KTT Orange vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and SP-Star RedBlue are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The KTT Orange is known for its bouncy and frictionless feel, featuring a polycarbonate milky top housing and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing. Its 22mm long spring provides that desired bounce, while the factory-lubing ensures a refined and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue offers a medium-light typing experience and a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. This switch is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into each switch's qualities, 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
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The KTT Orange and the SP-Star RedBlue share similar housing materials in both their top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for these components, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial if RGB lighting is used, as it allows for enhanced illumination.
In terms of their differences, the KTT Orange and the SP-Star RedBlue may have variations in the quality or characteristics of their polycarbonate housing materials. However, without specific information available, it is difficult to make any definitive comparisons. Nonetheless, it is likely that both switches will provide similar sonic experiences and aesthetic effects due to their shared use of polycarbonate in their top and bottom housings.
Understanding the role of the top and bottom housings in a switch is also crucial when evaluating their overall performance. While both switches may have the same housing material, the qualities brought by these components are distributed differently. The bottom housing mainly influences the sound and feel when the key is pressed, impacting the bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when the key is released, affecting the overall sound profile of the switch.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange and the SP-Star RedBlue share the use of polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This material's stiffness produces a clear and resonant sound and is especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting. While potential differences in their polycarbonate housing quality may exist, both switches are likely to deliver similar results. Understanding the impact of the top and bottom housings on switch performance allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of their sonic characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The KTT Orange switch has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the actuation force of the SP-Star RedBlue switch is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is also considered medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the KTT Orange switch may be favored as its actuation force and bottom out force are slightly lighter compared to the SP-Star RedBlue. This lighter weight allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, if a more substantial and stronger keystroke is desired, the SP-Star RedBlue switch may be preferable due to its heavier bottom out force.
It is important to note that while the actuation force of the SP-Star RedBlue switch is unknown, it can be assumed to be similar to the KTT Orange switch in terms of triggering a keystroke. Both switches are linear switches, meaning they provide a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation force, despite the specific measurement being unavailable for the SP-Star RedBlue switch.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the SP-Star RedBlue switch. However, if a heavier typing experience is desired, the SP-Star RedBlue switch with its slightly higher bottom out force may be the preferred choice. Although the actuation force of the RedBlue switch is unknown, its linear nature suggests a similar actuation force to the KTT Orange switch, providing a comparable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the RedBlue switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Orange switch. While 4.0 mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, the Orange switch offers a slightly shallower distance at 3.5 mm. The difference may not be significant, but for those looking for a faster response time, the shorter travel distance of the Orange switch could be preferable. Gamers in particular tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker key presses. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance, such as the RedBlue switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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, both the KTT Orange and SP-Star RedBlue switches have a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, so results may vary.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange switches are described as bouncy and frictionless. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the frictionless nature of these switches offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switches are described as mild and polished. A mild mechanical keyboard switch offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches are approachable to most, as their qualities all stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Furthermore, the polished nature of these switches, achieved through either materials used or factory lubing, results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the KTT Orange and SP-Star RedBlue switches offer their own unique qualities. In terms of sound, they both provide a low-pitched profile, which gives a bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Orange switches are bouncy and frictionless, while the RedBlue switches are mild and polished. This means that while they may differ in certain aspects, such as feel, there is a likelihood that you can achieve similar results with both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Orange and SP-Star RedBlue switches are both solid choices. The KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its 22mm long spring and factory-lubed smoothness. It also has a low-pitched sound profile, which produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with a safe middle-ground feel and reduced friction. Its sound profile is low-pitched, but also has a satisfying thocky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for feel and sound.
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