Jerrzi Coral vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches like the Jerrzi Coral and the KTT Lightning, it all comes down to personal preference and intended use. The Jerrzi Coral offers a distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, creating a sophisticated yet stellar typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning is a speed switch, perfect for when milliseconds matter in intense gaming situations. With a slick typing feel and clacky sound profile, the Lightning switch is designed for quick and precise keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the Coral and Lightning switches will depend on whether you prioritize a nuanced typing experience or need a switch optimized for speed and performance. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Coral and KTT Lightning both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the Jerrzi Coral and KTT Lightning, the distribution of these materials within the switches plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, are more noticeable when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This subtle difference in the distribution of housing materials can lead to variations in typing experience between the two switches.
In conclusion, while both the Jerrzi Coral and KTT Lightning share polycarbonate top housings for a sharp sound profile and nylon bottom housings for a deeper tone, the way these materials are distributed within the switches can result in distinct typing experiences. Whether one prefers the crispness of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and desired sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Coral linear switch to the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Coral has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Lightning requires 43 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Coral's force is unknown, but the Lightning has a light bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lightning switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Coral switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Coral switch would be the better option, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may gravitate towards the Lightning switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is evident that the Coral has a longer travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the Lightning's 3mm travel distance. The Coral offers a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Lightning's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or individuals looking for a quicker response time when typing or gaming. Both switches offer variations in travel distance that cater to different preferences, with the Coral providing a longer distance and the Lightning offering a shorter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for key press depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
The KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch offers a low-pitched resonance, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. While the Coral switch provides a more subdued and sophisticated acoustic experience, the Lightning switch offers a crisp and lively sound that may be more appealing to those seeking a more dynamic auditory feedback during typing sessions.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is praised for its silky typing feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the KTT Lightning linear switch is described as offering a subtle and polished feel, with a gentle resistance that is not too light, making it suitable for a variety of typing preferences. The polished finish of the Lightning switch contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction for a comfortable and satisfying typing session.
Overall, when comparing the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is clear that each switch offers unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Coral switch excels in providing a low-pitched and silky typing experience, the Lightning switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and subtle, polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Coral linear switch or the KTT Lightning linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a distinctively crisp typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance and a nuanced sophistication in your keystrokes, the Coral switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value speed and the ability to react quickly in gaming or competitive scenarios, the Lightning switch with its light bottom out force and slick type feel may be more suitable. Keep in mind that the Coral switch offers a silky typing experience, while the Lightning switch provides a subtle resistance and polished finish. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style, preferences, and intended usage.