KTT Cream Yellow vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Light Cloud V2 offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound, bouncy typing feel, and shortened bottom-out distance, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 is celebrated for its silent operation, refined typing feel, and lightweight nature, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter and more delicate typing experience. Each switch is categorized differently, with the Cream Yellow being 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', while the Light Cloud V2 is 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Feathery'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Light Cloud V2, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the Cream Yellow focuses on clarity and resonance with its polycarbonate top housing, the Light Cloud V2 prioritizes depth and richness with its nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Cream Yellow and Light Cloud V2 use nylon for this component. This choice results in a similar sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound experience, regardless of whether it's the Cream Yellow or Light Cloud V2. This shared material highlights the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, while the Cream Yellow and Light Cloud V2 offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, they do share similarities in certain aspects. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp and clear sound, contrasting with the deeper and fuller sound produced by the Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing. However, both switches offer a consistent experience in terms of the bottom housing, with nylon contributing to a rich and absorbing sound profile. Whether you prefer the crisper tones of polycarbonate or the fuller tones of nylon, both switches provide quality sound experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is clear that both switches have a medium bottom out force of 58 grams. However, the Cream Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Light Cloud V2's 45 grams. This difference means that the Cream Yellow will require a bit more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Light Cloud V2. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 may be the more suitable option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cream Yellow for its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of both switches provides a good balance between keypress speed and bottom-out comfort, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience. Overall, whether you choose the Cream Yellow or Light Cloud V2 switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 linear switch offers a clacky and sharp sound, providing a distinct and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch produces a muted and softer sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Cream Yellow switch will give you a crisp and bright feedback, the Light Cloud V2 will offer a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments. Ultimately, your choice of board and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is characterized by its bouncy and spring-like feedback, giving the keys a lively sensation with a distinct rebound when pressed. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is described as offering a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, with feathery light actuation that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Cream Yellow switch provides a more pronounced and lively feel, while the Light Cloud V2 switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable and comfortable for most users.
In conclusion, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you are looking for a clacky and bouncy typing experience, the Cream Yellow switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a muted and easy-to-press feel, the Light Cloud V2 switch is a great option. Regardless of your choice, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Cream Yellow offering a more lively feedback and the Light Cloud V2 delivering a gentle and nuanced feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a clacky sound and a bouncy feel with medium actuation force, the Cream Yellow switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted sound, easy-to-press keys, and a feather-light typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
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