Gateron Ink Yellow vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Kang White, both of which are linear switches. The Ink Yellow is best known for providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It boasts a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for those looking for a more efficient typing experience. Additionally, this switch offers a pleasant smoothness and clackiness that adds to the overall satisfaction of typing. On the other hand, the Kang White stands out for its exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch, delivering a dazzling typing sound. Moreover, the self-lubricating material used in these switches ensures an unparalleled smoothness while typing. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Ink Yellow offers a unique blend of characteristics, while the Kang White, classified as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', provides a distinct typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Kang White switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This thin and clacky sound is well-liked by many users. On the other hand, the Kang White switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound with added aesthetic appeal for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches have similar sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing brings about the same pointed and high-pitched sound as its top housing. Likewise, the Kang White utilizes a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile. In this aspect, both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Ink Yellow being clacky and the Kang White offering a deeper and fuller sound.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Kang White will depend on the desired sound characteristics. If a user prefers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound with the added benefit of RGB lighting capabilities, the Kang White's polycarbonate top housing could be more suitable. Conversely, if one seeks a thinner, clacky sound profile or a deeper and fuller sound, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend housing or the Kang White's nylon bottom housing respectively would be more appealing. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Ink Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, compared to the Kang White with an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Kang White requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Yellow is again slightly heavier with a force of 67 grams, while the Kang White has a force of 58 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. In this case, the Kang White would be the preferred choice due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience might opt for a switch with heavier forces. In this aspect, the Ink Yellow would be the better option with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Overall, while the Ink Yellow and Kang White exhibit some differences in actuation and bottom out forces, they both fall within the medium range. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience, with the Kang White being the lighter option and the Ink Yellow providing a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Kang White linear switch. The Ink Yellow falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which has become popular among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing the Ink Yellow would provide a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kang White offers a longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feeling when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences, with the Ink Yellow offering a shorter travel distance and the Kang White providing a longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow switch is known for its neutral and clacky characteristics. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. The sound produced by this switch is described as crisp, bright, and percussive, giving a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is described as mild and polished. The mild characteristic indicates that it offers a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics, making it approachable for most users. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel. Additionally, the switch is polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and/or factory lubing, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. The feel of the KTT Kang White switch is not described in the provided information.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Ink Yellow and KTT Kang White switches differ in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow offers a neutral and clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound. It also provides a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction. The Kang White switch has a low-pitched sound profile but does not have a description provided for its feel. Considering these qualities, users seeking a typing experience between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard might prefer the Ink Yellow switch for its smoothness and clackiness, while those desiring a poppy linear switch with dazzling sound may opt for the Kang White switch. However, if a user desires a similar typing experience to the Ink Yellow, with a smooth and refined feel, they may still achieve comparable results with the Kang White switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a shorter travel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a great choice. It offers a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. In terms of sound, the Ink Yellow switch is described as neutral and clacky, producing a moderate and sharp sound when pressed. As for feel, it is considered mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a dazzling typing sound, the KTT Kang White linear switch is a suitable option. It is known for its poppy linear characteristic and self-lubricating material, which offers an unparalleled smoothness when typing. In terms of sound, the Kang White switch is described as low-pitched and neutral, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, while still offering a moderate actuation force requirement.
Overall, the decision between the Gateron Ink Yellow and KTT Kang White switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a shorter travel distance and a clacky sound, the Ink Yellow switch may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a dazzling, low-pitched sound, the Kang White switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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