KTT Lightning vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Lightning and KTT Orange are two popular options that offer distinct features. If you're looking for speed and precision, the Lightning switches are an ideal choice. These linear switches are known for their approachable "speed" characteristics, making them perfect for situations where milliseconds can determine victory or defeat. Typing on the Lightning switches provides a slick feel with a clacky sound profile, offering an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange switches excel in delivering a bouncy and frictionless typing feel. Equipped with a 22mm long spring, these switches offer a satisfying rebound effect with each keystroke. The polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and the vibrant orange nylon bottom housing contribute to a sleek and polished aesthetic. Additionally, with excellent factory-lubing, the Orange switches ensure a refined and fluid key travel, minimizing friction and maximizing smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the KTT Orange share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visually pleasing element. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches will offer similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Lightning utilizes a nylon material while the Orange uses polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that typing on the Lightning switch will have a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound profile of the Orange switch. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable when pressing down on the switch and contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
In terms of sound characteristics, the top housing material plays a significant role when releasing a key. As such, both the Lightning and the Orange switches will have a similar impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. However, it's worth noting that the overall sound profile will still be distinct due to the differences in the bottom housing materials. These differences make the Lightning switch slightly more muted and the Orange switch more crisp and resonant in sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are some clear similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Lightning switch is lighter than the Orange switch. The Lightning switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a light touch needed for both triggering a keystroke and pressing all the way down. On the other hand, the Orange switch is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls under the medium-light category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lightning switch would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, especially for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial and stronger push feel while typing, the Orange switch provides a slightly heavier force and may offer a more satisfying tactile feedback.
While there are differences in the actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches, they fall within a similar range, ultimately resulting in similar results for users in terms of typing experience. Both switches offer a linear feel without any tactile bump, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a smoother key press.
Travel distance
The KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of numbers, it is evident that the KTT Orange has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the KTT Lightning. This means that when pressing down on a key with the KTT Orange switch, you will feel a slightly greater distance traveled compared to the KTT Lightning switch.
Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is considered the most shallow. However, there is a growing preference for shorter travel distances in gaming due to faster response times. In this case, if you prioritize responsiveness, the KTT Lightning switch with its 3 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial depth and feel when pressing down on a key, the KTT Orange switch with its longer travel distance of 3.5 mm would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and intended usage.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
The KTT Lightning linear switch is best known for its approachable "speed" qualities, making it ideal for situations where split-second timing is crucial. When typing on these switches, users can expect a slick type feel with a clacky sound profile. This clacky sound is sharp, snappy, and percussive, creating a crisp and bright tone. Additionally, the Lightning switch offers a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces. The switch is also polished, providing a smooth and refined finish that ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a bouncy type feel due to its 22mm long spring. This spring-like or elastic feedback sensation gives the keys a lively feel, providing rebound when pressed. The Orange switch features a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, contributing to a slick and frictionless typing experience. The sound profile of the Orange switch is low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This adds a touch of depth and richness to the typing experience. Like the Lightning switch, the Orange switch is also polished and offers a fluid key travel, minimizing resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
In conclusion, the KTT Lightning linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning provides a clacky sound and a subtle, polished feel, while the Orange produces a low-pitched sound and a bouncy, frictionless feel. Both switches offer a slick type feel and ensure smooth key travel. However, it's worth noting that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, whether you opt for the Lightning or the Orange, you can expect a satisfying and high-quality typing experience with similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences and needs. The Lightning switch is perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference, such as fast-paced gaming or competitive typing, thanks to its light 50-gram bottom out force. It offers a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile, providing a crisp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Orange switch is ideal for those who prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. With a medium-light 53-gram bottom out force, it features a 22mm long spring for a spring-like sensation and a low-pitched sound profile, creating more bass-heavy and mellow tones. Additionally, the Orange switch's excellent factory lubing ensures smooth key travel with minimal friction. In the end, the choice between the Lightning and Orange switches boils down to whether you prioritize speed and a clacky sound or a bouncy and frictionless feel.
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