KTT Cream Yellow vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Cherry MX Orange stand out as two compelling options, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The KTT Cream Yellow switch is celebrated for its vibrant auditory experience, characterized by a clacky sound that stems from its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. Its lengthened spring adds an element of bounce, providing a playful feel that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switch, revered for its legacy and reliability, has been reissued with enhancements that align with modern gaming and typing demands. While the MX Orange may not boast the same level of auditory feedback as its KTT counterpart, it offers a balanced tactile sensation that appeals to users who favor a more subdued but still responsive interaction. Ultimately, both switches have their unique appeals: the Cream Yellow excites with its sound and bounce, while the MX Orange is revered for its consistency and craftsmanship. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the Cherry MX Orange switches present an interesting comparison due to their different top housing materials. The Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness. This stiffness results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, providing a crisper auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which tends to absorb more sound due to its softer material composition. This absorption leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller auditory sensation compared to the Cream Yellow. The choice of material for the top housing significantly affects the character of sound produced, highlighting the importance of polycarbonate for brighter acoustics and nylon for a warmer, muted tone.
While the top housings of the two switches are different, both the KTT Cream Yellow and Cherry MX Orange feature nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material leads to a similar sound experience when pressing the keys, as the nylon's sound-absorbing properties create a deep and rich audio output. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that despite their contrasting top housings, both switches will deliver a full auditory experience when bottoming out. Consequently, this shared nylon bottom housing can result in comparable sensations between the two switches, allowing users to appreciate the benefits of a softer material, regardless of the top housing's differences.
In summary, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing for the KTT Cream Yellow and a nylon top housing for the Cherry MX Orange yields distinct auditory profiles—the former being sharper and crisper while the latter is deeper and fuller. However, with both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, they share a foundational quality that promotes similar sound characteristics during key presses. This combination of materials in each switch illustrates how housing composition can influence not only the sound but also the overall tactile experience, making each switch unique while still offering certain shared qualities that may cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Cream Yellow switch features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Cherry MX Orange has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the KTT Cream Yellow is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, appealing to those who prefer minimal resistance. In terms of bottom out forces, the Cream Yellow also has a defined value at 58 grams, whereas the Cherry MX Orange does not have its bottom out force specified, leaving that aspect unknown. Consequently, while both switches offer a good typing experience, the Cream Yellow's lighter actuation and defined bottom out force suggest a more forgiving feel, while the Cherry MX Orange, with its heavier actuation, caters to users who enjoy a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we see a distinct difference in their specifications. The Cream Yellow features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Orange has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that, for users seeking quicker response times—often favored by gamers—the KTT Cream Yellow may provide a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange offers a deeper keypress, which may appeal to those who prefer a more robust feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between them depends on individual preference, with the Cream Yellow being the shorter option and the MX Orange standing out as the longer one.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 switch is recognized for its distinctively clacky auditory profile. The sharp and snappy sound produced during each keystroke is characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive quality that can elevate the typing experience. This lively sound is largely attributed to its shortened bottom-out distance and the long-pole stem, which contribute to its resonant audio feedback. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Cherry MX Orange switch are less defined in the available information, leaving a gap in the comparison. It's important to note that regardless of the switch type, the overall sound produced will also depend on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps used.
When examining the feel of each switch, the Cream Yellow is known for its bouncy typing sensation. The elastic feedback provided by its longer spring results in a lively and responsive keystroke, giving the user a delightful rebound effect with every press. This bounciness enhances the overall typing experience, making it enjoyable for long typing sessions or gaming exploits. However, the tactile qualities of the Cherry MX Orange switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this area.
In conclusion, the KTT Cream Yellow switch offers a unique combination of a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, making it an engaging option for newcomers seeking an enjoyable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Orange switch lacks defined sound and feel characteristics in the provided information, leaving potential users with unanswered questions about its performance. Ultimately, while the Cream Yellow provides a distinct auditory and tactile experience, the missing details about the MX Orange suggest that users may need to explore further to gauge its overall suitability for their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Cherry MX Orange linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a bouncy, tactile experience with a distinctly clacky sound, the Cream Yellow switch is ideal for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing rhythm, making it a great option for both gaming and typing-intensive tasks where auditory feedback is a key part of your engagement. Conversely, if you prefer a more subdued and less noisy environment, or if you want a switch that offers a balanced feel without the extra auditory stimulation, the Cherry MX Orange switch might suit you better. While its specifications are somewhat limited, the MX Orange is known for its reliable performance and comfort during long typing sessions, making it perfect for those who prioritize a quieter workspace without sacrificing key responsiveness. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—sound, feel, and the overall typing experience—when making your decision between these two noteworthy switches.
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