KTT Cream Yellow vs. KTT Lightning

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Lightning. The Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctive clacky sound, offering a satisfying audio feedback. It achieves this through its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, resulting in resonant feedback. Additionally, the Cream Yellow switch provides a uniquely bouncy typing feel, thanks to its lengthened spring. On the other hand, the Lightning switch is primarily known for its speed. Classified as a "speed" switch, it is perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference between victory and defeat. When typing on the Lightning, users enjoy a slick type feel accompanied by a clacky sound profile. While these general pointers give you an insight into the standout features of each switch, let's explore further to help you make the best decision for your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

KTT Lightning Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$3.41 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Lightning both share the use of polycarbonate as their top housing material, resulting in similar benefits. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and clear composition. This material is especially advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting as it allows for translucency. When typing on either switch, the polycarbonate top housing ensures excellent resonance and clarity in the sound produced when releasing a key.

Where the Cream Yellow and the Lightning differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing while the Lightning utilizes the same material. Nylon, being a softer plastic, brings its distinctive characteristics to the typing experience. When using switches with a nylon bottom housing, you can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out a key. This adds a unique touch to the overall sound experience.

Given the contrasting bottom housing materials, the keyboard user will experience a slight variation in the sound profile when using the Cream Yellow and the Lightning switches. The sound produced during the bottoming-out of a key will be influenced by the particular qualities of the bottom housing material. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be more affected by the characteristics of the top housing material. Hence, while both switches offer similar benefits in terms of the polycarbonate top housing, the distinction in their bottom housing materials adds subtle differences to the overall sound and feel when typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, there are significant differences to consider. The actuation force of the Cream Yellow is 50 grams, while the Lightning requires a lighter touch at 43 grams. This means that the Lightning switch will be more sensitive and easier to trigger with a keystroke. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Cream Yellow comes in at 58 grams, while the Lightning requires a force of 50 grams. This suggests that the Cream Yellow switch will provide a slightly firmer and more solid bottoming out sensation compared to the Lightning. In terms of weight, the Cream Yellow is slightly heavier due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the Cream Yellow switch offers a medium actuation and bottom out force, providing a balanced typing experience, while the Lightning switch has a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. In terms of comparison, the Cream Yellow offers a slightly longer travel distance than the Lightning switch. With a 0.5 mm difference, the Cream Yellow provides a touch more depth when pressing down on a key. However, it is important to note that both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Lightning switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more solid and deep feel when typing may opt for the Cream Yellow switch. Despite their differences, both switches offer a level of responsiveness and can yield similar results in terms of activating key presses. Ultimately, the choice of switch will depend on individual preferences and desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Lightning switches are described as clacky. A clacky keyboard switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. However, the Lightning switch is also described as high-pitched and chirpy, adding some unique acoustic signatures. Overall, if you prefer a clacky sound profile, both switches will provide similar results, with the Lightning offering a slightly higher-pitched and chirpy sound.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is described as bouncy. This means it provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Lightning switch is described as subtle and polished. A subtle switch offers gentle resistance while still maintaining a light typing feel. It is suitable for shared spaces as it does not have a resonant sound profile. Additionally, a polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy feel, while the Lightning switch provides a subtler and polished typing experience.

Taking into account all the available information, it can be concluded that the Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound and uniquely bouncy typing feel. It delivers sharp and snappy audio feedback with a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. The Lightning switch, on the other hand, is designed for speed and offers a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile. It is more subtly resistant and polished, suitable for shared spaces. Both switches have their own unique qualities, but if you are looking for a similar clacky sound, the Lightning switch can provide comparable results. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and the Lightning switch will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing requirements.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound with resonant audio feedback, along with a uniquely bouncy typing feel, then the Cream Yellow switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value "speed" switches that can provide an advantage in competitive gaming situations, with a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile, then the Lightning switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer a clacky sound when pressed, but the Lightning switch also has a high-pitched and chirpy sound profile. In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch provides a bouncy and lively sensation, while the Lightning switch offers a subtle resistance and a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should depend on your specific preferences and use case scenarios.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more