Cherry MX Orange vs. KTT Wine Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and KTT Wine Red both stand out as distinguished linear options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Cherry MX Orange is celebrated for its revival of the original MX Orange switches, enhanced with MX2A generation improvements, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and smooth typing experience. It is ideal for users who prioritize a consistent keystroke feel without any tactile bump, making it popular among gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, KTT Wine Red switches deliver a distinctively pillowy light feel alongside a deep and rich sound profile, making them appealing to users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. The Wine Red’s "bassy" and "low-pitched" characteristics can create a more immersive typing experience, which may be particularly enjoyable during long sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

KTT Wine Red Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$2.71 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry MX Orange and KTT Wine Red switches utilize distinctly different materials for their housings, which greatly influences their auditory profiles and overall performance. The Cherry MX Orange features nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This classic switch material is known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red employs polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is characterized by its clarity and resonance. Thus, while the MX Orange provides a more muted and softer sound, the KTT Wine Red offers a vibrant and distinctly crisper acoustic quality.

When comparing the MX Orange with the KTT Wine Red, it is important to highlight how housing materials affect the overall typing experience. The nylon used in the Cherry MX Orange's housings contributes to a greater absorption of sound, creating a more enveloping sound environment with a duller tone. Typing on these switches results in a softer bottom-out feel, as the nylon's flexibility allows for a degree of cushioning during key presses. Conversely, with the KTT Wine Red, the polycarbonate's rigidity emphasizes a pronounced sharpness in sound, leading to a more aggressive auditory feedback when typing. Here, the clear quality of the polycarbonate not only boosts the sound but also makes it suitable for RGB lighting applications, enhancing aesthetic appeal.

Ultimately, the housing materials employed in the MX Orange and KTT Wine Red switches lead to a division of qualities that impact both sound profile and tactile feedback. A switch's top housing is primarily responsible for the sound released upon key release, while the bottom housing differentiates the key's bottom-out sound and feel. Even though the MX Orange provides a more muted experience through the softness of nylon, and the KTT Wine Red brings forward a sharper sound thanks to polycarbonate, the contrasting characteristics give each switch its unique presence. Users can expect a soft, rounded sound from the MX Orange while enjoying a crisp and engaging acoustic response from the KTT Wine Red, showcasing how materials define the quality and style of mechanical keyboard switches.

Weight

The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch differ significantly in their actuation forces, contributing to distinct typing experiences. The MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Wine Red is lighter at 44 grams. This means that typists and gamers who prefer quicker, less strenuous keystrokes may find the KTT Wine Red switch more comfortable for extended use, as its lower actuation force can reduce finger fatigue over time. However, the bottom out force of the MX Orange is unknown, whereas the KTT Wine Red has a bottom out force of 55 grams, considered medium-light. As a result, while the actuation force of the MX Orange is heavier and may provide a more substantive feel during typing, the KTT Wine Red offers a lighter option that is preferable for prolonged sessions without compromising on the full press experience.

Travel distance

Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch feature the same travel distance, measuring 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This uniformity means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the amount of key travel for both switches. Given that the travel distances are identical, users will likely achieve comparable results in their keystrokes, providing a sense of familiarity whether using one switch or the other. The consistent 4 mm travel distance ensures that both switches deliver an equally responsive and smooth feel during typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cherry MX Orange switch delivers an understated yet distinct auditory experience with its refined sound profile. While specific acoustic qualities aren't detailed, it is known for providing a smooth operation. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch is characterized by its deep, rich sound profile that boasts a bassy and low-pitched tone during key presses. This mellowness can create an immersive typing experience, yielding a satisfying auditory feedback that stems from its lower frequency range. The Wine Red's emphasis on deeper sounds makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy a more resonant acoustic feedback when typing.

When it comes to tactile feel, the Cherry MX Orange switches are noted for their balanced performance without specific tactile descriptions provided. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches are celebrated for their pillowy and light typing experience, offering a comforting sensation with each keystroke. This tactile softness can contribute to a pleasurable feel that complements the overall enjoyable interaction when using the keyboard.

In summary, while the Cherry MX Orange and KTT Wine Red switches both serve as excellent linear options, they emphasize different sensory qualities. The MX Orange is smoother and more refined in sound, while the Wine Red offers a richer, bassier, and more gratifying sound profile. In terms of feel, the Wine Red stands out with its light and pillowy sensation, whereas the MX Orange's characteristics remain less defined. Therefore, while users of either switch can expect a smooth typing experience, those desiring a deep acoustic presence and a lighter feel may gravitate more towards the KTT Wine Red, while the MX Orange will satisfy those who prefer an understated typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Orange and KTT Wine Red linear switches should be guided by your preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force. If you favor a lighter typing experience with a deep, bassy sound that offers a satisfying auditory feedback, the KTT Wine Red will be your ideal choice, thanks to its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and its rich acoustic profile. These qualities make it excellent for long typing sessions, as the pillowy type feel adds comfort while you type, promoting an enjoyable and immersive experience. On the other hand, if you are after a historically significant switch with enhancements that honor its original design and you prefer a more even actuation feel, the Cherry MX Orange could be your go-to. Though the specifics of its feel and sound characteristics aren't detailed here, the switch is known for its overall balance and smooth action, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the environment in which you plan to use your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

KTT Wine Red Linear

$2.71 per 10

Learn more