KTT Orange vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When contemplating the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and Gateron Weightlessness present two intriguing choices, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The KTT Orange switch, a linear switch known for its bouncy and frictionless feel, features a 22mm long spring, a polycarbonate milky top housing, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing. Its smooth key travel, enhanced by excellent factory-lubing, allows for an uninterrupted typing experience marked by a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is a tactile switch that offers a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump without overwhelming the typist. This balance of tactile engagement and sound profile is perfect for those who enjoy feedback with each keystroke without the loudness of some other switches. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the KTT Orange for its smooth, bouncy feel or the Gateron Weightlessness for its tactile feedback, each switch has unique strengths. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the KTT Orange and Gateron Weightlessness switches, the primary distinction lies in the materials used for their housing. The KTT Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties that produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes it particularly beneficial for those seeking a clear resonance in the auditory feedback of their keyboard. Moreover, the clear nature of polycarbonate contributes aesthetically by enhancing RGB lighting effects, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate vibrant key illumination. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness opts for a nylon top housing, a material that is softer and more sound-absorbent, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This divergence in materials indicates that users may experience markedly different auditory sensations when typing, with the Orange providing a crisper sound and the Weightlessness offering a rounder, more muted experience.
When we look at the bottom housings of these switches, we see a repetition of the contrasting material choices. The KTT Orange utilizes polycarbonate once again, reinforcing its traits of providing a clear resonance that enhances the typing feedback. This consistency in material choice means that the characteristics of the top housing likely create a unified auditory experience when bottoming out. The Weightlessness, on the other hand, also features a nylon bottom housing, which signifies that the softer material will further dampen the sound produced during key presses. This means the overall experience when pressing the keys will tend to lean towards a muted sound profile, driven by the absorption qualities of nylon in both the top and bottom housings.
Ultimately, the differences in material composition lead to a split auditory experience based on the KTT Orange and Gateron Weightlessness switches. While the Orange's polycarbonate housing—both top and bottom—creates a vibrant and clear typing sound, the Weightlessness’s nylon materials yield a fuller and more subdued auditory feedback. If one were to mix and match housing materials in a switch, they would experience an intricate balance of sound characteristics: the impacts from the material on the bottom housing may be more pronounced during a keystroke, while the top housing contributes to the auditory feedback upon release. Therefore, readers should consider the intended sound profile and tactile experience when selecting between the two switches, as the material differences will significantly influence the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The KTT Orange features an actuation force of 46 grams, which contributes to its medium-light feel, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming due to reduced fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer push required to register a keystroke. This can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a heavier switch. However, the Weightlessness does not have a specified bottom out force, leaving a gap in understanding its full dynamics when pressed completely. Consequently, while the KTT Orange is confirmed to be the lighter option due to its lower actuation force and a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, the Weightlessness remains somewhat ambiguous. If the bottom out force were known and within range, users might find that both switches provide a well-rounded typing experience, albeit with different weights and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see that the KTT Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the KTT Orange provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, may cater more to those seeking quicker response times, making it a more suitable choice for gamers. Overall, the difference in travel distance—0.1 mm—highlights the nuanced preferences that users might have, as the KTT Orange offers a deeper key feel, while the Gateron Weightlessness promotes faster actuation, appealing to different types of keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 produce a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a mellow tone that creates a more bass-heavy auditory experience. This acoustics can add a pleasant background noise while typing, making it less intrusive in quieter environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron Weightlessness switches is not specifically defined in the information provided, making it difficult to compare directly. However, since sound is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material, both switches may still offer a satisfactory typing experience when used in compatible setups.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange switches stand out with their bouncy and frictionless characteristics. The combination of a 22mm long spring provides a lively, spring-like feedback that enhances the tactile responsiveness of each keystroke. This bouncy feel, coupled with the frictionless travel due to the excellent factory-lubing, results in an effortlessly smooth typing experience. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Gateron Weightlessness switches is described as subtle to moderate, suggesting a less pronounced feedback compared to the Orange switches. Without more information on the specifics of the Weightlessness feel, it’s challenging to draw a direct comparison, but it’s likely that users preferring a noticeable bounciness might gravitate toward the KTT Orange.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange switches provide a unique combination of sound and feel that appeals to those looking for a smooth and responsive typing experience with a low-pitched auditory signature. The Weightlessness switches, while their sound profile remains undefined, offer a more nuanced tactile element, catering to users seeking moderate feedback. Ultimately, personal preference will play a major role in determining which switch is more suitable; the KTT Orange's bouncy and frictionless nature contrasts with the subtler characteristics of the Weightlessness, highlighting the diverse experiences mechanical keyboard switches can provide.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between KTT Orange linear switches and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth, bouncy feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force and refined key travel make it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a fluid typing experience, whether for gaming or everyday typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer some feedback while typing but still want a relatively smooth experience, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch could be the way to go. While its bottom-out force is not specified, it offers a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate subtle feedback without the harshness of a clicky switch. Ultimately, consider what feels best under your fingers during prolonged use, as this will enhance your overall satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard.
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