Gateron Melodic vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the KTT Semi Mute, a linear switch. The Melodic from Gateron offers a unique experience with its clicky sound and tactile feedback, enhanced by features like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute provides a silent typing experience with its advanced dampening technology and linear actuation, making it ideal for those who prefer a noise-free environment. Both switches are categorized as 'Buttery,' offering a smooth typing experience, but the Melodic is more 'Resonant' and 'Invigorating,' while the Semi Mute is 'Muted' and 'Neutral.' 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, creating a unique combination of sharper, higher-pitched sound profile from the top housing and a deeper, fuller sound profile from the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound with RGB lighting compatibility, while the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile throughout. Both switches benefit from the stiffness of polycarbonate in the top housing for enhanced sound quality.
Despite the difference in the bottom housing material, both the Gateron Melodic and KTT Semi Mute share the use of polycarbonate in the top housing for a similar sound profile. The transparent nature of polycarbonate in the top housing not only enhances the aesthetics of the switches but also offers a sharper and more resonant sound quality. While the Melodic's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the consistency of the sharp and crisp sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound texture and the overall typing experience.
When comparing the overall typing experience, the Gateron Melodic and KTT Semi Mute demonstrate how different housing materials can impact sound and feel. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience where the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Users may appreciate the unique combination of sound profiles offered by the Melodic's use of both polycarbonate and nylon, while others may prefer the consistent sharpness and crispness provided by the Semi Mute's all-polycarbonate construction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch both fall into the medium weight category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Semi Mute switch has a slightly lower bottom out force of 58 grams. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Melodic switch is None grams, which is unknown, while the Semi Mute switch has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Semi Mute switch requires a lighter touch to initiate a keystroke compared to the Melodic switch. Both switches provide a decent balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback, but those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the KTT Semi Mute switch for a smoother typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that pressing down on keys with either switch will result in a similar feeling of key travel for users. Therefore, users can expect consistent feedback in terms of travel distance regardless of whether they choose the Melodic or Semi Mute switch. Having an equal travel distance ensures that typing or gaming experiences will not vary significantly between the two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 Gateron Melodic offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a higher-pitched clean sound profile and a satisfyingly crisp tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute provides a muted and neutral sound, allowing for a quieter typing experience suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Depending on personal preference and the surrounding environment, users can choose between the immersive auditory experience of the Melodic or the subtler sound of the Semi Mute, both providing different yet enjoyable typing experiences.
Moving on to the feel, both the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Semi Mute switches offer a buttery typing experience. The Melodic switch gives an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback, moderate actuation force, and a snappy, reactive sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Semi Mute switch provides a milder typing experience, offering a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Whether users prefer a more invigorating typing sensation or a gentler touch, both switches deliver a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing session.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound with an invigorating typing feel, the Semi Mute switch provides a muted and neutral sound with a mild and gentle typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and environment. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider your priorities in terms of sound and feel. If you cherish a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a buttery and invigorating typing experience, then the Melodic switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a muted and neutral sound profile coupled with a buttery and mild typing experience, the Semi Mute switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you.
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