a textured typing experience, and a low-pitched sound profile, the MX Black switch might be more suitable for you. Consider your typing style, desired sound and feel, and the environments you'll be using the keyboard in when making your decision.
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