Kailh Plum vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out due to their unique characteristics. The Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, and the KTT Semi Mute, a linear switch, offer their own advantages for different typing preferences. The Plum is known for its weightiness and distinct lack of a prominent tactile bump, making it a remarkable choice for those who prefer a tactile switch without sacrificing a heavy feel. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches live up to their name by providing a completely silent typing experience, perfect for individuals who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night sessions. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, the Semi Mute switch offers a gratifying and comfortable typing feel. However, to make the best decision for your needs, let's dive a bit deeper into the specifics of each switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Plum and the KTT Semi Mute share similarities in terms of their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, both switches' top housings are translucent, making them especially ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Plum utilizes a nylon material while the Semi Mute features a polycarbonate bottom housing. These contrasting materials result in different sound profiles and typing experiences. The Plum's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's properties of being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with the characteristics of its top housing, aiming for a sharper and crisper sound.
Although the top and bottom housings of the switches differ, the qualities that each housing material brings are divided between them. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the impact on the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing. As a result, both the Plum and the Semi Mute offer distinct typing experiences based on the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we find some notable differences. The Plum's actuation force remains unknown, while the Semi Mute requires a light 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. This indicates that the Semi Mute has a lighter touch for actuation. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Plum requires 70 grams of force, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Semi Mute has a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium range. Although the exact actuation force of the Plum remains undisclosed, we can assume that it is heavier than the Semi Mute due to its higher bottom out force. Weight-wise, users seeking a lighter typing experience will find the KTT Semi Mute more suitable, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. Conversely, those desiring a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Plum, due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it becomes evident that the Plum has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi Mute has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, 4.0 mm is considered the norm, while 3.0 mm is seen as more shallow. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who value faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Plum with its shorter travel distance would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Semi Mute switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Plum tactile switch produces a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. The Plum's sound is not excessively loud or clicky, making it suitable for most environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is designed specifically for those who value a noise-free environment. Despite being named "Semi Mute", these switches operate completely silently. They produce a much softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes them ideal for anyone who desires undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions. The Semi Mute switches have a more muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to the feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a unique experience. These switches have a hefty feel but lack a pronounced tactile bump. This sets them apart from many other tactile switches where tactility and weightiness are closely correlated. The Plum switches provide a safe and approachable middle-ground typing experience. They fall under the "mild" categorization, offering a more gentle and forgiving sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, Plum switches can be described as "stepped", meaning they have two stages in their keystroke. You can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving the switches a more gradual and less intense tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switches are described as "buttery". This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Semi Mute switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. They also fall under the "mild" categorization, ensuring a gentle typing experience that will be comfortable for most users.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Plum tactile switches and the KTT Semi Mute linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Plum switches have a unique combination of weightiness without a strong tactile bump, resulting in a more mild and safe typing experience. They produce a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most users and environments. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches are specifically designed for those who prioritize a noise-free environment. They operate silently and provide a buttery and mild typing feel. While these switches differ in their specific qualities, both can deliver satisfying results depending on your preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a more gentle and forgiving typing experience, the Plum switches would be a good choice. If a noise-free environment is your priority, the Semi Mute switches would be a more suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, particularly during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, it provides a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that feels hefty without a pronounced tactile bump, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is the way to go. While it may not have a strong tactility, it offers a unique typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force. Additionally, if you're looking for a neutral sound profile, both switches fit the bill. The Plum has a neutral sound profile, while the Semi Mute produces a muted and quieter sound. In terms of feel, the Plum is described as mild and stepped, offering a gentle typing experience with a safe middle-ground feel. In contrast, the Semi Mute is buttery and mild, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Ultimately, your decision between these switches will depend on your preferences for noise level, typing feel, and tactile feedback.
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