Cherry MX Red vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Semi Mute offer distinct features for different preferences. The MX Red is a classic Cherry switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with its thocky, low-pitched, textured characteristics. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches are designed for those seeking a noise-free environment, offering a silent operation with a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, categorized as buttery, mild, muted, neutral. Both switches have their own strengths - MX Red for its responsiveness and satisfying auditory feedback, and KTT Semi Mute for its quiet and comfortable typing experience. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Red and KTT Semi Mute switches both offer a unique typing experience due to their different housing materials. The MX Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the MX Red's nylon housing provides a duller and rounder sound, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing offers a more clear and resonant typing experience. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Both the Cherry MX Red and KTT Semi Mute switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience. The use of nylon in the MX Red's housing creates a softer feel and deeper sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Semi Mute delivers a crisper and more resonant typing sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, giving them a visually appealing aesthetic. Despite their differences in sound profile, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
In instances where the top and bottom housing materials differ within a switch, such as in the Cherry MX Red and KTT Semi Mute, the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. This split affects different aspects of the typing experience – with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Whether one prefers the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the MX Red or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Semi Mute, both housing materials offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Semi Mute linear switch which has an actuation force of 43 grams, making the MX Red slightly heavier in this aspect. However, the bottom out force of the MX Red is unknown while the KTT Semi Mute has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is medium. This means that the KTT Semi Mute switch requires more force to fully press down compared to the MX Red switch. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Red for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the KTT Semi Mute for a more substantial typing experience. Regardless of the differences in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, so users can expect similar results in that regard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and actuation point for both switches. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they both cover the same distance when pressed. This highlights the similarity in key feel and actuation between the Cherry MX Red and KTT Semi Mute linear switches.
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 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
The Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, which produces a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as having a muted and neutral sound, designed to minimize noise and create a quiet typing environment. While the MX Red offers a more robust and bass-heavy sound, the Semi Mute provides a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for those who prefer a noise-free workspace or late-night typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is noted for its textured feel, which may be preferred by users who enjoy some friction when typing. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke that provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristics of the Semi Mute switch make it approachable to a wide range of users, fitting into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of typing feel.
Overall, the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The MX Red provides a deeper and more robust sound with a textured typing feel, suitable for those who enjoy a slightly heftier typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch offers a quieter and more muted sound profile with a buttery and mild typing feel, ideal for those who prioritize a noise-free environment and a smooth keystroke. Both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the typing experience, providing options for users with varying preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, along with a textured typing experience, the MX Red might be the better choice for you. However, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and desire a smoother, quieter typing experience with a medium bottom-out force, the KTT Semi Mute switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for both sound and feel when typing.
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