KTT Cream Yellow vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect keyboard switch for your needs, two options that stand out are the KTT Cream Yellow and TTC Gold Red. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is renowned for its clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. On the other hand, the Gold Red provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Its snappy sound profile adds a subtle touch of personality without being overwhelming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 TTC Gold Red switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings creates a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal choices for those seeking a more defined auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup, as it allows for enhanced light dispersion. In terms of aesthetics and sound, both switches offer similar results due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
However, the housing materials of the Cream Yellow and Gold Red switches differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gold Red also features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a similar effect on sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, further emphasizing the importance of the nylon material in delivering a satisfying typing experience.
In summary, both the KTT Cream Yellow and TTC Gold Red switches share the benefits of having polycarbonate top housings. These housings contribute to a sharp and clear sound profile, as well as providing compatibility with RGB lighting setups. However, their different nylon bottom housings offer distinct qualities. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Gold Red's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch allows for a unique auditory experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of actuation force, the Cream Yellow requires a slightly heavier force at 50 grams compared to the Gold Red's 43 grams. However, both switches fall within the range of a moderate actuation force, providing a satisfying keystroke without being too heavy.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires a slightly heavier force of 58 grams, whereas the Gold Red requires 50 grams. While the Cream Yellow has a slightly higher bottom out force, both switches still fall into the moderate range.
Considering weight preferences, some users may prefer the Cream Yellow switch due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, individuals who prefer lighter switches may gravitate towards the Gold Red, which offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force.
In summary, while the Cream Yellow linear switch provides a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Gold Red, both switches fall into the moderate range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of key responsiveness and feel, with the Cream Yellow offering a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gold Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Gold Red falls into the more traditional range, while the 3.5mm travel distance of the Cream Yellow is on the shallower end. This makes the Cream Yellow a preferred choice for gamers who value faster response times due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial key depression may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Gold Red more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth during typing or gaming tasks.
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 Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its clacky sound profile. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch has a thocky sound profile. It offers a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Additionally, the Gold Red switch has a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Overall, if you prefer a clacky sound, the Cream Yellow switch would be the better option, while the Gold Red switch offers a neutral sound that is versatile and suitable for various purposes.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch provides a uniquely bouncy typing experience. It has a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, which contribute to a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel, giving a rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience. It falls in a safe and middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. It is also a silky switch, meaning it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Moreover, the Gold Red switch is polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, if you prefer a bouncy and lively feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be the better option, while the Gold Red switch offers a mild, smooth, and polished typing experience suitable for a wider range of users.
Considering the available information, the Cream Yellow switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and bouncy typing feel. It provides a distinctively crisp and bright sound, along with a uniquely elastic feedback sensation. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch offers a more versatile and neutral sound profile that is deep and satisfying, with a gentle resistance. It also provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, with a silky smoothness and polished finish. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer desirable qualities. When it comes to sound, if you prefer a clacky profile, the Cream Yellow switch will provide the desired results, while the Gold Red switch offers a more neutral alternative. In terms of feel, if you prefer a bouncy and lively feedback, the Cream Yellow switch is the way to go, whereas the Gold Red switch provides a mild and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 58 grams and shortened bottom-out distance, you can expect resonant audio feedback and a uniquely lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a modest touch of personality, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the better option. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams and snappy sound profile, you can enjoy the satisfaction of a deep "thock" or a soft "knock" without being too ostentatious. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a clacky and bouncy typing experience or a smooth and subtle one, there is a switch for you.
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