KTT Orange vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the KTT Orange and the TTC Yunhai, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance your typing experience. The KTT Orange is renowned for its bouncy feel, thanks to its 22mm long spring, and features a polycarbonate milky top housing paired with a vivid orange nylon bottom that contributes to its frictionless and smooth performance. Its low-pitched sound profile, complemented by excellent factory lubing, provides a satisfying auditory experience without the harshness often associated with other switch types. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches excel with their incredibly lightweight actuation force and deep, rounded sound profile, making them ideal for typists who appreciate a gentle and effortless touch. Both switches have their unique appeal—whether it's the KTT Orange's refined smoothness or the Yunhai's soft actuation—offering distinct advantages depending on your typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

KTT Orange Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the TTC Yunhai switches, the differences in sound profiles emerge primarily from the materials used in their respective top and bottom housings. The KTT Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness, producing a brighter, crisper sound profile. This material enhances the clarity of each keystroke, aligning well with RGB lighting aesthetics due to its translucency. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and consequently absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This distinction highlights how the choice of material can influence not just the aesthetic design of the switch but also the overall acoustics that users experience while typing.

Examining the bottom housings further illustrates the impact of material choices. Both the KTT Orange and the TTC Yunhai use polycarbonate and nylon, respectively, in their bottom housings, which also significantly affects their acoustic characteristics. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Orange continues to contribute to the sharper and more resonant sound profile, promoting clarity and a higher-pitched output. The nylon bottom housing of the Yunhai, however, amplifies the overall sound absorption, resulting in a softer and rounder sound profile. Therefore, while the KTT Orange's bottom housing enhances the brightness of the sound, the Yale Yunhai introduces a layer of warmth, showcasing how diverse material choices lead to distinct typing experiences.

In summary, while both the KTT Orange and TTC Yunhai switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the contrasting properties of polycarbonate and nylon create unique sound profiles that cater to varying preferences among typists. The KTT Orange's combination of polycarbonate in both housings contributes to a clearer and more resonant typing experience. Meanwhile, the TTC Yunhai balances warmth and depth through the use of nylon in both its top and bottom housings. The interplay of these materials ultimately shapes the overall auditory and tactile sensations when typing, reflecting the importance of housing materials in mechanical switch design.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Orange features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Yunhai switch the lighter option overall, appealing to users who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Orange, being heavier, may cater more to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches serve distinct preferences—lower forces for longer durations versus a stronger push feel for enhanced feedback—they reflect varying user needs based on their actuation and bottom out specifications.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the KTT Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Yunhai measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This makes the Orange the shorter option and the Yunhai the longer one. For users who prioritize quicker response times, the KTT Orange may be the more appealing choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance gaming performance. Conversely, those who favor a more pronounced keystroke may prefer the Yunhai's greater travel distance, as it provides a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Orange switches are characterized by their low-pitched sound profile, which lends a mellow and bass-heavy tone to each keystroke. This tonal quality can enhance the typing experience by creating a more subtle auditory feedback that many typists find pleasing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches have not been explicitly described in terms of sound, which leaves a gap in understanding how they compare. However, it's important to note that the overall sound profile of any switch can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, meaning that both switches could potentially yield different auditory experiences depending on these factors.

In terms of feel, KTT Orange switches excel with their bouncy and frictionless characteristics. The 22mm long spring gives the Orange a lively, spring-like feel, providing a noticeable rebound that can make typing feel more energetic and responsive. The factory-lubing further ensures a smooth key travel that minimizes any resistance, creating an effortless typing experience. There is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Yunhai switches, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, given that they’re marketed for a gentle and effortless feel, one might anticipate a typing experience that emphasizes lightness, similar to the smoothness of the Orange switches but possibly lacking their pronounced bounciness.

In conclusion, while the KTT Orange switches are well-regarded for their low-pitched sound and bouncy, frictionless feel, the TTC Yunhai switches present a less defined auditory quality, although they suggest a lighter, more effortless typing experience. This could mean that although the overall feedback from these switches may differ in sound and potentially in the nuanced feel, typists might still find satisfaction with both if they prioritize smoothness and gentleness in their typing. For an ideal choice, it could ultimately come down to personal preference towards sound and the tactile characteristics each user seeks.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, your decision should primarily hinge on your typing preferences and the overall feel you desire from your mechanical keyboard. If you appreciate a bouncy, lively typing experience with a noticeable rebound and a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the KTT Orange switch might be your ideal pick. Its smooth and frictionless travel, combined with a low-pitched sound profile, caters well to typists who enjoy an engaging tactile response while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and effortless experience, the TTC Yunhai switch, with its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force and unique sound profile, may suit you better. This switch is perfect for those who want a softer touch and an incredibly light actuation, making it particularly appealing for prolonged typing sessions where ease of use is paramount. Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you prioritize a lively, bouncy feel or a soft, effortless keystroke in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more