KTT Ash Gray vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the KTT Ash Gray and the Cherry MX Brown. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but they have their own unique characteristics to offer. The Ash Gray switch is designed to offer a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, providing a light touch with a crisp actuation. It delivers a delightful blend of tactile feedback without overwhelming sensations. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch is known for its subtlety, offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While the Ash Gray switch is categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral, the MX Brown switch is labeled as textured, bassy, and low-pitched. While these generalities provide a good starting point for choosing between the two switches, diving deeper into their specific qualities will help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Cherry MX Brown switches have both similarities and differences that affect the sound and feel of the switches. The Ash Gray switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch uses a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Ash Gray and the MX Brown switches utilize nylon, which elicits a deep and full sound. As nylon is softer compared to harder plastics, it absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. In terms of the feel while typing, the bottom housing has more influence, as it affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
While the materials used for the top and bottom housings differ between the Ash Gray and the MX Brown switches, the overall impact on sound and feel varies. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound when releasing a key while the MX Brown's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of both switches results in a similar deep and full sound profile upon pressing the keys. Therefore, while the specific qualities may differ, both switches offer satisfying auditory experiences depending on the housing material used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we can see that both switches fall into the medium-light category. The Ash Gray has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the MX Brown's 45 grams. Similarly, the Ash Gray has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the MX Brown requires a slightly heavier 55 grams of force to bottom out.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ash Gray switch may be a more suitable choice, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces would allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the MX Brown switch, as its slightly heavier forces would provide a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
It is worth noting that while there are slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the Ash Gray and MX Brown switches, they both fall within the medium-light range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience, with the main distinction being the slightly lighter nature of the Ash Gray and the slightly heavier feel of the MX Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the MX Brown falls closer to the average 4.0 mm, while the Ash Gray is on the shorter end with its 3.5 mm distance.
For gamers who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Ash Gray may be preferable. This allows for quicker keystrokes and a more immediate feedback when gaming. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking depth. In this case, the MX Brown with its longer travel distance may be a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming.
Overall, the preference for travel distance ultimately comes down to individual preference and specific needs. If responsiveness is a priority, the Ash Gray's shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. However, for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke or require a more substantial feel, the MX Brown's longer travel distance would be the better choice.
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 Brown 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it offers a moderate level of sound, making it suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch produces a bassy and low-pitched sound during key presses. This gives it a deeper and richer sound profile compared to the Ash Gray switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This light actuation force also helps to reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Ash Gray switch provides a gentle and mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its qualities. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is described as textured. This means that it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
Based on the available information, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Ash Gray switch provides a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming and offers a light touch with a crisp actuation. Its sound profile is neutral, and it offers an easy-to-press typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch offers a subtler typing experience with a gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. It produces a bassy and low-pitched sound and has a textured feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired. Both switches can deliver similar results in terms of overall satisfaction, but with different nuances in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a blend of tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming but still noticeable, the KTT Ash Gray would be a great choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a light touch and crisp actuation, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The Ash Gray switch also provides an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Furthermore, the Ash Gray switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments, whether you're using it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switch would be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is also medium-light, the MX Brown switch offers a relatively light typing experience. It has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Cherry MX Brown comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a blend of tactile feedback and a light touch, along with an easy-to-press feel, the KTT Ash Gray is the switch for you. However, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown is the switch to go for. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your liking.
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