KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Type A both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is praised for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" stands out for its innovative design that focuses on a medium-weight switch with a deeper sound profile. While the Cream Yellow falls into the categories of 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Type A is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Subdued'. Both switches have their own advantages, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision based on your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Type A switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound profile and feel. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Type A's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Both materials exhibit different levels of stiffness, with polycarbonate being stiffer and nylon softer. This results in the Cream Yellow having a more clear and resonant sound, while the Type A has a duller and rounder sound due to nylon's sound absorption properties.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Yellow and Type A switches feature nylon materials that elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing of a switch typically impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, the qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom, with the top housing having more influence on the sound when releasing a key. This highlights the importance of considering the overall sound profile desired when selecting housing materials for switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Type A switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and resonant sound suitable for RGB lighting setups, while the Type A's nylon top housing produces a fuller and deeper sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a rounder sound profile. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel is crucial in selecting switches that align with individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, both switches have a similar actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Cream Yellow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Type A's 55 grams, making the Cream Yellow switch slightly heavier overall. This difference in weight may appeal to different preferences depending on the user's typing style. Some may appreciate the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Cream Yellow for a more substantial typing experience, while others may prefer the lighter bottom out force of the Type A for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Type A linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow offers a quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance, ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Type A switch provides a deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer different advantages based on personal preference, with the Cream Yellow being shorter and the Type A being longer, catering to different typing styles and user preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
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 Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70 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
When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow linear switch offers a distinctively clacky and resonant audio feedback due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem design. This provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch presents a more neutral and subdued sound profile, leaning towards the deeper side of the sound spectrum. This makes it suitable for various environments and preferences, offering a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches.
Moving on to the feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy typing sensation thanks to its lengthened spring, giving keys a spring-like and elastic feedback. This provides a lively feel with rebound when keys are pressed, offering a unique typing experience that can enhance productivity and comfort. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the typing feel of the Gateron Type A switch. However, based on its description as a medium-weight switch with innovative design features, it can be inferred that it likely offers a balanced and responsive feel that caters to a wide range of typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow provides a clacky sound and bouncy feel, creating a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, with its typing feel likely falling into the medium-weight category. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, each catering to different typing styles and environments. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that delivers a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a sound signature that leans towards the deeper side of the spectrum, the Gateron Type A linear switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for sound and typing feel, so choose the one that best aligns with your preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
