KTT Ash Gray vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from. Two popular choices are the KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Ash Gray switch is best known for its tactile response that strikes the perfect balance between a light touch and a crisp actuation. It provides a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor unnoticed. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch stands out with its captivating sound profile that resembles the collision of mahjong tiles. Typing becomes an indulgent experience with its rich, bassy, and decadent sound. Additionally, its medium-weight makes it suitable for a wide range of users. 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

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and the Everglide Sunset Yellow have different top housing materials. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound and plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow has a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. This unique sound profile is pleasing to many, offering a different auditory experience compared to the Ash Gray.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Ash Gray utilizes a nylon bottom housing while the Sunset Yellow has a POM bottom housing. Both materials contribute to the sound profile of the switch but in different ways. The nylon bottom housing of the Ash Gray elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder profile. Meanwhile, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow also produces a deeper sound, offering a similar experience to the Ash Gray in terms of sound depth. However, the unique sound profile of the Sunset Yellow may still differ due to the materials' inherent characteristics.

It is important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while there may be similarities in sound depth between the two switches, the overall auditory experience may still vary based on the specific combination of top and bottom housing materials used in each switch.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall under the category of medium-light actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Sunset Yellow has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams. These slight variations in force required for actuation and bottoming out may result in a slightly different typing experience.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ash Gray switch may be the ideal choice, as its actuation force is slightly lighter than the Sunset Yellow. This lighter actuation force can enable longer typing sessions without causing as much finger fatigue. However, if one desires a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Sunset Yellow switch with its slightly heavier actuation force may be the better option.

It is worth noting that although the forces vary slightly, both switches fall within the same medium-light range. As a result, the typing experience is likely to be similar in terms of effort required for both actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing feel. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer suitable options.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Ash Gray has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.5 mm compared to the Sunset Yellow's 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, tend to opt for shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Sunset Yellow with its shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience, the Ash Gray's longer travel distance may be more suited. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the desired level of depth in typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch can be described as a neutral switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This means it is suitable for most intents and 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a bassy sound profile during key presses, characterized by a lower frequency range reminiscent of deep and rich bass tones. Additionally, it is described as thocky, producing a satisfying sound similar to a deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to feel, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is known for being easy to press, offering gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It is also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to the lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used, resulting in a silky sensation when typing. It is also described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Additionally, it is considered polished, resulting in reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sleek typing experience.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Ash Gray switch delivers a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, providing a light touch with crisp actuation. It offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming but far from unnoticed. The Sunset Yellow switch, on the other hand, provides a captivating sound profile reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles, with a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, making typing an indulgent experience. It also offers a distinct gliding feel due to the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method, resulting in a highly responsive typing experience.

If you are seeking a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, the Ash Gray switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones, along with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Sunset Yellow switch would be a better fit. These switches provide unique experiences tailored to individual preferences, so choosing the one that aligns with your specific needs and desires will result in a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it ultimately depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience. The Ash Gray switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is substantial yet unobtrusive, providing a light touch and crisp actuation. This makes it a suitable choice for a wide range of users, whether beginner or advanced, and can be used both at home and work. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich and bassy sound that creates an indulgent typing experience. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of a short travel and long-pole stem ensures a sharp and highly responsive typing experience.

In terms of sound, the Ash Gray switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. The Sunset Yellow switch, on the other hand, offers a deep and rich bassy sound during key presses, giving a satisfying thocky sound when pressed and released.

When it comes to feel, the Ash Gray switch is easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. It is also described as mild, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It is also described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Ash Gray and Sunset Yellow switches will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a tactile feedback with a light touch and a pleasant typing experience, the Ash Gray switch may be the one for you. However, if you enjoy a captivating sound profile, smooth and effortless gliding feel, and a rich bassy sound, the Sunset Yellow switch is worth considering. Both switches offer their unique qualities to enhance your typing experience, so choose according to what resonates with you the most.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more