KTT Semi Mute vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options you may come across are the KTT Semi Mute and the SP-Star Yanyu. While both switches fall into the category of linear switches, they offer distinct features and benefits to cater to different preferences. The KTT Semi Mute switches, despite their completely silent operation, are designed to create a noise-free environment, making them perfect for those who value undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions. With their linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are ideal for those seeking a more delicate typing experience, particularly during long typing sessions. Its material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, offering a unique tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Semi Mute Linear

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Semi Mute and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in their composition, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Semi Mute features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Yanyu incorporates a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top and bottom housing, resulting in a unique sound profile. The Yanyu's blend offers a pleasant sound experience, characterized by a slightly brighter tone that is not overly sharp.

While the housing materials of the Semi Mute and Yanyu differ, they both aim to provide an enjoyable auditory experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Semi Mute yields a sharp and crisp sound, while the polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing of the Yanyu offers a bright and pleasant tone. Although their specific qualities may vary, both switches prioritize delivering an appealing sound profile when keys are released. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the sound produced by the top housing of both switches.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Semi Mute utilizes polycarbonate, while the SP-Star Yanyu incorporates a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. As such, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound upon key press. On the other hand, the polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing of the Yanyu provides a unique impact, resulting in a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but still vibrant. Therefore, users can anticipate different characteristics in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are some key differences. The KTT Semi Mute switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, providing a medium level of resistance needed to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force of the SP-Star Yanyu switch is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the bottom out force of the Yanyu switch is 43 grams, indicating a lighter typing experience in comparison to the 58 grams required for bottoming out with the Semi Mute switch.

Considering weight and force is important as it impacts the overall typing experience. For those seeking a lighter switch, the Yanyu would be a suitable choice. Its lower bottom out force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force. This would appeal to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and seek a more tactile typing feedback.

While the actuation force of the Yanyu switch is unavailable, it is worth noting that if it happens to be similar to that of the Semi Mute switch, users can expect similar results regarding keystroke activation. However, the difference in bottom out force suggests that the overall tactile experience between the two switches may still vary. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Semi Mute and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and the desired level of resistance.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is equal for both switches. Therefore, pressing down on a key using either the Semi Mute or the Yanyu switch will result in a similar experience in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Semi Mute switch is known for its muted characteristics. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, making them ideal for those who value a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is described as having a more neutral sound profile. It provides a moderate sound level, suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is also noted to have a thocky sound, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. The choice of board and keycaps can also affect the sound produced, but overall, the Semi Mute offers a muted sound while the Yanyu offers a more neutral sound with some thockiness.

In terms of feel, the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, giving a uniform feel with each keystroke. They are also noted to have a mild characteristic, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is also characterized as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It has qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone, ensuring approachability for most users. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from the fingers, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. It is also noted to have a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in a light and smooth typing feel. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing feel, with the Semi Mute being buttery and mild, and the Yanyu being mild, feathery, and polished.

Based on the available information, the KTT Semi Mute and SP-Star Yanyu switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Semi Mute provides a quieter and more muted sound compared to the Yanyu's more neutral sound with some thockiness. In terms of feel, the Semi Mute offers a buttery and mild typing experience, while the Yanyu offers a mild feel with a feathery and polished touch. Both switches prioritize comfort and are suitable for prolonged typing sessions. However, if a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing are the top priorities, the Semi Mute would be the recommended choice. On the other hand, if a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile is desired, the Yanyu switch would be a suitable option. Overall, the available information suggests that the KTT Semi Mute and SP-Star Yanyu switches provide different subjective qualities, allowing users to choose based on their specific preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you prioritize a noise-free and undisturbed typing experience, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. Despite their completely silent operation, the Semi Mute switches are best known for their linear actuation and advanced dampening technology. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more delicate typing experience or anticipate long periods of typing, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, the Yanyu switches offer a crisp sound profile and a typing feel that is gentle and approachable to most users. So, ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a noise-free environment or a more delicate and comfortable typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more