KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Ink Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are numerous options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Two switches that stand out are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Ink Yellow, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the lengthened spring in this switch contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It boasts a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, enhancing the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Ink Yellow have distinct differences and similarities. Starting with the top housing, the Cream Yellow utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This transparency is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile without being overly sharp. Both switches produce satisfying clacky sounds, but the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate produces a crisper tone, while the Ink Yellow's blend provides a slightly fuller sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cream Yellow opts for a nylon material. This classic choice offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. As a result, the Cream Yellow produces a duller and rounder sound when compared to the Ink Yellow. Conversely, the Ink Yellow's bottom housing also incorporates Gateron's INK blend, maintaining the same pointed and high-pitched sound profile. It provides a satisfying thin sound, complementing the switch's overall clacky feel.

One important aspect to note is that the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials are split between the two switches. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's impact is more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Cream Yellow and the Ink Yellow offer a clacky typing experience, making them excellent choices for those who appreciate a distinct and satisfying sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ink Yellow's 60 grams. This means that the Cream Yellow requires a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cream Yellow has a force of 58 grams, while the Ink Yellow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Yellow would be a suitable choice as it requires less force for actuation. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended periods of gaming. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow offers a stronger push feel with its higher actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing.

Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ, their medium classification ensures that they provide a similar level of responsiveness and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and the Ink Yellow will depend on individual preferences for lighter or heavier typing experiences.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback with their identical travel distances, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Overall, the travel distances of the Cream Yellow and Ink Yellow switches are equivalent, guaranteeing similar results when used in a keyboard.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that is described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound is achieved through its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing feel. The lengthened spring contributes to a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and providing rebound when pressed.

On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch has a more neutral sound profile. It is described as having a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is also categorized as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound similar to the Cream Yellow switch. The Ink Yellow switch offers a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It showcases a pleasant smoothness, which can be attributed to its polished finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, both the Cream Yellow and Ink Yellow switches offer clacky sound characteristics. While the Cream Yellow provides a distinctively clacky sound due to its specific design features, the Ink Yellow switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone, offering a moderate sound profile. In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, while the Ink Yellow switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches are designed to deliver a unique and enjoyable typing experience, with the Cream Yellow switch being more specialized in terms of sound and feel. However, depending on your choice of board and keycaps, you can still achieve similar results with either switch.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Ink Yellow, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are seeking a distinctively clacky sound with resonant audio feedback, along with a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch is the one for you. With its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, as well as a lengthened spring, it offers a satisfying and lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, the Ink Yellow switch is a great choice. It provides a shorter travel and a moderate actuation force, making it suitable for various purposes. Additionally, it offers a mild and approachable feel, along with a polished finish for smooth and refined key travel. Consider your desired sound profile, typing feel, and overall preferences when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more