KTT Mallo vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and the Kailh Plum offer unique tactile experiences for different preferences. The KTT Mallo is praised for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, providing just enough feedback without being overwhelming. Its neutral sound signature makes it suitable for various typing environments, striking a balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum stands out for its hefty feel without a significant tactile bump, offering a different tactile experience compared to traditional switches. The neutral sound profile of the Plum adds to its appeal, making typing a pleasant experience. Both switches have their own strengths, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Mallo and the Kailh Plum feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound that is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. The aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate is evident in its clear housing, making it a popular choice for mechanical keyboards. Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches enhances the sound quality and visual appeal of the keyboard.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the KTT Mallo and Kailh Plum differ in their choice of nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This classic switch housing material offers a unique typing experience with a more muted and tactile feel. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in these switches allows for a balanced sound profile that combines the sharpness of polycarbonate with the richness of nylon.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Mallo and the Kailh Plum share polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, they diverge in their bottom housing material with the Mallo opting for nylon. The contrasting properties of these housing materials provide a diverse typing experience, with the Mallo offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Plum. Whether it's the crispness of polycarbonate or the richness of nylon, both switches deliver unique sound and tactile feedback that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
Comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is clear that the Mallo has a lighter actuation force of None grams, while the Plum has a heavier actuation force of None grams. This means that the Mallo requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is heavier compared to the Mallo's bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Plum provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for users who prefer a heavier keystroke. Both switches offer a tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience, but the Mallo is better suited for those looking for a lighter touch, while the Plum is more suitable for users who prefer a heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is clear that the Mallo has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Plum's 3.6 mm. The Mallo offers a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Plum's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those looking for a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience but the Mallo provides a slightly longer travel distance for a more pronounced feel, while the Plum offers a slightly shorter distance for a quicker response.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Mallo and Kailh Plum switches offer a neutral profile, making them suitable for various typing environments. The Mallo provides a subdued sound, which is slightly more dampened compared to the Plum, but both switches offer a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience without being overly loud. The choice of keyboard and keycaps can also impact the overall sound of the switches.
Moving on to feel, the Mallo switch has been described as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, offering a light and gentle typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, the Plum switch is noted for its mild and stepped feel, providing a unique tactile experience that differs from traditional heavy tactile switches. Both switches strike a balance between feedback and comfort, allowing typists to enjoy a satisfying typing feel without excessive strain on the fingers.
Overall, the KTT Mallo and Kailh Plum switches both offer a balanced combination of sound and feel qualities that cater to a wide range of typing preferences. While the Mallo switch emphasizes subtlety and finesse in its design, the Plum switch stands out for its weightiness without a significant bump. Whether you choose the Mallo for its gentle tactility and neutral sound, or the Plum for its unique tactile feel and enjoyable sound profile, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that caters to your individual preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide similar results in terms of comfort and versatility, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Mallo and Kailh Plum tactile switches, consider your preference for bottom out force and tactility. If you prefer a lighter typing feel with subtle tactility, the KTT Mallo switch with a bottom out force of 55 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience without a pronounced tactile bump, the Kailh Plum switch with a bottom out force of 70 grams might be more to your liking. Additionally, consider the sound profile you prefer, with both switches offering a neutral sound signature. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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