KTT Cream Yellow vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and Huano Grape Orange stand out as impressive linear options that cater to different user preferences. The Cream Yellow is celebrated for its distinctively clacky sound, resulting from a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, which together create a resonant audio feedback that many enthusiasts find satisfying. Its lengthened spring also offers a bouncy typing feel, making it an engaging choice for those who enjoy a more tactile response while typing. In contrast, the Grape Orange switches are designed for an exceptionally light and effortless experience, boasting an ultra-low actuation force of just 40g, which makes them particularly well-suited for long typing sessions where comfort and consistency are key. While the Cream Yellow can appeal to users looking for auditory feedback and a dynamic feel, the Grape Orange excels in providing a seamless and fatigue-free experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and Huano Grape Orange switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, specifically in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches feature polycarbonate, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, enhancing the auditory experience of the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective utilization of RGB lighting, making both switches visually striking when lighted from below. This commonality in top housing material ensures that users of either switch can expect remarkable sound fidelity and a vibrant display that combines aesthetic appeal with auditory performance.
In contrast, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, which distinctly influences the acoustic characteristics of each switch. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This material contrasts sharply with the polycarbonate top housing, leading to a layering of sound characteristics: the bottom housing’s softness dampens higher frequencies while enriching lower ones, creating a rounder and more muted sound experience when the key is bottomed out. Consequently, despite their shared construction materials in certain areas, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms results in a dynamic interplay between crispness and warmth, contributing to the overall uniqueness of each switch.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms provides a balanced auditory experience for both the KTT Cream Yellow and Huano Grape Orange switches. Users can expect similar results in terms of clarity and resonance due to the polycarbonate top, while the nylon bottom gives both switches a fuller and more mellow tone when typing. The segregation of qualities between the two housing materials allows for a fascinating sonic texture, where the polycarbonate enhances the clarity and brightness of key releases, while the nylon fosters a rich and enveloping sound profile during key presses. Thus, despite slight variations, typists can enjoy a harmonious blend of sound and performance in either switch.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cream Yellow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Grape Orange switch is lighter, featuring an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch may find the Grape Orange more comfortable for extended use, whereas those seeking a more substantial tactile experience may lean towards the Cream Yellow. Overall, the distinct forces highlight the Cream Yellow as the heavier option, providing a firmer feel compared to the lighter Grape Orange, which may lead to fatigue over long typing sessions for some users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, we find that the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Grape Orange extends slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This makes the KTT Cream Yellow the shorter switch by 0.1 mm, appealing to those who prefer faster response times often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Grape Orange’s longer travel distance may be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, providing a bit more depth during use. Ultimately, choosing between these two will come down to individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus a more traditional key feel.
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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 switches stand out with their distinctively clacky profile. This characteristic arises from their shortened bottom-out distance and the long-pole stem, producing a resonant audio feedback that is sharp, bright, and percussive with each keystroke. This clacky sound can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy audible feedback, adding a layer of engagement to their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switches lack specific sound descriptions, which may indicate a more muted or neutral sound profile. Depending on other factors such as the keyboard plate material and the keycap selection, this could result in a less pronounced auditory experience compared to the Cream Yellow.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is characterized by its bouncy feedback, giving typists a distinctively spring-like or elastic sensation with each press. This lively feeling not only enhances the typing experience but also contributes to a rebound effect that many users enjoy, making typing feel more dynamic. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the Grape Orange switch is not provided, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. However, given its ultra-low 40g actuation force, one might anticipate a lighter and potentially smoother feel, particularly suitable for those who favor a less forceful typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Cream Yellow switch offers a vibrant clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, appealing to users who appreciate expressive auditory feedback and engaging tactile sensations. The Huano Grape Orange switch, while lacking detailed sound and feel characteristics, is noted for its incredibly light actuation force, promoting effortless typing. Depending on your personal preferences, if you're drawn to an auditory experience and lively feedback, the Cream Yellow is a compelling choice. However, if you prefer a lighter touch without specific expectations of sound or feel, the Grape Orange may serve you well in providing an easy and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and style. If you enjoy a more tactile and responsive experience with a distinct clacky sound, the Cream Yellow switch will serve you well, especially if you prefer a comfortable medium resistance of 58 grams for your keystrokes. This makes it a great option for both typing and gaming as it provides pronounced audio feedback and a bouncy feel that can energize your sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without the strain, the Grape Orange’s lighter 50-gram actuation force and ease of travel will be more appealing. Ideal for those who prefer a softer touch with minimal effort, the Grape Orange will allow for a more fluid and effortless typing experience, making it perfect for extensive writing or programming tasks. Ultimately, consider your needs for sound, feel, and typing comfort to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
