KTT Lightning vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Lightning and the Cherry MX Black. The Lightning switches are well-known for their speed, making them ideal for situations where split-second decisions can determine victory or defeat. Typing on these switches provides a slick and clacky feel, accompanied by a high-pitched and chirpy sound profile. On the other hand, Cherry's MX Black switches have been refined to perfection, thanks to the brand's new Hyperglide tooling. These switches offer a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile when typing. Categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff, the MX Black switches provide a different typing experience compared to the Lightning switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper into these switches beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Cherry MX Black switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Lightning utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the MX Black features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches achieve their intended sound profiles effectively.
When it comes to bottom housings, both the Lightning and MX Black switches utilize nylon materials. This results in a similar impact on the sound profile, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to the switches' acoustic characteristics, creating a more muffled and rounded audio experience. Thus, both switches provide a comparable sound profile in terms of their bottom housings.
While the composition of the top and bottom housings play significant roles in determining the overall sound of a switch, their respective impacts differ. The bottom housing greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, as it absorbs more impact and controls the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the top housing has a more noticeable effect when you release a key, impacting the sound that is produced. Therefore, despite using different materials for their top and bottom housings, the KTT Lightning and Cherry MX Black still offer similar results in terms of overall sound profiles, while providing distinct tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Lightning switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the MX Black's 60 grams. This means that a lighter touch is required to trigger a keystroke on the Lightning switch, which can be ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the MX Black switch demands a heavier actuation force, providing a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Lightning switch requires 50 grams of force to fully press down, while the MX Black switch requires a higher force of 80 grams. This indicates that the MX Black switch provides a more resistant and solid bottoming out sensation, which some individuals might prefer for a stronger tactile feedback.
In terms of weight, the Lightning switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the MX Black switch. Consequently, those seeking a lightweight typing or gaming experience may find the Lightning switch more suitable.
Overall, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the KTT Lightning and Cherry MX Black switches provide users with choices based on their preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the KTT Lightning linear switch, it has a travel distance of 3 mm, which is considered to be on the shallower side. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional option. In recent times, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing or gaming experience, opting for the KTT Lightning switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper key press experience, the Cherry MX Black switch with its longer travel distance would be the suitable option. Overall, it ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41, whereas the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00.
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 Lightning switch offers a clacky sound profile. This means that when the switches are pressed, they produce a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp and bright tone. Additionally, the Lightning switches are described as high-pitched, adding to the sharpness of the sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. If you prefer a richer and deeper sound, the MX Black switches would be more suitable. However, it's worth noting that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Lightning switch provides a subtle typing experience. This means that the switches have a gentle resistance that is not too light but still maintains a light typing feel. The Lightning switches are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured, meaning that there is noticeable friction when the switches are pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switches are stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. This means that more force needs to be applied when pressing the keys with these switches.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Lightning switch and the Cherry MX Black switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a slick typing feel. On the other hand, the MX Black switches have a low-pitched sound profile, offering a familiar deep sound. In terms of feel, the Lightning switches have a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in a light and smooth typing experience. The MX Black switches, on the other hand, are textured and stiff, providing noticeable friction and requiring more force to actuate and bottom out. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with a lighter feel, the Lightning switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper sound and don't mind the textured and stiffer feel, the MX Black switches would be a good option. In both cases, the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also impact the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, to sum up, if you are someone who values speed and responsiveness above all else, the KTT Lightning linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches excel in situations where milliseconds can make a difference, such as gaming. The Lightning switches also provide a slick typing experience with a clacky sound profile, which some users find satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic and refined typing experience, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, these switches offer a sense of stability and require slightly more force to actuate. The MX Black switches also have a deep sound profile, which can be appealing to those who prefer a lower-pitched and mellow tone. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Lightning and Cherry MX Black switches depends on your personal preferences and the specific use case you have in mind.
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