KTT Cream Yellow vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and Keygeek Keylin both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cream Yellow is celebrated for its distinctively clacky sound profile, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which not only enhances the auditory experience but also provides a notably bouncy feel due to its extended spring. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a more expressive, tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin switches utilize new molds that prioritize a premium typing experience, delivering impressive smoothness and rich acoustics without the pronounced sound of the Cream Yellow. This makes Keylin an ideal option for users who prefer a quieter, smoother keystroke without sacrificing responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and Keygeek Keylin switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles that reflect their construction. The Cream Yellow employs a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper, crisper sound. This property enhances the overall acoustic performance by allowing for greater resonance and clarity, especially noticeable when the switch is released. In contrast, the Keylin features a nylon top housing, which, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. Consequently, this results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is less sharp but more rounded, altering the auditory experience of each keystroke.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Cream Yellow and Keylin switches utilize nylon, which contributes similar acoustic characteristics to their overall performance. Nylon's inherent qualities provide a soft feel that dampens vibrations, rendering a deeper and more subdued bottom-out sound across both switches. The uniformity of using nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a consistent auditory experience when the key is pressed fully down, emphasizing a rounder sound profile rather than a sharp one. This dual use of nylon for the bottom housing aligns the two switches in their ability to create a fuller sound during the keystroke's downward motion.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the Cream Yellow and Keylin bring unique auditory features to the typing experience, while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain similar sound qualities during the bottoming phase. Users will perceive a more pronounced distinction in the release sound and tactile feedback when comparing the two switches due to their top housing differences. If one is seeking a brighter sound complemented by a rounded bottom-out experience, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon found in the Cream Yellow could be ideal. Conversely, those favoring a consistently deeper sound profile might prefer the Keylin's all-nylon build, which delivers a cohesive sound experience across both the pressing and releasing phases of typing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Yellow requires a higher actuation force of 50 grams, with a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Keylin features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference indicates that the Keylin switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the heavier Cream Yellow switch may appeal to those who desire a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. Thus, while the Cream Yellow offers a firmer resistance, the Keylin provides a smoother, lower barrier for keystrokes, catering to differing preferences in switch weight and actuation response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, it is evident that these switches cater to different preferences. The KTT Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Keygeek Keylin features a slightly longer travel distance at 3.6 mm. This indicates that those who opt for the Cream Yellow switch will experience a slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times, typically favored by gamers seeking faster actuation. Conversely, the Keylin switch's 3.6 mm travel distance may offer a more substantial feel during key presses, appealing to users who prefer a deeper experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Cream Yellow providing a snappier experience and the Keylin offering a more pronounced depth.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 KTT Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctly clacky profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This clackiness derives from its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provide a resonant audio feedback that many typists find satisfying. The sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, making it noticeable during each keystroke. Conversely, the characteristics of the Keygeek Keylin switch remain unspecified, leaving its specific acoustic qualities an unknown factor. However, it is noted to deliver rich acoustics, which implies it may offer a different auditory experience that could appeal to users seeking a more subdued or unique sound profile, possibly influenced by its premium build and new mold design.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Cream Yellow's typing experience is enhanced by a long spring and a bouncy quality, providing a lively responsiveness that many users appreciate. However, there are no specific descriptions of the feel for the Keygeek Keylin switches. Given that they aim to deliver a premium typing experience and exceptional smoothness, it can be inferred that the Keylin may provide a different tactile experience—potentially smoother but distinct from the bounciness of the Cream Yellow.
In conclusion, while the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch boasts a characteristically clacky sound and a bouncy feel that many users find enjoyable, the Keygeek Keylin switch stands out with its promise of rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness. The lack of specific details for the Keylin makes it difficult to offer a direct comparison on feel and sound, but both switches offer unique qualities that cater to varying preferences. If you're looking for lively audio feedback and a bouncy typing experience, the Cream Yellow is a strong contender, while the Keylin may provide a smooth experience for those aiming for a refined touch.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences in key feel and sound. If you enjoy a slightly heavier actuation and a distinctively clacky sound profile that will provide a more tactile feedback experience with every keystroke, the Cream Yellow might be the right choice for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams allows for a satisfying typing experience that offers both a bouncy feel from its lengthened spring and a unique auditory cue with each press. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch when typing and value a smoother operation with rich acoustics, the Keylin switch stands out as an excellent option. With its lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Keylin provides an effortless typing experience that is particularly suited for long typing sessions or gaming where speed is crucial. In essence, the Cream Yellow is well-suited for users who appreciate a bit of character in their keyboard's sound and feel, while the Keylin caters to those seeking a refined, smooth stroke during use.
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