KTT Cream Yellow vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly impact your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Orange switches. The Cream Yellow switch is designed for those who appreciate a distinctively clacky sound. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem provide resonant audio feedback, while its lengthened spring contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Orange switches boast a 22mm long spring, delivering a bouncy typing experience as well. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a slick, frictionless typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the excellent factory-lubing ensures a refined, fluid key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and KTT Orange switches share some similarities in their housing materials while also having some distinct differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches would provide similar sound characteristics and aesthetic effects due to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, the Cream Yellow and Orange switches diverge when it comes to their bottom housings. The Cream Yellow employs a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the contrary, the Orange switch features a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with its top housing. Thus, the Orange switch maintains a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile throughout the entire typing experience. This difference in bottom housing material will significantly impact the overall sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, as the qualities of the bottom housing contribute more to the bottom-out sound and sensation.
Overall, while the Cream Yellow and Orange switches share the benefits of having a polycarbonate top housing, their divergent choice of bottom housing materials produces contrasting sound profiles. The Cream Yellow emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Orange offers a consistently sharp and resonant sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches cater to different preferences, providing variety in typing experiences based on individual sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of actuation force, the Cream Yellow requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Orange requires slightly less at 46 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, providing a balanced typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams of force to fully depress the switch, while the Orange requires slightly less at 53 grams. This means that the Cream Yellow offers a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing down compared to the Orange.
Considering the weight aspect, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the Orange switch. This lighter feel allows for prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or gaming. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cream Yellow switch with its slightly heavier forces. This can provide a stronger push feel, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing.
Overall, while there are slight differences in the actuation force and bottom out force between the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Orange linear switches, they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience, with the Cream Yellow offering a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing down compared to the Orange.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the Cream Yellow or the Orange linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance you feel when typing.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 Cream Yellow and Orange switches offer different profiles. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound that is often described as bright. On the other hand, the Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile. It tends to have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to consider that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Cream Yellow and Orange switches offer a bouncy typing experience. The Cream Yellow switch is designed with a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, resulting in a uniquely bouncy feel when typing. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and a rebound effect. Similarly, the Orange switch also offers a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback when pressed. Additionally, it boasts a frictionless typing experience, thanks to its excellent factory-lubing. This lubrication ensures a refined and fluid key travel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction.
Considering all the available information, the Cream Yellow and Orange switches each have their own unique qualities. The Cream Yellow switch stands out with its clacky sound profile and bouncy typing feel, while the Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience. If you are looking for a sharp and snappy sound with a uniquely bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone combined with a bouncy and frictionless typing sensation, the Orange switch would be a suitable option. It is essential to keep in mind that personal preferences, along with the keyboard board and keycaps used, can influence the overall experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that delivers a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is the one for you. With its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, it provides resonant audio feedback and a springy typing experience. Additionally, its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams offers a comfortable typing experience without being too heavy. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile and want a slick, frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange switch would be a great choice. Its 53-gram medium-light bottom-out force, polycarbonate milky top housing, and long pole POM stem contribute to a bouncy and smooth typing feel. The factory-lubed switch ensures minimal friction and maximum smoothness during key travel. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique features and advantages, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
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