KTT Cream Yellow vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering which mechanical keyboard switch to choose, two popular options to compare are the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Mallo. The Cream Yellow is a linear switch known for its distinctive clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, making it a favorite among users who enjoy a tactile auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Mallo is a tactile switch that offers subtle tactility and a medium-light typing feel, striking a balanced chord for typists who prefer a gentler feedback. While the Cream Yellow is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Mallo is classified as 'Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', 'Subdued', and 'Subtle'. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cream Yellow and the Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Cream Yellow has a nylon bottom housing, while the Mallo also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This means that both switches will have a combination of sharpness from the polycarbonate top housing and depth from the nylon bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, the Cream Yellow and the Mallo will both offer a mix of sharpness and depth due to their combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings. However, the impact of each housing material may be more pronounced in one switch compared to the other. The top housing is said to have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This distinction could lead to subtle differences in the typing experience between the Cream Yellow and the Mallo, even though they share similar housing materials.
Overall, both the Cream Yellow and the Mallo demonstrate the importance of housing materials in creating a unique sound profile for mechanical switches. While they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing to achieve sharpness, they each have a nylon bottom housing for added depth in sound. The differences in how these materials interact with the key presses may result in varying typing experiences between the two switches. However, their shared use of polycarbonate and nylon ensures that both switches will offer a pleasing combination of sharp and deep sound qualities for keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
The actuation force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 50 grams, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch does not have a specified actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force of 55-58 grams. The Cream Yellow switch is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, but both provide a similar typing experience when it comes to bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Mallo switch may be more suitable, while the Cream Yellow switch is ideal for those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch. The Cream Yellow switch offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Mallo switch provides a bit more depth in travel distance, offering a more substantial feel when pressed down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance, with the Cream Yellow being shorter and the Mallo being longer in this comparison.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 Cream Yellow linear switch offers a distinctively clacky and resonant audio feedback, reminiscent of a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Mallo tactile switch provides a neutral and subdued sound profile, striking a balance between not being overpowering yet still providing noticeable feedback. While the Cream Yellow may dominate in terms of producing a more pronounced sound, the Mallo's subtlety and gentle tactility offer a more versatile and understated typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Yellow linear switch is characterized by its bouncy and lively feedback, giving a spring-like sensation with each key press. In contrast, the Mallo tactile switch offers a feathery and mild typing experience, requiring little exertion and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mallo's stepped and subtle tactile feedback provides a unique typing sensation that is comfortable for various uses, whether it be for gaming, school, or work.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that both the Cream Yellow linear and Mallo tactile switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Cream Yellow excels in delivering a clacky and bouncy typing experience with its sharp sound profile, the Mallo offers a more balanced and subtle typing feel with a neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing performance. However, it is important to note that both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a bouncy typing experience with a distinctively clacky sound, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and versatile typing experience with a gentle tactility and a neutral sound signature, the KTT Mallo tactile switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the Cream Yellow and Mallo switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing environment. Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch best suits your typing needs.
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