KTT Kang White vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Kang White and the Cherry MX Orange both offer distinct advantages for different typing preferences. The Kang White is celebrated for its remarkably smooth typing experience, enhanced by its self-lubricating material and low-pitched sound, creating a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists crave. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, a reissue of the original MX Orange switches, incorporates enhanced characteristics from Cherry's storied history, catering to those who appreciate a blend of nostalgia and modern improvements. While the Kang White excels in providing a seamless and enjoyable typing experience, the MX Orange stands out for users who value the historical significance of a time-tested switch, now refined to meet contemporary standards. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Kang White Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$1.99 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Kang White and the Cherry MX Orange switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Kang White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer makeup that leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's translucency allows it to effectively showcase RGB lighting, creating an appealing visual effect for die-hard mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. In contrast, the MX Orange employs a classic nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic nature, which absorbs sound waves rather than reflecting them. The difference in these top housing materials indicates that while both switches can deliver satisfying experiences, they will offer contrasting auditory sensations that cater to different preferences among users.

When examining the bottom housing of both switches, we find common ground as both the KTT Kang White and the Cherry MX Orange utilize nylon. This shared material contributes to a similar bottom-out sound and feel, characterized by its ability to absorb sound and provide a more muted auditory response. The nylon construction allows for a consistently rounded and deep sound, effectively reinforcing the overall acoustic profile experienced by the user when typing. Because both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, there is a level of sonic cohesion that will resonate similarly despite the differing characteristics provided by the top housings.

Ultimately, the unique combination of materials in the KTT Kang White and Cherry MX Orange switches illustrates how the interplay of top and bottom housings affect the typing experience. The Kang White's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a sound profile that delivers a crisp release and a deep bottom-out, presenting a balanced auditory experience. Meanwhile, the MX Orange maintains a consistently fuller sound with its nylon top and bottom housings, leaning toward a more rounded profile. While users may notice stark contrasts in sound between the two due to their top housing materials, the nylon commonality ensures that certain tactile qualities remain aligned, delivering a well-rounded typing experience that could be appealing to various keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation force. The Kang White requires an actuation force of 45 grams, which aligns with a medium typing experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange demands a higher actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a sturdier feel beneath their fingers. The bottom out force for the Kang White is set at 58 grams, indicating a definitive resistance when the switch is fully depressed. However, the bottom out force for the MX Orange remains unknown, which complicates a precise comparison in this aspect. Overall, the KTT Kang White switch is lighter than the Cherry MX Orange, with the latter offering a more substantial resistance that some users may find preferable for a strong, tactile typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they require the same amount of distance to be pressed down from the top to the bottom. This identical travel distance indicates that users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation when using either switch, resulting in a comparable typing or gaming experience. Thus, both switches offer a consistent feel, making them equally suitable for tasks that benefit from linear switch characteristics.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Kang White linear switch stands out with a typing sound that is often described as dazzling, providing a unique auditory experience that some might find appealing. Its low-pitched characteristics contribute to a mellow tone, which can make typing less harsh on the ears and more pleasing overall. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch lacks a specific sound description, but it’s important to note that the sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used. Thus, while the Kang White offers a distinct sound profile, the MX Orange may present a relatively neutral or uncharacterized sound experience.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Kang White is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness, attributed to its self-lubricating material. This feature enhances the overall typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses and a more seamless interaction. On the other hand, the MX Orange switch does not have an explicit description of its feel, leaving an uncertainty regarding how it compares to the Kang White’s smoothness. Nevertheless, as both switches are linear in nature, users can generally expect a similar absence of tactile feedback that is characteristic of linear switches, leading to a linear key press sensation.

In conclusion, while the KTT Kang White linear switch is noted for its low-pitched, dazzling sound and remarkable smoothness, the Cherry MX Orange switch remains relatively uncharacterized in these aspects. If you’re drawn to a pleasant auditory experience and a notably smooth typing feel, the Kang White may be the preferable choice. However, should you choose the MX Orange, you can anticipate a linear typing experience with potential similarities in the smoothness of key presses, although specifics may vary. Ultimately, personal preference and usage context will play significant roles in determining which switch suits you best.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and performance. If you favor a medium bottom-out force with a dazzling typing sound and exceptional smoothness, the Kang White is an excellent choice. Its self-lubricating material ensures a delightful typing experience, especially appealing for those who appreciate a low-pitched, more bass-heavy sound profile. On the other hand, if you value the heritage and refinement of the revamped Cherry MX Orange switches, which pay homage to the original design while incorporating modern enhancements, you may prefer the MX Orange. While its bottom-out force remains unspecified, this switch is generally known for its balanced performance, making it a versatile option for various typing styles. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize smoothness and auditory pleasure or a blend of traditional design and reliable functionality.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Kang White Linear

$1.99 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more