KTT Mallo vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the KTT Mallo, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Red, a linear switch. The KTT Mallo switches are praised for their subtle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overwhelming, offering a medium-light typing feel that strikes a balanced chord for typists. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switches are known for their slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with satisfying auditory depth. While the Mallo is categorized as feathery, mild, neutral, stepped, subdued, and subtle, the MX Red falls into the categories of thocky, low-pitched, and textured. Both switches have their own unique advantages, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you determine which switch is the best fit for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Cherry MX Red switches have distinct characteristics that impact the sound and feel of typing. The Mallo's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the MX Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both materials have their own unique benefits - polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a clear and resonant sound profile, while nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound for a duller tone. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is translucent and ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the typing experience.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both the Mallo and MX Red switches contribute to the overall sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced typing experience - the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
While the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and Cherry MX Red switches have their own unique characteristics, they ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience. The differences in the sound profiles created by the polycarbonate and nylon housings cater to varying preferences - from a sharper and higher-pitched sound with the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing to a deeper and fuller sound with the MX Red's nylon top housing. Regardless of the specific housing material used, both switches offer a tactile and auditory experience that can be tailored to suit individual preferences for typing feel and sound. In essence, while the materials may differ, the end result is a satisfying typing experience that showcases the nuances of each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo has an actuation force of None grams, meaning that it is very light to press, while the bottom out force is 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing feel. On the other hand, the MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Mallo, and a bottom out force of None grams, which is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Mallo may be preferred by those who type for longer periods, while the heavier actuation force of the MX Red may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity allows for a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. The tactile feedback provided by the Mallo switch adds a different sensation compared to the smooth linear action of the MX Red switch, offering a unique typing experience for users who prefer either type of switch. Overall, despite the difference in tactile feedback, both switches offer the same travel distance, resulting in comparable typing performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $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
In terms of sound, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and more pronounced auditory experience. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Mallo switch is described as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility that's comfortable for extended use. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is noted for its textured feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit of friction when typing. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences in typing feel, ensuring a satisfying experience for users.
Overall, the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mallo switch emphasizes subtlety and balance in both sound and feel, the MX Red switch provides a more robust and textured typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired level of tactility and sound feedback for an enhanced typing experience. Similar results can be achieved with both switches, depending on the user's preferences and typing requirements.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a subtle tactility, medium-light typing feel, and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo switch is a versatile choice that strikes a balanced chord for various typing environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel, deeper sound profile, and a thocky, low-pitched auditory experience, the MX Red switch offers a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing experience and sound profile that best suits your preferences and needs.
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