TTC Gold Red vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Kang White, both of which are linear switches. The Gold Red is best known for providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches offer a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Kang White is renowned for its dazzling typing sound, making it an exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch. Additionally, the self-lubricating material used in the Kang White switches provides an unparalleled smoothness during typing. While both switches share a neutral and low-pitched profile, they differ in terms of their categorization. The Gold Red is described as thocky, mild, silky, subtle, and polished, whereas the Kang White is characterized by its mesmerizing sound and neutral qualities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the KTT Kang White have similar housing materials, as both feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to the switches. This is due to its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics from both the Gold Red and the Kang White switches.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Gold Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Kang White also features a nylon bottom housing. This material choice brings a unique quality to each switch. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can experience a distinct typing experience with the Gold Red and the Kang White, with the sound being influenced more by the bottom housing.
It is worth noting that when the top and bottom housings differ for a switch, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the user will feel the impact of the bottom housing, which has a stronger influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound will be influenced more by the properties of the top housing. This allows for a nuanced typing experience with both the Gold Red and the Kang White, as the different housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles during key presses and releases.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Gold Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, compared to the Kang White's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Red requires 50 grams, while the Kang White has a slightly heavier 58 grams. This means that the Gold Red provides a smoother and lighter keystroke sensation, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Kang White offers a slightly stronger push feel, which can provide a more substantial typing experience. It's worth considering that both options fall within the lighter to medium range, so if you prefer a lightweight switch, either of these options would give you similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Red and Kang White switches will depend on an individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red and the KTT Kang White linear switches have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance between the top and the bottom of the switch. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their equal travel distances. Whether you choose the Gold Red or the Kang White, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile sensation when pressing down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is best described as thocky and low-pitched. These switches produce a deep, rich sound when pressed and released, giving a satisfying thud or soft knock. The low-pitched sound profile adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience. Similarly, the KTT Kang White linear switch is also low-pitched and has a neutral sound profile. This means it offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making it suitable for various intents and purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch provides a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a more gentle typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. They have an exceptionally smooth feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The gentle resistance and smoothness of these switches make them approachable to most users. Their polished finish and reduced friction result in sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the KTT Kang White linear switch.
Based on the available information, the TTC Gold Red linear switch seems to offer a more detailed and comprehensive description of both the sound and the feel. While the KTT Kang White switch's sound is described as low-pitched and neutral, the Gold Red provides a clearer picture of a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile. Similarly, the Gold Red switch is described using terms like mild, silky, subtle, and polished for its feel, which gives a better idea of its characteristics compared to the lack of information for the Kang White switch.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience, modest snappy sound profile, and a wide range of feel descriptors including mild, silky, subtle, and polished. The KTT Kang White linear switch, while it offers a dazzling typing sound and is self-lubricating for smoothness, lacks specific information about its feel. Comparing the subjective qualities of the two switches, the Gold Red switch seems to provide a more detailed and varied experience. However, if your preference is for a low-pitched and neutral sound, both switches can result in similar results in that aspect.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a gentle typing experience and a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. They have a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, making them suitable for various environments. With their mild and silky feel, these switches provide an approachable and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a dazzling sound, the KTT Kang White linear switch is the perfect choice. These switches feature a self-lubricating material that enhances their smoothness, resulting in an unparalleled typing experience. They have a low-pitched sound profile, which adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your keyboard. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
