Keygeek Keylin vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keylin and KTT Orange offer distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The Keygeek Keylin is celebrated for its premium typing experience, which incorporates new molds that enhance acoustics and provide an exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a refined and quiet profile during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch stands out for its unique design elements: the 22mm long spring contributes to a bouncy feel, while its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing ensure a slick, frictionless experience coupled with a low-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the excellent factory lubrication of the KTT Orange minimizes friction, resulting in fluid key travel that many users find appealing. Ultimately, your switch choice may depend on whether you prioritize acoustic feedback and pure smoothness with the Keylin or desire a bouncier, frictionless action with the KTT Orange. 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
38g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the KTT Orange switches present contrasting characteristics that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and user experience. The Keylin utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer composition compared to harder plastics. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, users can expect a more muted auditory experience when typing on the Keylin, which contributes to a rounder sound that many enthusiasts find appealing. This provides an intimate typing experience, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize comfort and a warmer sound signature in their mechanical keyboards.
In contrast, the KTT Orange employs polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a distinctly sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigid nature enhances the clarity and resonance of the sounds produced when keys are pressed or released. The stiffer plastic allows for a high-pitched auditory experience, making the keystrokes feel more pronounced and clear. Furthermore, the translucent quality of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows light to shine through effectively, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. Therefore, while the Keylin is more suited for those who prefer a softer sound and feel, the KTT Orange will appeal more to users seeking a vibrant and clear typing experience.
Despite the differences in materials, both switches can deliver satisfying performance tailored to the preferences of their users. The split between top and bottom housings in both switches means that typing experiences will reflect the qualities of the materials used. With the Keylin’s nylon bottoms and tops, users will experience a cohesive sound profile that emphasizes depth, while in the KTT Orange, the clarity and sharpness will be felt in both the bottom-out sound and the release. Even though the materials present distinct characteristics, users can achieve a personalized typing experience by selecting according to which qualities align with their unique needs and aesthetic preferences. Thus, understanding the impact of these materials allows for an informed choice based on the desired auditory and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Keylin features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less energy to trigger each keystroke. Conversely, the KTT Orange has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. This distinction means that while the Keylin is optimized for comfort over prolonged use, the KTT Orange offers a firmer feel. Ultimately, those who favor lighter switches will find the Keylin more accommodating, while those who enjoy the sensation of a stronger push might gravitate towards the KTT Orange.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.1 mm difference, although minimal, indicates that the Keylin will provide a marginally deeper feel when pressed compared to the Orange. For users who favor a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the KTT Orange may be preferable, as it can facilitate faster actuation, particularly beneficial for gamers. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial depth while typing may find the Keylin's longer travel distance offers a more satisfying tactile experience. In summary, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Keylin is the longer option, and the KTT Orange is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
The sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is characterized by rich acoustics that contribute to a pleasant auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which typically presents a bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the Keylin is designed to provide a luxurious sound, the Orange's low-pitched nature is perfect for users who prefer a quieter typing experience without high-pitched distractions. Ultimately, both switches present sound qualities that may cater to different preferences, but the specific acoustic characteristics of the Keylin make it distinct.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness, likely resulting in an overall pleasurable typing experience. The KTT Orange switch, on the other hand, is celebrated for its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that enhances the act of typing. Additionally, the Orange's frictionless action creates a remarkably smooth and effortless key press. In this regard, while both switches aim for refined key travel, the Orange offers a more dynamic feel with its bounciness, appealing to those who enjoy responsive feedback in their switches.
In summary, the Keygeek Keylin and KTT Orange linear switches cater to different experiences through their sound and feel characteristics, making them suitable for varying user preferences. The Keylin offers luxurious acoustics and smoothness, while the KTT Orange provides a low-pitched sound profile along with a bouncy and frictionless typing feel. Those looking for a more refined and rich auditory experience may gravitate towards the Keylin, while individuals who prefer a lively and responsive typing sensation may find the KTT Orange more appealing. Ultimately, either switch will deliver a satisfying typing experience, though the nuances in their designs are what set them apart for different users.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin and KTT Orange linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you prefer a lighter touch with exceptionally smooth keystrokes and enjoy a premium feel, the Keylin switch is an excellent choice. Its low bottom-out force makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and allowing for quick, effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a bouncier switch that provides an energetic feedback with a slight elastic feel, the KTT Orange may be more up your alley. Its medium-light bottom-out force and low-pitched sound profile make it perfect for those who enjoy a tactile bounce and refined acoustics while typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your desired typing style—whether it’s the smooth, light touch of the Keylin or the dynamic, frictionless experience of the KTT Orange.
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