KTT Ash Gray vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Silent Red. The Ash Gray switch is well-known for its tactile response, providing a satisfying blend of feedback without being overwhelming. It has an easy-to-press feel and a mild actuation, making it suitable for those who prefer a neutral typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is designed for those who prioritize a noiseless environment. With its muted sound profile, it is perfect for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Red switch also offers a smooth and consistent feel, delivering a buttery typing experience. Additionally, it features a padded bottom-out feel, allowing for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
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 TTC Silent Red, both featuring polycarbonate top housings, share similar characteristics in terms of sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Ash Gray and Silent Red would deliver similar results in terms of sound when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Ash Gray utilizes nylon, while the Silent Red also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. As the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Ash Gray and Silent Red would provide a similar typing experience in terms of their nylon bottom housings.
In summary, the KTT Ash Gray and TTC Silent Red share similarities in terms of the sound profile created by their respective polycarbonate top housings. However, they differ in their nylon bottom housings. While both feature nylon, the Ash Gray's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, depending on the specific preferences for sound and feel, individuals may prefer either the Ash Gray or Silent Red based on these differences in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, one notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a gentle push. In contrast, the Silent Red switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. While both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, the Ash Gray offers a lighter and more effortless typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ash Gray switch has a force of 53 grams, whereas the Silent Red switch is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Silent Red switch requires more force, providing a more substantial and pronounced typing experience. However, it's worth noting that the Ash Gray switch still offers a satisfactory bottoming out force, ensuring a satisfying keystroke even for those who prefer a slightly lighter touch.
In summary, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a lighter actuation force and a slightly lighter bottom out force compared to the TTC Silent Red linear switch. This makes it a suitable choice for individuals who prioritize a lighter and smoother typing experience, especially for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch provides a heavier actuation and bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a more noticeable keystroke and a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we find that the Ash Gray has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. These differences may seem minuscule, but they can actually have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience.
In terms of traditional travel distances, both of these switches fall within the average range. The most commonly used travel distance is 4.0 mm, which provides a balanced and familiar feel. On the other hand, a travel distance of 3.0 mm is considered to be on the shallower end of the spectrum.
However, with the increasing popularity of gaming, shorter travel distances have become favored by gamers who seek faster response times. If you prioritize a high level of responsiveness in your typing or gaming, opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance, in this case the Ash Gray, may be the better choice for you.
Conversely, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. If you prefer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke, the switch with the longer travel distance, in this case the Silent Red, might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience you are looking to achieve.
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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 produces a moderate level of sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you are using the switch at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as having a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. If you are looking for a switch that minimizes noise, particularly in office or shared living spaces, the Silent Red switch would be the ideal choice. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press characteristic. This means that it offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The overall typing experience is responsive and low-impact. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch is described as having a mild feel, which means that it offers a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable and comfortable for most users. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Similar to the Ash Gray switch, the Silent Red switch is also categorized as having a mild feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users. Additionally, the description of a polished switch suggests that the Silent Red switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray switch offers a neutral sound profile with a light touch and crisp actuation. Its feel is characterized as easy-to-press and mild, enhancing the typing experience with gentle resistance and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch has a muted sound profile, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a quieter keyboard. Its feel is described as buttery and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. While the two switches have different characteristics, both offer qualities that promote comfort and effortless typing. Ultimately, choosing between the Ash Gray and Silent Red switches would depend on your specific preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a light touch and crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray switches would be an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches provide a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming. They offer a comfortable and low-impact typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Ash Gray switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you're using them at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the TTC Silent Red switches are a great option. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a consistent and buttery feel from top to bottom. They offer a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Silent Red switches also provide a comfortable bottom-out feel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ash Gray and Silent Red switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch, tactile feedback, and a neutral sound profile, go for the Ash Gray switches. However, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience with a buttery feel, the Silent Red switches would be the better option. Consider your typing style, environment, and preferences when making your decision.
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