KTT Semi Mute vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Semi Mute and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Semi Mute and the Everglide Sunset Yellow are two options worth considering. The KTT Semi Mute, despite its name, offers a completely silent operation, making it perfect for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer a distinctive cream-color and a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. Their medium-weight makes them suitable for a wide range of users. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Semi Mute and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in terms of their sound profiles and visual properties. The Semi Mute's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is ideal for those seeking a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, its translucency allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound, providing a unique auditory experience that may be preferred by individuals looking for a mellower typing sound. In terms of aesthetics, both switches exhibit varying degrees of transparency, with the Semi Mute featuring a clear housing due to the polycarbonate material, while the Sunset Yellow showcases its own distinctive yellow hue.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the KTT Semi Mute and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches also differ in their sound profiles and impact on the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the keys are bottomed out. This stiff plastic material resonates well and enhances the tactile feedback during typing. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow switch produces a deeper sound profile, creating a relatively more muted typing experience. The bottom housing material influences the feeling and sound when pressing down on the keys, and individuals seeking a specific typing sensation may find these differences important when choosing between the two switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials bring distinct qualities to the KTT Semi Mute and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches respectively, it's worth noting that they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the keyboards. The difference lies in the specific impact each housing has on certain aspects of the typing experience. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing material is more influential, resulting in variations in the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing material has a more pronounced effect on the sound produced. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings differ between these switches, they both play a significant role in shaping the sound and overall user experience, ensuring an enjoyable and customizable typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 43 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sensitivity and responsiveness.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a notable distinction between the two switches. The KTT Semi Mute has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Everglide Sunset Yellow's bottom out force of 51 grams. This means that the KTT Semi Mute provides a more substantial typing experience, as users will feel a stronger push when pressing the keys all the way down.
In terms of weight, both switches offer a medium actuation force, which may appeal to a wide range of users. Some individuals may prefer a lighter switch, like the Everglide Sunset Yellow, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. This would be ideal for those who use their keyboard extensively for work or gaming.
On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute, with its slightly heavier bottom out force, would cater to those who appreciate a more prominent tactile feedback and prefer a more durable typing experience. These individuals may find the added weight of the switch enhances their typing accuracy and overall satisfaction.
In summary, while the actuation forces of the KTT Semi Mute and the Everglide Sunset Yellow are the same, their bottom out forces differ. The KTT Semi Mute delivers a heavier and more substantial typing experience, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Semi Mute has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Semi Mute is more traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow's 3.2 mm travel distance is shallower, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize faster response times. So, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow would be a better choice for you. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel while typing, the longer travel distance of the Semi Mute would be more suitable. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire to have.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 KTT Semi Mute switch is known for its muted profile, producing softer and quieter sounds compared to regular switches. This is ideal for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a bassy sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It produces a rich and decadent sound with a lower frequency range, providing a satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Semi Mute switch is often described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, ensuring a comfortable and gratifying feel. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is often described as creamy, signifying a smooth and buttery typing experience. The use of lubricant in the factory or specific materials creates a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys.
Based on this information, both switches offer subjective qualities that enhance the typing experience. The KTT Semi Mute provides a muted sound and a buttery feel, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow offers a bassy sound and a creamy feel. If you desire a noise-free environment with a soft and quiet typing experience, the Semi Mute would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a rich sound profile and a smooth and effortless typing sensation, the Sunset Yellow would be an excellent option.
It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, based on the available information, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its completely silent operation and advanced dampening technology, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. Additionally, the Semi Mute switch offers a neutral sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, and a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a captivating sound profile during your typing sessions, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be the way to go. These Creamsicle-colored switches offer a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With their medium-weight and unique POM stem, the Sunset Yellow switches provide a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. The Sunset Yellow also offers a thocky sound profile, adding a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
In summary, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and a comfortable and gratifying typing feel, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is the optimal choice. However, if you prefer indulgent and captivating typing experience with a rich sound profile, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific preferences and requirements for your mechanical keyboard.