KTT Kang White vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Kang White and the TTC Silent Red. The Kang White switch is known for its poppy linear design, providing a delightful and dazzling typing sound. Additionally, thanks to its self-lubricating material, it offers an unparalleled smoothness during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is perfect for those seeking a quiet and seamless typing experience. With its muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living spaces. They offer a consistent and buttery feel from start to finish, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Both switches have their own unique strengths and characteristics, allowing you to choose according to your personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Kang White Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$1.99 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Kang White and the TTC Silent Red share similar housing materials, specifically polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a similar sound and aesthetic experience with the polycarbonate top housing.

However, the switches differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Kang White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Red also features a nylon bottom housing, which offers the same benefits of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience with the nylon bottom housing of both switches.

When it comes to the action of pressing the switches, the qualities brought by the housing materials are divided. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, users of the Kang White and the Silent Red might notice differences in the sound and feel while typing, depending on the specific combination of their top and bottom housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is equal for both options. This similarity ensures that users will experience a similar responsive feel when typing on either switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two. The Kang White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is slightly lighter compared to the Silent Red's bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.

The weight of a switch is significant for various reasons. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force as it enables them to type for extended periods, making it ideal for work scenarios or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. For those individuals, switches with heavier forces are more suitable. In this case, the Kang White would be the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force, allowing for more effortless keystrokes, while the Silent Red is slightly heavier, providing a more pronounced tactile experience.

It's worth noting that despite the difference in bottom out force, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experiences on both switches, with only a slight variation in the weight of the keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Kang White has a longer travel distance of 4.0mm while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Kang White switch, you will experience a slightly deeper feel compared to the Silent Red switch. The Kang White's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a feeling of robust depth that some individuals may prefer. On the other hand, the 3.7mm travel distance of the Silent Red switch is slightly shallower, offering a more responsive experience for those who prioritize faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, as some users may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt while others value the faster responsiveness they offer.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Kang White linear switch is best known for its dazzling and low-pitched typing sound, making it an exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch. The self-lubricating material used in these switches also provides an unparalleled smoothness while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is popular for delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise. With a muted sound profile, these switches are perfect for office or shared living space use. They also have a consistent feel from top to bottom and offer a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort.

When it comes to sound, the Kang White switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which means it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound than regular or clacky switches. This helps to minimize the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the Kang White switch's subjective qualities are unknown. However, the Silent Red switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It is also characterized as mild, which means it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the Silent Red switch are approachable to most users, as its qualities fall in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, it is mentioned that the switch has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing.

In conclusion, the KTT Kang White linear switch is known for its low-pitched and dazzling sound, as well as its unparalleled smoothness while typing. The TTC Silent Red linear switch, on the other hand, is popular for its muted sound profile, perfect for quiet environments. Both switches offer a smooth and consistent typing experience, with the Silent Red switch providing a buttery and polished feel. If you are looking for a similar smooth and seamless typing experience with a quieter sound, the Silent Red switch can be a suitable choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a poppy and dazzling typing sound, along with unparalleled smoothness, the KTT Kang White switch is the choice for you. It has a self-lubricating material that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, if you want a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red switch is the perfect choice. It has a muted sound profile, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. In terms of sound, the Kang White switch has a low-pitched and neutral profile, while the Silent Red switch produces a softer and quieter sound. As for feel, the Silent Red switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, while the Kang White switch's feel is not described. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both, and whether you require a quieter switch for shared spaces.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Kang White Linear

$1.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more