KTT Cream Yellow vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow with the TTC Iron mechanical keyboard switches, a few key differences stand out. The Cream Yellow is known for its distinctively bouncy and clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. This switch provides a unique typing experience that appeals to those seeking a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch boasts a pronounced clacky sound signature that resonates with each press, offering an aural satisfaction to users. Its lightweight actuation and smooth travel make it ideal for swift and fatigue-free typing sessions. While both switches offer clacky sound profiles, the Cream Yellow is more bouncy, while the Iron is categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and usage scenarios. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Iron both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Iron's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches offer a pleasing and unique sound experience, highlighting the importance of top housing material in determining sound characteristics. While the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the Iron's POM bottom housing also contributes to the switch's deeper sound profile.
The difference in top housing materials between the Cream Yellow and the Iron showcases the impact that housing material can have on a switch's sound profile. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, especially ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In comparison, the Iron's POM top housing creates a different sound experience, with a deeper tone that is relatively more muted. Although their bottom housings differ in material, with the Cream Yellow using nylon and the Iron utilizing POM, both switches still offer a pleasing and unique sound profile that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Iron will come down to personal preference in sound characteristics. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing may appeal to those looking for a sharper and crisper sound, while the Iron's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. The differences in bottom housing materials also play a role in the overall typing experience, with nylon providing a fuller sound on the Cream Yellow and POM contributing to the Iron's unique sound profile. Both switches offer distinct qualities that make them stand out in the world of mechanical keyboards, catering to a variety of preferences among enthusiasts.
Weight
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Iron linear switch, which has a lower actuation force of 41 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams while the Iron requires 50 grams. This means that the Cream Yellow switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, but lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Iron switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may prefer the TTC Iron switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the KTT Cream Yellow switch. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Cream Yellow providing a more balanced actuation and bottom out force, while the Iron switch is lighter overall.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the TTC Iron linear switch. In terms of responsiveness, the Cream Yellow may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Iron switch with a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more deliberate key press. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so the choice ultimately depends on individual preference.
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 Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Iron switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This means that users can expect a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback with each keystroke. While sound is dependent on various factors such as keyboard construction and keycaps, both switches offer a satisfying acoustical experience that many enthusiasts enjoy.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that gives a lively sensation when typing. On the other hand, the Iron switch is distinguished by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Iron switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience for most users.
Overall, both the KTT Cream Yellow and TTC Iron switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a bouncy typing feel and resonant audio feedback, the Cream Yellow switch may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer easy-to-press switches with a pronounced clacky sound, the TTC Iron switch might be more suitable. Regardless of your choice, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that brings precision and pleasure to every keystroke.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Iron linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a distinctive clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, then the Cream Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom out force and a pronounced clacky sound signature with buttery smooth travel for fatigue-free typing, then the Iron switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your sound and feel preferences, as both switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing experiences.
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