KTT Ash Gray vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Cream Pink offer unique experiences for users. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch designed to provide a subtle yet satisfying tactile response, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter touch during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cream Pink is a linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, which can be preferred by users who enjoy a more consistent typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that make it appealing to different types of users. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Partial box
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 KTT Ash Gray and Outemu Cream Pink both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a more distinct typing experience. In contrast, the Cream Pink's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, offering a more rounded typing feel. While the Ash Gray's top housing is translucent, allowing for RGB lighting effects, the Cream Pink's nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ash Gray and Cream Pink utilize nylon material, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted typing experience. This similarity in bottom housing material implies that both switches will have a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed. However, the differences in top housing material will affect the sound when keys are released, leading to varying sound profiles between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and Outemu Cream Pink ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a clear and crisp typing feel. In contrast, the Cream Pink's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, providing a more rounded typing experience. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, emphasizing a consistent deep sound profile for bottom-out actions. Ultimately, users can experiment with both switches to determine which housing material aligns best with their typing preferences.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Ash Gray being lighter and the Cream Pink being heavier. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Cream Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Ash Gray provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Cream Pink offers a medium-heavy feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial and satisfying keystroke. In both cases, the actuation force is the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Pink has a slightly longer travel distance than the Ash Gray. In general, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying keypress for some users who prefer a deeper feeling when typing. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance, like the one found in the Ash Gray, is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Ash Gray offering a shorter travel distance for quicker actuation and the Cream Pink providing a slightly deeper keypress for those who enjoy a more substantial feel.
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 Outemu Cream Pink comes in at $3.10 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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is known for its neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of usage scenarios. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is currently unavailable. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ash Gray switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate which can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, it offers a mild tactile feedback that is pleasant to most users. In contrast, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Cream Pink linear switch.
Considering the available information, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch provides a mild tactile feedback with a moderate sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various typing preferences. While details about the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch are limited in this comparison, it is worth noting that both switches may offer similar results in terms of feel and sound based on the described characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound levels.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a subtle tactile bump, the Ash Gray would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier keystroke without the tactile feedback, the Cream Pink might be more suitable. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch would best enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns with your individual needs.
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