KTT Ash Gray vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Ash Gray and TTC Yunhai offer two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The KTT Ash Gray is a tactile switch celebrated for its substantial yet unobtrusive feedback, providing a delightful tactile response that ensures you won't miss a keystroke while avoiding an overly pronounced sensation. With characteristics like mildness and ease of actuation, it caters well to typists who appreciate a balanced touch and a crisp actuation. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai, a linear switch, emphasizes a smooth and effortless typing experience thanks to its light actuation force, paired with a deep, rounded sound profile. This makes it an ideal choice for those who seek a gentler feel without the distraction of tactile bumps. Each switch has its own merits: the Ash Gray for those who enjoy a defined tactile response, and the Yunhai for those who prefer a quiet and smooth keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Yunhai, significant differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The KTT Ash Gray utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This material's translucency enhances the visual appeal when combined with RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an illuminated aesthetic. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer, more absorbent characteristics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts sharply with the Ash Gray's brighter tones. While both switches have unique auditory experiences owing to their top housing materials, the Ash Gray clearly leans towards a more vibrant sound, while the Yunhai offers a warmer, rounded tonal quality.
Both the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Yunhai share the same material for their bottom housing, which is nylon. This shared material creates a uniform acoustic experience when pressed. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, produces a fuller sound profile that helps to balance the acoustic differences presented by the top housings. As both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, the sound produced during key presses will feel consistent in depth and resonance, resulting in a deeper and more rounded impact regardless of the differing top housings. Thus, the bottom housing acts as a balancing force between the two, ensuring that the experience of bottoming out remains rich and satisfying across both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Yunhai results in distinct sound profiles, with their top housings being the key differentiators. The polycarbonate top of the Ash Gray provides a bright and forward sound, whereas the nylon top of the Yunhai produces a more subdued and mellow tone. However, the nylon bottom for both switches serves to unify the overall sound experience during typing, enhancing the impression of fullness and richness regardless of the top housing material. Consequently, while there are clear contrasts in their sound dynamics due to the differing top housing materials, the commonality in the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a level of acoustic resonance that is deeply satisfying to the user.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it within the medium-light range. In contrast, the Yunhai has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, while its bottom out force is lighter at 50 grams. This means that while both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, the Ash Gray is more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch and a softer bottoming out sensation. Conversely, the Yunhai, with its heavier actuation force, appeals to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing, although it still maintains a lighter overall bottom out force compared to the Ash Gray. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference, with the Ash Gray offering a softer typing experience and the Yunhai providing a bit more resistance during actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we find that the Ash Gray switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yunhai switch measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that the Ash Gray, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a more responsive feel, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Yunhai's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness and a snappier feel, the KTT Ash Gray would be the better choice, whereas the TTC Yunhai may be more suitable for users who appreciate a deeper pressing experience.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 offers a neutral profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and sound output. This makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting, appealing to both beginners and experienced typists. The TTC Yunhai linear switch's sound profile is less defined in the provided information, leaving its acoustic qualities a mystery. However, sound will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices, meaning both switches could potentially deliver similar experiences depending on those variables.
In the realm of feel, the Ash Gray switch excels with an easy-to-press characteristic, requiring minimal force to activate and thus reducing finger fatigue during extensive typing sessions. Its tactile feedback is substantial yet unobtrusive, offering a mild typing experience that is approachable for most users. On the other hand, the feel of the Yunhai linear switch is not explicitly detailed, so its tactile qualities remain unknown to potential users. However, the combination of a gentle actuation force suggests it may provide an effortless typing experience, possibly aligning with the light touch of the Ash Gray.
In conclusion, while the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch provides a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience, the TTC Yunhai switch remains more enigmatic in its acoustic and tactile feedback. Despite this uncertainty regarding the Yunhai, both switches possess qualities designed to enhance the typing experience, and depending on the right keyboard and keycap setup, they may provide satisfaction to typists seeking a pleasing switch. Whether you prefer the tactile nature of the Ash Gray or find a delightful surprise in the Yunhai, both can cater to differing ergonomic preferences while maintaining a comfortable typing feel.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy typing with a distinct tactile response and want a switch that balances feedback and comfort, the KTT Ash Gray is a great option. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams provides a satisfying yet unobtrusive tactile bump, making it suitable for both typing and gaming without overwhelming your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, effortless typing experience with a focus on speed and quietness, the TTC Yunhai linear switch, with its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, might be more appealing. These switches are particularly well-suited for gamers or typists who favor swift keystrokes and a deep, rounded sound profile. In the end, consider what feels best under your fingers and aligns with your typing habits, whether you prioritize feedback and engagement with the Ash Gray or the serene glide of the Yunhai.
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