KTT Cream Yellow vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and TTC Gold Silver are two compelling choices, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Cream Yellow boasts a distinctive clacky sound profile, paired with a bouncy feel thanks to its long-pole stem and extended spring, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy audio feedback and a more playful typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver prioritizes rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes, featuring a shorter travel distance that culminates in a satisfying and decisive bottom-out, providing a seamless experience for those who favor speed and precision. While the Cream Yellow appeals to users looking for an engaging auditory experience, the Gold Silver is tailored for those who appreciate a polished and fluid typing action. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and TTC Gold Silver switches share a key similarity in their top housing material, which is made from polycarbonate. This choice in housing material results in a sound profile that is notably sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes significantly to this clarity, allowing for a sound that is both resonant and clear. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing enhances the switches' compatibility with RGB lighting, making them visually appealing in lit setups. Thus, both the Cream Yellow and Gold Silver models promise a similar auditory experience when utilized in keyboards, showcasing their ability to deliver a bright sound that complements dynamic RGB effects.
Contrasting the top housings, both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, which leads to notable differences in the typing experience they provide. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This absorption contributes to a rounded auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the crisp highs of the polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, when pressed down, users will experience both switches having a solid bottom-out sound, yet the overall attribute of the sound will feel different depending on the interplay between the nylon bottom and polycarbonate top.
Collectively, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms creates a unique synergy for both the KTT Cream Yellow and TTC Gold Silver switches. While the polycarbonate encourages a brighter sound during key release, the nylon absorbs much of the impact from pressing down, resulting in a nuanced auditory landscape. This dual-material approach ensures that even though they share housing materials, users can expect specific tonal responses shaped by each switch's unique construction. Ultimately, the similarities in top housing materials promote aligned auditory characteristics, while the distinctions in bottom housing lead to varied tactile experiences.
Weight
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch present distinct characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Gold Silver switch has a lighter actuation force at 45 grams; however, its bottom out force is currently unavailable. This difference in actuation force indicates that the Cream Yellow will feel heavier and offer more resistance during typing, which may appeal to users who prefer a sturdier feel. Conversely, the TTC Gold Silver may be better suited for those who appreciate a lighter switch, facilitating longer typing sessions without fatigue. Since the bottom out force for the Gold Silver is unknown, it cannot be compared directly to the Cream Yellow's measurement, leaving some uncertainty about its overall tactile feedback when pressed fully down. In conclusion, if a user prefers a medium-weight switch, the Cream Yellow would be ideal, while those looking for something lighter may lean toward the Gold Silver, albeit with limited information on its bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback and keypress action. Since both switches feature identical travel distances, they can be expected to deliver comparable performance in terms of keystroke depth and responsiveness, making them equally suited for users who prefer a consistent pressing experience.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 Cream Yellow switch stands out with its distinctively clacky audio profile. This crisp, bright, and percussive sound is characterized by a sharp and snappy response that can be particularly satisfying for users who appreciate a lively typing atmosphere. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver switch offers a more thocky sound, producing a deep, rich resonance that can be described as having a low-pitched tone reminiscent of a soft “thud.” While the Cream Yellow provides a sharper auditory feedback, the Gold Silver’s sound signature is more subdued and neutral, making it suitable for various environments, including offices or shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cream Yellow delivers a bouncy typing experience, characterized by a springy feedback that gives a lively sensation with every keystroke. This rebound effect can enhance the typing rhythm, making it enjoyable for those who prefer more dynamic tactile sensations. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch offers a smooth and polished feel, marked by reduced friction and fluid key travel. This polished nature lends a silky touch to each press, and combined with its mild resistance, it results in a typing experience that is accessible and agreeable for a wide range of users, while also being incredibly responsive.
In conclusion, the KTT Cream Yellow and TTC Gold Silver switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Cream Yellow provides a vibrant and percussive sound along with a lively feel, while the Gold Silver presents a deep, resonant audio profile and a smooth, polished typing experience. If you're looking for a more dynamic and playful typing experience, the Cream Yellow may suit you better, while those who prefer a refined and seamless touch might find the Gold Silver to be ideal. Both switches will ultimately meet the needs of keyboard enthusiasts, but they will deliver distinctly different sensations and sounds that you must consider based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider your preferences in sound and feel as well as your typing habits. If you enjoy a lively, bouncy typing experience and appreciate a distinctively clacky sound that provides excellent auditory feedback, the KTT Cream Yellow is likely the better choice for you. This switch is ideal for those who type extensively and want the satisfaction of a pronounced audio response with every keystroke. Conversely, if you are looking for a smooth and polished typing experience that promotes speed and responsiveness, the TTC Gold Silver would be your preferred switch. Its silky feel, combined with low-pitched thocky sounds, makes it an excellent option for both gaming and everyday use in environments where less noise is appreciated. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize the pronounced aural satisfaction of the Cream Yellow or the swift, seamless experience of the Gold Silver.
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