KTT Kang White vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often weigh the characteristics that best suit their typing preferences. The KTT Kang White switch is celebrated for its stunning poppy linear typing sound and remarkable smoothness, thanks in part to its self-lubricating material. This switch is characterized by a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking both performance and auditory satisfaction. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches deliver a unique typing experience defined by their deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, catering to typists who favor a gentle, tactile touch. While the Kang White emphasizes a smooth and refined feel, the Yunhai thrives on providing an effortless typing action. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Kang White and TTC Yunhai switches showcase differing materials in their top housings, which significantly affects their acoustic properties. The Kang White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This material is known to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly advantageous for builds that utilize RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows light to pass through and enhance aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Yunhai utilizes a nylon top housing, which has historically been a staple in switch design. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a more subdued, rounded auditory experience. Thus, while the Kang White may appeal to those seeking clarity and brightness, the Yunhai caters to users who favor a rich, velvety texture in their typing sound.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring that users who appreciate a fuller sound profile would find similarities in feel when pressing the keys down. The nylon material absorbs more sound, which results in a more muted bottom-out experience for both the Kang White and Yunhai switches. This commonality allows for a uniform aspect of sound absorption that creates a consistent bottom-out feel across both models, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials. Thus, while the audio characteristics of the top housings diverge, the shared nylon bottom housing cultivates a cohesive experience during typing.
Overall, the impact of the different top housing materials can be distinctly sensed when operating each switch. The nature of the polycarbonate in the Kang White contributes to the sound produced as the key is released, giving it a clear and crisp tone. Meanwhile, the nylon in the Yunhai not only dampens the sound but also enriches the overall typing experience with a fuller resonance during both pressing and release. While the different top housings lead to varied auditory qualities, the consistent nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches will deliver a harmonious balance of sound and feel, making them appealing to different user preferences yet highlighting the important role of bottom housings in overall switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch to the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we see differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Kang White requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Yunhai features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. This means that users who prefer a softer keystroke for easier typing over extended periods may gravitate towards the Yunhai, while those seeking a more substantial tactile feedback might find the Kang White more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements. While both switches fulfill similar functions, the Kang White provides a heavier experience compared to the lighter feel of the Yunhai.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Kang White and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, the Kang White offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence user preference based on the intended use of the switches. The Kang White, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feel and depth when pressed, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience. Conversely, the Yunhai, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and users who favor quicker response times and a more responsive keypress. Therefore, if you prefer a switch that offers a hearty depth, the Kang White would be the better choice, while the Yunhai would be more suitable for those seeking speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Kang White linear switch presents a low-pitched and neutral tone, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow sound that appeals to those seeking a pleasant auditory experience while typing. This combination allows for a versatile use, making the Kang White suitable for various settings, whether at home or in an office environment. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch features a deep, rounded sound profile, which is inherently different from the Kang White. While specific descriptors for the sound qualities of the Yunhai are not provided, it is suggested that its sound experience is unique in its own right, further enhanced by its pairing with lighter actuation forces. Ultimately, these switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, which can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the KTT Kang White switch is known for its exceptional smoothness, attributed to its self-lubricating material, making it a joy to type on with minimal friction. This quality provides a satisfying tactile experience perfect for both casual and serious typists. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switch is recognized for its incredibly light actuation force, which contributes to a gentle and effortless typing experience. This distinction in feel can lead to varying preferences based on individual typing styles—those who enjoy more resistance may lean towards the Kang White, while those who prefer lighter keys will likely gravitate towards the Yunhai.
In conclusion, both the KTT Kang White and TTC Yunhai linear switches offer distinctive auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Kang White distinguishes itself with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile combined with exceptional smoothness, while the Yunhai provides a unique deep sound alongside its effortless actuation. Depending on what you prioritize in your typing experience—be it sound or feel—you may find satisfaction with either switch or potentially both, as they both provide enjoyable qualities that appeal to a range of keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you lean towards a medium actuation force and enjoy a more pronounced and pleasing auditory experience, the Kang White, with its alluring low-pitched sound and smooth self-lubricating material, may be the ideal choice for you. This switch excels in providing a satisfying feel for both casual usage and more intense typing sessions, making it suitable for a variety of scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with effortless actuation, the TTC Yunhai could be the better option. Its gentle, rounded sound profile paired with a palatable actuation force is perfect for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, desired sound characteristics, and how much typing you'll be doing daily. Whether you opt for the Kang White or the Yunhai, both switches offer unique benefits to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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