KTT Orange vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Orange and the KTT Semi Mute. The KTT Orange switches are known for their bouncy and frictionless typing experience, thanks to the 22mm long spring and factory-lubing. With a vivid orange nylon bottom housing and a low-pitched sound profile, these switches provide a slick and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches are perfect for those who prioritize a noise-free environment. Despite their completely silent operation, these switches offer a gratifying typing feel and feature advanced dampening technology for a comfortable experience. While the Orange switches excel in bounciness and smoothness, the Semi Mute switches prioritize a muted, buttery typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the KTT Semi Mute share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for those looking to incorporate colorful lighting effects into their keyboard setup.
While both switches utilize the same polycarbonate material for their top and bottom housings, the difference may lie in the specific design or construction of these housing components. Although the provided information does not delve into any specific distinctions, it can be presumed that the housing designs may contribute unique nuances to the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. For example, the top housing of a switch is likely to impact the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing may have more influence on the sound and feel when a key is pressed down.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top and bottom housings of both the KTT Orange and the KTT Semi Mute ensures a similar sonic experience in terms of sharpness, pitch, and crispness. However, the specific design and construction of each switch may still give rise to subtle differences in sound and feel. With the shared use of polycarbonate, keyboard enthusiasts can expect a consistent level of quality and performance from both the KTT Orange and the KTT Semi Mute switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch to the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Orange switch has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Semi Mute switch requires slightly less force at 43 grams to activate a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Orange switch has a slightly lighter pressure requirement at 53 grams, while the Semi Mute switch is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 58 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the KTT Orange switch would be a suitable option. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a smoother and more effortless keystroke, making it ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch offers a slightly stronger push feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing.
Overall, both switches offer their own advantages depending on personal preferences. Those seeking a lighter switch may find the KTT Orange to be more suitable, while those desiring a heavier switch may lean towards the KTT Semi Mute. Regardless, individuals can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces as both switches fall within the medium range, albeit with slight variations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Semi Mute has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Semi Mute switch allows for a slightly deeper key press compared to the Orange switch.
In terms of overall usage and preference, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Orange switch caters to this need for quick and precise keystrokes, resulting in improved gaming performance. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth.
For those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke, the switch with the longer travel distance, in this case, the KTT Semi Mute, may be the preferred choice. This extra 0.5 mm of travel distance allows for a more pronounced and tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 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 KTT Orange switches are best known for their low-pitched sound profile, which produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This results in a pleasant and soothing typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches are specifically designed to provide a completely silent operation, despite being named "Semi Mute." They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, creating a noise-free environment for undisturbed typing. The Semi Mute switches can be described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Orange switches provide a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. The 22mm long spring in these switches creates a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with a rebound effect when pressed. Additionally, the switches are designed with excellent factory-lubing, resulting in a refined and fluid key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes smoothness. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches offer a buttery and mild typing experience. The buttery feel refers to the smooth and fluid keystroke experience they provide, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. These switches have a gentle feel, with qualities that exist in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users.
To summarize, the KTT Orange and KTT Semi Mute switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Orange switches have a low-pitched sound profile, bouncy feel, and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches produce a muted sound, offer a buttery typing experience, and have a mild feel. Both switches are designed to provide a gratifying typing experience, with the Orange switches focusing more on the lively and bouncy feel, while the Semi Mute switches prioritize creating a noise-free environment. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, either switch can deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience, then the KTT Orange switch is the way to go. Its polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing provide a slick and smooth feel while typing. The low-pitched sound profile also adds to its overall appeal. However, if your top priority is a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, then the KTT Semi Mute switch would be a better choice for you. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, this switch offers a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. The Semi Mute switch has a slightly higher bottom out force, but with its buttery and mild typing experience, it remains approachable for most users. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Orange and KTT Semi Mute switches depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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