KTT MoonRosa vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the KTT MoonRosa and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT MoonRosa and the Cherry MX Red are popular options to consider. The MoonRosa switch is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, making it a great choice for those who prefer a mild, low-pitched, and easy-to-press switch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red offers a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with responsiveness and a satisfying auditory depth, ideal for those who enjoy a thocky, low-pitched, and textured typing experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials for the KTT MoonRosa and the Cherry MX Red switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The MoonRosa's POM top and bottom housings create a unique and pleasing sound that is deep and relatively muted. In contrast, the MX Red switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, which also produce a deep and fuller sound profile due to the nature of nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Both switches provide a similar deep sound profile, but the MoonRosa's POM housing may offer a slightly more muted experience compared to the rounder sound produced by the MX Red's nylon housing.
The differences in housing materials between the MoonRosa and MX Red switches extend to their impact on the overall typing experience. The POM bottom housing of the MoonRosa contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, giving it a unique tactile response. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the MX Red offers a deeper and fuller typing experience, enhancing the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. When it comes to the top housing, the POM material of the MoonRosa may provide a slightly quieter sound when releasing a key compared to the rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the MX Red.
Overall, both the KTT MoonRosa and Cherry MX Red switches showcase the impact of housing materials on the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While the MoonRosa's POM housing creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that is relatively more muted, the MX Red's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Despite their differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct characteristics influenced by their respective housing materials. In the end, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the MoonRosa is lighter in both aspects. The MoonRosa has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for the MX Red is unknown. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the MoonRosa make it a preferred choice for those who prefer a lighter feel when typing or gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the MX Red may appeal to users who desire a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the MoonRosa provides a lighter typing experience, while the MX Red offers a potentially heavier keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT MoonRosa linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry MX Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The MoonRosa offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the MX Red provides a bit more depth and resistance with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who like a more traditional key feel. Both switches offer smooth linear actuation, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 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, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone that provides a neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch produces a thocky, deep, and rich sound profile that offers a satisfying auditory depth. While the MoonRosa switch leans towards a lower-pitched sound, the MX Red switch provides a more pronounced and deeper sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the desired sound profile for your typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT MoonRosa switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, providing a gentle resistance during key presses that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, potentially indicating some noticeable friction when pressed that may not be ideal for some users seeking a smoother typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the MoonRosa leaning towards a softer and more approachable feel compared to the potentially rougher texture of the MX Red.
Overall, both the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the low-pitched and mellow sound of the MoonRosa or the thocky and deep sound of the MX Red, both switches provide unique typing experiences that can enhance your overall keyboard setup. Additionally, the gentle resistance and easy-to-press feel of the MoonRosa compared to the potentially textured typing experience of the MX Red can play a significant role in your typing comfort. Ultimately, while the two switches offer different qualities, you can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and smoothness in your typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the KTT MoonRosa linear switch or the Cherry MX Red linear switch, you should keep in mind the key differences between them. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smoother typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the KTT MoonRosa switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile and textured key presses, the Cherry MX Red switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to see which one aligns more closely with your typing style and preferences.
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