KTT Orange vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the KTT Orange and the TTC Speed Silver. The KTT Orange switches are known for their bouncy type feel, thanks to a 22mm long spring. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches offer a slick, frictionless typing experience and produce a low-pitched sound profile. The excellent factory-lubing ensures refined, fluid key travel, minimizing friction and maximizing smoothness. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches are the go-to choice for those who prioritize a fast and precise typing experience. These tactile switches have a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile. With reduced travel distance, they enable quick and effortless actuation. While these general characteristics give us an idea of their differences, let's dive deeper to help you make the best switch choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and TTC Speed Silver switches differ in their bottom housing. While both switches have a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Orange switch has a polycarbonate bottom housing, whereas the Speed Silver switch has a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange switch maintains the stiffness of the material, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile throughout the typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver switch adds a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer the advantage of translucency for compatibility with RGB lighting.
Despite the difference in their bottom housing materials, both the KTT Orange and TTC Speed Silver switches share similar qualities due to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches are expected to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the usage of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches allows for the visualization of RGB lighting, making them suitable choices for users who plan to incorporate such lighting effects into their setup. Therefore, while there may be variation in the sound produced when pressing down on the key and when releasing it, the overall characteristics of the switches will be quite similar.
It is worth noting that the housing materials of the KTT Orange and TTC Speed Silver switches play differing roles in the typing experience. The bottom housing material has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key, while the top housing material has more influence on the sound produced when you release the key. This means that the material used in the bottom housing, such as polycarbonate for the Orange switch or nylon for the Speed Silver switch, will determine the qualities experienced during the actuation of a key, while the material in the top housing will contribute to the sound profile when a key is released. Therefore, understanding the housing materials of a switch is essential for tailoring the typing experience to personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are subtle differences to consider. The actuation force of the Orange switch is slightly lighter at 46 grams, while the Speed Silver requires a force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches fall under the category of medium-light actuation force, providing a smooth and relatively easy typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Orange switch requires 53 grams of force for a full press, while the Speed Silver demands a slightly higher force of 55 grams. This means that the Speed Silver switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force, giving users who prefer a more substantial typing experience a more satisfying push feel.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Speed Silver switch due to its slightly lower actuation force. This would allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Orange switch with its slightly higher bottom out force.
Although there are slight variations in actuation and bottom out forces between the KTT Orange and the TTC Speed Silver switches, both switches provide a similar medium-light typing experience overall. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of overall typing feel with these switches.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Orange switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Speed Silver switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have travel distances that are within the range of what is considered standard for keyboard switches. 4.0 mm is typically seen as the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0 mm is on the more shallow end. However, the trend towards shorter travel distances has grown in popularity, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you are looking for a more responsive experience, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver switch might be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial key press, then the switch with the longer travel distance, the KTT Orange, would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 KTT Orange switch has a low-pitched profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it falls in the middle ground, neither too high nor too low-pitched. It is important to note that the sound of any switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, both switches offer pleasant sound profiles suitable for various typing needs.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless qualities. It offers a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively and responsive feel. The switch also provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a more mild and approachable typing experience. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle feel that can be appreciated by most users. The switch is also polished, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the KTT Orange switch stands out for its bouncy feel and low-pitched sound profile, while the TTC Speed Silver switch excels in its mild and polished qualities. Both switches offer a fluid key travel experience with minimal friction, enhancing typing speed and precision. If you are looking for a switch with a fast and precise typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that is bouncy and slightly more mellow, the KTT Orange switch would be a great option. Keep in mind that personal preferences play a significant role in choosing the right switch, and it is always recommended to try out different switches before settling on one.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Orange switch is the way to go. With its long spring, milky top housing, and factory-lubing, you can expect a refined and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience with a mild and polished feel, the TTC Speed Silver switch is the better choice. Its reduced travel distance allows for quick actuation, while the middle-ground qualities of the switch make it approachable to most users. To sum up, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in order to make the best decision.
Mentioned in this article
