KTT Cream Yellow vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Gold Brown. The cream yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. This switch also offers a uniquely bouncy typing feel due to its lengthened spring. On the other hand, the gold brown switch is all about balance. It features a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. While its sound profile is generally softer than most switches, it is not completely silent. Categorized as bouncy and clacky, the cream yellow offers a more resonant audio feedback, while the gold brown, categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, accented, and polished, provides a smoother and more balanced typing experience. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision when choosing the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Gold Brown share similar housing materials for both the top and bottom, as both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the use of polycarbonate, which is a relatively stiffer plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting in their switches. Furthermore, both switches benefit from the use of nylon in the bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their similarities, the differences in housing materials between the Cream Yellow and Gold Brown switches can have an impact on the overall typing experience. If the top and bottom housings are different, the qualities of each material will be split between the bottom and top of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing, which is made of nylon, will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the typing experience may slightly differ between the two switches due to the varied qualities of their respective housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Cream Yellow and Gold Brown switches have a clear housing, indicating the use of polycarbonate. This creates a visually appealing aspect as the translucency of the material allows for impressive RGB lighting effects. Whether it is the Cream Yellow or Gold Brown, users can enjoy the captivating illumination of their switches, making them a great choice for those seeking visually attractive keyboards. Overall, while there are slight differences in the housing materials between the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Gold Brown switches, they ultimately provide similar results in terms of sound profiles and visual appeal, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches fall into the medium force range, with the Cream Yellow having an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams.
In terms of actuation force, the Cream Yellow requires a slightly lighter touch than the Gold Brown, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. This can be advantageous for those who need to type for extended periods of time, such as in a work setting or during lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gold Brown offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to bottom out force, both switches have a similar difference of 5 grams. This means that, while the actuation forces may differ slightly, the experience of pressing the keys all the way down will be comparable between the two switches.
Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences. Those who prioritize a lighter touch and longer typing sessions may lean towards the Cream Yellow, while users who enjoy a stronger push feel and more pronounced tactile feedback may find the Gold Brown to be a better fit. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a medium level of force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for most users.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch's travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cream Yellow offers a slightly shallower travel distance compared to the Gold Brown. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional while 3.0 mm is the shallowest. However, the preference for shorter travel distances has become prevalent, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize quick responsiveness, the Cream Yellow would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances too abrupt and prefer a greater depth in their keystrokes. In that case, the Gold Brown, with its longer travel distance, would be a better option. Ultimately, both switches offer different travel distances, catering to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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
The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This is achieved through its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provide resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing feel, thanks to its lengthened spring. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch offers a balanced sound profile. It has a slight, satisfying bump that provides tactile feedback without being too overwhelming. The sound produced by the Gold Brown switch is generally softer than most switches without being completely silent. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch has a moderate weightiness to it.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy sensation, giving the keys a spring-like and elastic feedback. This provides a lively typing experience with a noticeable rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle and uniform typing sensation that is suitable for most users. This switch can also be described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides seamless and effortless typing with reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to its polished finish. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch offers an accented tactile feedback, which is prominent but not overwhelming or subtle.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Gold Brown switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, while the Gold Brown switch offers a balanced sound profile, a mild and approachable typing experience, and a buttery and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. If you prefer a sharper and bouncier feel with a more pronounced sound, the Cream Yellow switch may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a balanced and gentle typing experience with a softer sound, the Gold Brown switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem provide resonant audio feedback, creating a crisp and bright sound. The lengthened spring also adds to a uniquely bouncy typing experience, giving you a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. On the other hand, if you value a balanced switch with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be a better fit. It offers a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches without being completely silent. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch falls into the category of mild switches, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. It has a buttery, polished, and accented feel, ensuring smooth and refined key travel with a prominent yet not overwhelming amount of tactility. Ultimately, both switches have unique qualities and it comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Gold Brown.
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