KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Weightlessness both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ash Gray switch is designed for those who appreciate a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response, featuring a light touch and crisp actuation that ensures your typing remains efficient and enjoyable without overwhelming your senses. Its mild and easy-to-press characteristics make it a great choice for users who prefer a responsive switch that balances feedback with a neutral touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile feel, complemented by a balanced sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience without distracting from it. These nuances make the Weightlessness an excellent option for those who value a seamless blend of sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your unique typing style.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, the differences in their top housing materials create distinct auditory experiences. The Ash Gray's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This sound clarity makes polycarbonate a preferred choice for switches that integrate RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual effects. On the contrary, the Gateron Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics, which result in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to a more subdued auditory experience, in contrast to the Ash Gray's brighter resonance.

Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, thus sharing commonalities that shape their overall performance. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing helps to create a more rounded and muted sound profile, which is consistent across both models. The deeper, richer auditory experience that nylon provides contributes positively to the typing feel and enhances user satisfaction. While the top housing materials differ, the impact of the nylon bottom housing ensures that users will experience a satisfying and cohesive sound profile when bottoming out, no matter which switch is used.

Ultimately, while the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Weightlessness have contrasting top housing materials, their similarity in bottom housing offers a balance between sound qualities. This means that while the Ash Gray will deliver a crisper release sound due to its polycarbonate top, the Gateron Weightlessness will embody a more muted effect with its nylon top, creating a full-bodied ambient sound when pressed down. Nevertheless, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users will encounter a generally pleasant typing experience, as the deeper sound profile is maintained regardless of the top housing differences.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it a more comfortable option for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, accommodating those who prefer a more substantial push feel with each keystroke. While the Ash Gray's bottom out force is measured at 53 grams, the Weightlessness lacks a specified bottom out force, which leaves a gap in understanding how it performs when fully pressed down. This unknown factor may influence a user's overall typing experience. Ultimately, if users prioritize lightness and ease, the Ash Gray is the better choice; however, those favoring a heavier actuation for a more tactile feedback should lean towards the Weightlessness switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Ash Gray measures 3.5 mm, while the Weightlessness offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm positions the Ash Gray as the switch with the longer travel distance, catering to those who may prefer a more pronounced key press for a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel, may appeal to gamers seeking quick response times. Both switches fall within a range that reflects modern preferences for shorter travel distances, but if you prioritize a deeper key feel, the KTT Ash Gray would be the preferable choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch presents a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement. This balanced audio signature makes it versatile for various settings, be it casual or professional use, allowing for a typing experience that won't distract others around you. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch does not have a specified sound description available; thus, its auditory characteristics remain unknown. However, the switch's sound could potentially vary based on individual setups like the keyboard and keycaps used, which is something to consider.

Focusing on the feel, the Ash Gray switch is designed for a comfortable typing experience with an easy-to-press mechanism that minimizes finger fatigue even during extended typing sessions. Its light actuation force and mild tactile feedback offer a plush typing sensation without overwhelming the user. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch has a subtle to moderate tactile feel, giving it a balance that appeals to many users. The reported tactile sensations between the two switches may differ in intensity but are still designed to provide a satisfying typing experience overall.

In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches cater to users who appreciate tactile feedback while typing. The Ash Gray excels with its neutral sound and easy-to-press feel, making it approachable for most users. Although the sound profile of the Weightlessness switch is unspecified, its moderate tactile response ensures it offers a pleasant typing sensation as well. For newcomers, both options promise to deliver an engaging experience, with the Ash Gray leaning towards a more refined and user-friendly response, while the Weightlessness offers a balance that could suit various preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, your decision should hinge on the kind of typing experience you seek. If you prefer a switch that provides a noticeable tactile feedback without being overly pronounced, the KTT Ash Gray would be your ideal choice. With a bottom-out force of 53 grams, it balances a light touch and crisp actuation, making it easier on the fingers and reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. Its neutral sound and easy-to-press nature make it versatile enough for both work and home environments, catering well to a variety of users, regardless of their experience level. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more subtle tactile response that still maintains an enjoyable typing experience, the Gateron Weightlessness could be a fitting option. Its balanced sound profile complements its gentle tactile characteristics, allowing for a relaxed typing feel that doesn't overwhelm the senses. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a more pronounced tactile sensation with a moderate sound profile (KTT Ash Gray) or a more muted, yet satisfying typing experience (Gateron Weightlessness).

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more