KTT Lightning vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both of which are linear switches. The Lightning switches are known for their "speed" capabilities, making them ideal for situations where milliseconds can determine victory or defeat. Typing on these switches offers a smooth and slick feel, accompanied by a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a unique and indulgent typing experience. With a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, these Creamsicle-colored switches provide a rich and bassy tone. Their medium weight makes them suitable for a wide range of users. The combination of a POM stem and proprietary factory lube method ensures a distinct gliding feel, while the short travel and long-pole stem contribute to a highly responsive typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

KTT Lightning Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.41 per 10

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Everglide Sunset Yellow keyboards differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. While both offer distinct sound characteristics, the Lightning's polycarbonate top housing provides a more vibrant, transparent aesthetic suitable for RGB lighting, while the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing creates a deeper and more subdued look.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Lightning employs a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to its incredibly pleasing and unique sound. While both bottom housings produce deeper sounds, the nylon bottom of the Lightning creates a slightly richer and more resonant tone compared to the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing.

It is important to note that the differences in top and bottom housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on a Lightning switch, the qualities of its nylon bottom housing become apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or POM, has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials may differ between the KTT Lightning and Everglide Sunset Yellow, both keyboards offer their unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 43 grams, ensuring a consistent trigger threshold for keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a slight distinction between the two. The Lightning switch requires 50 grams of force to bottom out, making it relatively light and suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch requires slightly more force to bottom out at 51 grams, giving it a medium-light feel. These variances in bottom out force can provide users with different levels of tactile feedback and typing satisfaction. For those who prioritize a lighter keyboard for extended typing or gaming sessions, both switches offer relatively similar results with their similar actuation forces. However, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Sunset Yellow switch may provide a slightly heavier feel.

Travel distance

The KTT Lightning linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch have different travel distances. The Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Lightning's travel distance is on the shallower side compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm, while the Sunset Yellow falls somewhere in between.

For gamers or those looking for fast response times, the shorter travel distance of the Lightning may be preferable. This shorter distance allows for quicker key presses and can enhance gaming performance. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, lacking the depth that they prefer. In this case, the Sunset Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance could be a better option as it provides a bit more depth and a smoother keystroke.

Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. Those seeking faster response times may opt for the Lightning, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Sunset Yellow. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a different experience, but the travel distances are relatively similar, ensuring that users will get comparable results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Lightning switch is described as having a clacky sound profile. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It has a rich, bassy, and decadent sound that makes typing feel like an indulgent experience. It can be characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Overall, the Lightning switch produces a clacky sound while the Sunset Yellow switch offers a bassy and thocky sound.

In terms of feel, the KTT Lightning switch is described as having a subtle resistance and a slick type feel. It provides a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a distinct gliding feel. The combination of the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contributes to a smooth and buttery typing experience. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch is also described as frictionless and has a polished finish, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. Overall, the Lightning switch offers a subtle and polished feel, while the Sunset Yellow switch provides a creamy and frictionless feel.

Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Lightning and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning switch produces a clacky sound and offers a subtle and polished typing feel. It is best suited for those who need speed and want a sharp and snappy sound while typing. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch has a captivating sound profile that is rich, bassy, and thocky. It provides a distinct gliding feel, ensuring smooth and buttery typing. The combination of the POM stem and factory lube method contributes to a unique typing experience. Both switches have their own appeal and cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a clacky sound and a subtle and polished feel, the Lightning switch is a good choice. If you prefer a captivating sound and a creamy and frictionless feel, the Sunset Yellow switch would be more suitable.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize speed and a clacky sound profile, the KTT Lightning linear switches would be your best choice. These switches are perfect for situations where split-second decisions and typing speed are crucial. They offer a slick typing feel with a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more indulgent and captivating typing experience with a rich, bassy sound, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches would be more suitable. These switches have a medium-weight and offer a distinct gliding feel due to their POM stem and proprietary factory lube method. They provide a deeper and satisfying sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for speed and clackiness or indulgence and a bassy sound.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

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Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more