KTT Mallo vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the KTT Mallo, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch. The KTT Mallo switches are applauded for their subtlety and finesse, offering a gentle tactility that provides just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains the familiar feel of the MX Red switch but with a key difference - it operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the KTT Mallo switch boasts a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a satisfying typing experience with a significantly quieter sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and usage scenarios. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Cherry MX Silent Red, one key difference is in the top housing material. The Mallo utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Mallo provides a more resonant and clear sound compared to the nylon of the MX Silent Red.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the KTT Mallo and the Cherry MX Silent Red use nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon creates a duller and rounder sound, impacting the overall typing experience on both switches. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the specific design and construction of each switch will still result in variations in sound and feel based on how the material interacts with the other components of the switch.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the KTT Mallo and the Cherry MX Silent Red influences their respective sound profiles in unique ways. While the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound, the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound with more absorption. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar dull and round sound profile. The choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with the housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The Mallo switch is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the MX Silent Red, but the actuation force of the MX Silent Red is lighter than the Mallo. This means that the MX Silent Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke, while the Mallo offers a lighter overall typing experience. For those who prefer a softer touch and easier keystrokes, the MX Silent Red may be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a bit more resistance and a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the KTT Mallo. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we find that the Mallo has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the MX Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Mallo being on the longer side and the MX Silent Red being on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the MX Silent Red for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Mallo with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Mallo switch offers a subtle and neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between being present without overwhelming the user. It is suitable for a wide range of typing environments and preferences, making it a versatile option. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its muted and thocky sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. While the Mallo switch leans towards a more neutral and subdued sound, the MX Silent Red switch offers a deeper and more satisfying sound that is ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by its feathery and mild typing experience, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It provides a comfortable and approachable feel for a wide range of users. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, which may indicate a slightly rougher or scratchier feel when pressed. This tactile feedback may appeal to users who prefer a more distinct sensation while typing.
Overall, while the KTT Mallo and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer different sound and feel profiles, they both provide a pleasant typing experience with their unique characteristics. The Mallo switch excels in subtlety and finesse, striking a balance between tactility and typing feel, while the MX Silent Red switch offers a quieter and more textured typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Mallo if you prefer a medium-light typing feel with gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile that blends well in various environments. This switch offers a balanced experience suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, choose the MX Silent Red if you require a slightly heftier feel with a significantly quieter sound profile, ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The silent operation of the MX Silent Red can be advantageous in shared spaces or quiet settings. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typist experience and sound profile.
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