KTT Cream Yellow vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Cream Yellow and the Kailh Plum are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and experiences. The Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the lengthened spring contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum stands out for its hefty feel and a subtle tactile bump, making it incredibly unique. Unlike many other tactile switches, the Plum does not prioritize tactility and weightiness, resulting in a refreshing difference. The sound profile of the Plum switch is neutral and enjoyable. Both switches offer their own advantages and characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision in choosing the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Kailh Plum, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for those interested in customizable lighting options. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from both the Cream Yellow and Plum switches due to their shared use of polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Cream Yellow and Plum switches differ in material, with the Cream Yellow featuring a nylon material and the Plum utilizing the same polycarbonate as its top housing. This distinction impacts the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound overall. In contrast, the Plum's polycarbonate bottom housing may not provide the same level of sound absorption, resulting in a potentially brighter and sharper sound experience.
It is important to note that the choice of housing materials for a switch affects different aspects of its performance. While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound emitted when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect variations in these aspects between the Cream Yellow and Plum switches due to their differing bottom housing materials. However, the shared use of polycarbonate for the top housings still provides similar sound characteristics between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Plum's actuation force is unavailable. Therefore, we cannot directly compare the two in terms of actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force that falls within the medium range, with the Cream Yellow at 58 grams and the Plum at 70 grams, making the Plum slightly heavier.
Considering the weight aspect, some people prefer a lighter switch like the Cream Yellow, as it allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for a heavier switch like the Plum, which provides a stronger push feel. By choosing options with heavier force, typists can enjoy a more satisfying keystroke. Overall, while the actuation force remains unknown for the Plum, both switches offer a medium bottom out force, but the Plum is slightly heavier than the Cream Yellow.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Plum has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have gained popularity in recent times. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Cream Yellow with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke feel, the Plum's 3.6 mm travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Regardless of the specific travel distance, both switches offer similar results in terms of key press feel.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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
The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound profile is achieved through the switch's shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing feel due to its lengthened spring, giving the keys a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation.
On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a contrasting tactile experience. These switches feel quite hefty but do not feature a huge tactile bump. This makes them incredibly unique among other tactile switches where tactility and weightiness are usually highly correlated. The Plum switch provides a more mild and gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The sound profile of the Plum switch is described as neutral and enjoyable, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes.
In summary, the Cream Yellow switch stands out for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, providing a lively and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a mild and approachable feel with a more neutral sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences. However, if you are looking for a clacky sound and bouncy typing feel similar to the Cream Yellow switch, the Plum switch might not provide the exact same results but can still offer a satisfactory tactile experience. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a distinct and clacky sound, as well as a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be the best choice for you. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, it offers a medium actuation force that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to its resonant audio feedback, giving you a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. The Cream Yellow also provides a lively and spring-like feel, offering rebound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a great option for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy actuation force. The Plum switches feel quite hefty without featuring a huge tactile bump, making them incredibly unique. The sound profile is described as neutral and enjoyable, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use them at home or work. Additionally, the Plum switches have a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience. They also have a stepped design, giving you some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and Kailh Plum switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider how important the sound and feel are to you, and choose accordingly. Both switches have their distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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