KTT Orange vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the SP-Star Yanyu 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 SP-Star Yanyu. Both switches offer distinct qualities that may appeal to different individuals. The KTT Orange switches are best known for their bouncy feel, thanks to the 22mm long spring. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a slick and frictionless typing experience. Moreover, the factory-lubing ensures a refined and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches are perfect for those seeking a delicate typing experience or typing for extended periods. These switches have a unique material blend that results in a crisp sound profile. The Yanyu switches are described as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics to help you decide which switch best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the SP-Star Yanyu differ significantly. The Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is relatively stiffer, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yanyu utilizes a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both its top and bottom housing. This unique blend offers a more pleasant sound profile that leans towards brightness rather than sharpness.
While the housing materials of the Orange and Yanyu produce distinct sound profiles, they both have their advantages. The Orange's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, which may be favored by those who prefer a more precise and defined typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu's blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a slightly brighter sound that may be more pleasing to the ears and offer a different tactile feel.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the different housing materials play a crucial role. The Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu's blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE affects the sound when the key is released and provides a unique brightness to the switch's overall profile. These differences in housing materials influence the overall typing experience and can cater to different preferences depending on whether the user values the sound while pressing down or when releasing the key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Orange switch has an actuation force of 46 grams, providing a medium-light touch to trigger each keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force for the Yanyu switch remains unknown, making it difficult to accurately compare the two.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Orange switch requires 53 grams of force to press all the way down. This provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is lighter. This lighter force may be appealing to individuals who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Weight is an important consideration when selecting a switch, as it can impact typing or gaming comfort. Some users may prefer a lighter switch to ensure they can type for longer periods without fatigue, making the Yanyu switch a potential choice. Others may value a heavier force for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience, in which case the Orange switch would be a suitable option. By considering the actuation and bottom out forces, individuals can select the switch that aligns with their desired typing or gaming preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. As the Yanyu has a longer travel distance, it would provide a slightly deeper feeling when pressing down on the key compared to the Orange switch. The traditional travel distance for switches is 4.0 mm, so the Yanyu falls within this range. On the other hand, the Orange switch has a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, making it popular among gamers. However, some people may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences - those seeking a more responsive feel may opt for the Orange switch, while those desiring a deeper and more hearty key press may prefer the Yanyu switch.
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 Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu 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, the KTT Orange switches are best known for their low-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed, giving a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches have a more neutral sound profile. They offer a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use them at home or work. Additionally, the Yanyu switches are described as thocky, meaning they produce a deep and rich sound when pressed and released.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange switches provide a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. The keys have a lively feel, giving you a rebound when pressed. Additionally, these switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer a more mild and feathery typing experience. They have a gentle resistance, which is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. This reduces finger fatigue and makes them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Moreover, the Yanyu switches have a subtle and polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange and SP-Star Yanyu switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Orange switches have a low-pitched sound profile and provide a bouncy, frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches have a more neutral sound profile with a thocky sound, and offer a mild, feathery typing experience. Both switches have their unique merits and are suitable for different preferences and typing styles. It is important to consider other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps to further enhance or modify the sound and feel. Overall, both switches offer excellent options for those looking for different subjective qualities in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch would be the better choice for you. The Orange switch offers a refined and fluid key travel, minimizes friction, and provides a slick typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a more delicate typing experience, and a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu switch would suit you better. The Yanyu switch is known for its mild, feathery, and subtle typing feel, which reduces finger fatigue and is comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Yanyu switch has a polished finish and a thocky sound profile. Consider your typing preferences and requirements to make the best decision between these two switches.
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