KTT Kang White vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options—the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Weightlessness—embody distinct characteristics that appeal to different typists. The Kang White is a linear switch celebrated for its smoothness and low-pitched typing sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a silent, uninterrupted typing experience. Its self-lubricating material adds to its unparalleled performance, allowing for a comfortable and responsive feel under the fingers. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch provides a tactile feedback that many typists find satisfying. With a subtle to moderate tactile bump, it strikes a balance between feedback and sound, catering well to users who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. While the Kang White excels in delivering a silky-smooth keypress, the Weightlessness offers engagement that can enhance accuracy and confidence with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Kang White Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$1.99 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, a prominent distinction emerges in their top housing composition. The KTT Kang White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffness and clarity. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly when the switch is engaged. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing that has softer properties, resulting in a deeper and more rounded sound. While both materials influence the acoustic character of the switch, the polycarbonate in the Kang White emphasizes brightness and clarity, whereas the nylon in the Weightlessness tends to absorb sound, leading to a fuller but less vibrant audio experience.

The bottom housings of these two switches reveal a point of similarity, as both the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Weightlessness utilize nylon for their lower sections. This shared choice of material means that both switches will elicit a similar type of sound profile when bottomed out. The nylon's soft texture contributes to the deeper and rounder sound characteristic of both switches, ensuring that the tactile feedback and auditory response are closely aligned. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a unified feel and sound when a key is pressed, reinforcing the deeper resonance while the top housing types create a varied experience upon release.

Ultimately, the interplay between the differing top housing materials and the common bottom housing between the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Weightlessness results in a striking contrast in auditory feedback. While the Kang White excels in creating a bright and sharp auditory response upon release due to its polycarbonate top, the Weightlessness offers a more harmonious and muted sound profile thanks to its nylon top. The overall typing experience will depend significantly on how one perceives the sound and feel during both depression and release of the keys. Those who appreciate a more resonant click may prefer the Kang White, while users who lean towards a warmer, fuller sound might gravitate towards the Gateron Weightlessness.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, a notable distinction can be observed in their actuation forces. The Kang White requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Weightlessness switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Kang White is the lighter option, catering to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use like work or gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the Kang White has a measurable value of 58 grams, whereas the Weightlessness switch lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving that detail unknown. This characteristic could imply a different feel when bottoming out on the Weightlessness switch, as it might not provide the same feedback as the Kang White. Overall, the Kang White provides a more medium typing experience, while the Weightlessness may appeal to those who enjoy a more peculiar tactile response, albeit with less clarity on its bottom out dynamics.

Travel distance

The KTT Kang White linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Kang White provides a deeper and more substantive feel under the fingers, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users seeking increased responsiveness and quicker actuation, despite potentially feeling a bit more abrupt. Ultimately, if a user prioritizes speed and efficiency, the Gateron Weightlessness would be the preferable choice, while those who appreciate a more robust feedback might favor the KTT Kang White.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Kang White linear switch stands out with its low-pitched, lush audio experience that is both satisfying and pleasant to the ears. It provides a bass-heavy tone that enhances the overall typing experience, making each keystroke a delightful auditory event. Alongside this, its neutral tone allows for versatility in various environments, catering to both casual and professional settings. The sound attributes of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch are less explicitly defined, but the emphasis on a balanced sound profile suggests a more subtle acoustic experience. This means it likely emits a moderate sound that won’t be overly disruptive, fitting well within quieter workspaces or home setups. However, the specific descriptors for the Weightlessness's sound remain unspecified, making it harder to draw direct comparisons.

In terms of feel, the Kang White excels with its exceptionally smooth action, largely attributed to its self-lubricating materials, which ensures a seamless typing experience that many enthusiasts highly value in linear switches. Its design encourages fluidity, making it less tiring over long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a subtle to moderate tactile sensation, which adds a unique dimension to typing, giving users feedback as they press down on the keys. This tactile feedback can help in typing accuracy and speed, especially for those who appreciate a little resistance during actuation, though it may not have the same dominant smoothness found in the Kang White.

Overall, the KTT Kang White and Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to different preferences. While the Kang White is celebrated for its lush auditory quality and silken feel that typists often seek, the Weightlessness brings a more nuanced tactile experience paired with a balanced sound profile. If you appreciate smooth, linear performance with a dazzling sound, the Kang White is a great choice. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that provides tactile feedback without overwhelming sound, the Weightlessness could be more suitable. Though they present distinct sensory experiences, each switch has unique merits based on your individual typing style and environment preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a smooth, low-pitched typing experience that feels responsive and has a satisfying auditory feedback, the Kang White would be an ideal choice. Its 58-gram bottom-out force provides a medium resistance that many typists find comfortable for extended typing sessions, while its self-lubricating material ensures an exceptionally smooth keystroke. This makes it a great option for both casual and serious typists who enjoy a more linear feel without tactile bumps. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a subtle tactile feedback with a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness is worth considering. While specific details about its bottom-out force are unavailable, the gentle tactile response can enhance your typing experience without distracting you from your work or gaming. This makes it suitable for scenarios where you might want a more nuanced feel while still maintaining a peaceful sound environment. Ultimately, choose the Kang White for a lively and smooth typing experience or the Weightlessness for an engaging yet understated tactile sensation.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Kang White Linear

$1.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more