Cherry MX Red vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Wine Red, both of which are linear switches. The Cherry MX Red is well-known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red offers a pillowy light type feel and a rich sound profile, making typing on them a truly intoxicating 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
45g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Wine Red, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on the type of plastic used. The MX Red features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile attributed to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials serve to enhance the sound produced by the switches, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound quality.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cherry MX Red's nylon material again yields a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to that of its top housing. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, complementing the overall sound experience of the switch. With this difference in housing materials between the two switches, users can expect a slightly varied response and sound feedback when pressing down on the keys, showcasing the impact of the housing material on the overall performance of the switch.
Overall, while both the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Wine Red offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, they ultimately achieve a similar goal in providing a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the softer and deeper sound of the nylon housing in the MX Red, or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Wine Red, both switches excel in delivering a premium typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options offering quality housing materials that enhance the overall performance of the keyboard.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch with 44 grams, while the bottom out force for the MX Red is unknown, but the Wine Red has a bottom out force of 55 grams. In terms of weight, the MX Red is lighter with a lower actuation force, whereas the Wine Red is heavier with a higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the MX Red may be the preferable option. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel is desired, the KTT Wine Red would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, the Cherry MX Red and KTT Wine Red switches offer equal results.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and satisfying noise when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch boasts a bassy and low-pitched sound, delivering a rich and deep tone that adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches provide a distinct auditory feedback that resonates with users, making them popular choices for those who enjoy a more immersive typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its textured feel, offering a slight friction when pressed that some users prefer for a more tactile feedback. Unfortunately, information regarding the specific feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is not available. However, based on its pillowy light type feel, it may provide a smoother and more fluid typing experience compared to the slightly textured feel of the MX Red.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Red and KTT Wine Red switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red excels in providing a slightly heftier feel with a thocky sound profile, the Wine Red stands out for its pillowy light type feel and bassy sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but rest assured that both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother and slightly heftier typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light feel along with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your choice.
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