KTT Semi Mute vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Semi Mute and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Semi Mute and the TTC Yunhai offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Semi Mute switches are designed for those who prioritize a completely silent operation, making them an excellent choice for late-night typists or anyone working in noise-sensitive environments. Their linear actuation, combined with advanced dampening technology, provides a buttery and neutral typing feel, allowing for comfortable and focused input without distractions. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches embrace a lighter actuation force and present a unique, rounded sound profile, ideal for users who appreciate an effortless typing experience that still offers a satisfying auditory feedback. While the Semi Mute emphasizes silence and a muted tactile experience, the Yunhai caters to those who enjoy a gentle keystroke that still produces a delightful sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Semi Mute and the TTC Yunhai, it becomes clear that both switches utilize distinctly different materials, which significantly impacts their auditory profiles. The Semi Mute employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, noted for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Yunhai opts for nylon in both its top and bottom housings, a classic switch material that generates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound rather than reflecting it. This fundamental difference in material not only affects the tonal qualities of each switch but also influences the overall typing experience users can expect from each.
The contrasting characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials further elucidate the differences in sound and feel. With the Semi Mute's polycarbonate housings, users can anticipate a clearer resonance that enhances the experience of typing, especially when enhanced with RGB lighting, as the transparent nature of polycarbonate showcases the illumination beautifully. The Yunhai’s nylon housing, on the other hand, creates a more muted auditory experience that emphasizes depth and warmth, appealing to those who favor a more rounded and subdued sound when typing. Such specifications reflect the respective intentions behind their designs—where the Semi Mute targets a vibrant, tactile interaction, the Yunhai leans toward comfort and a soothing typing feel.
While the individual materials lead to distinct results in sound profiles, the impact of each housing material on the overall switch experience can showcase their complementary and contrasting effects. In terms of user experience, pressing the Semi Mute will result in a sharper sound upon bottoming out, while the Yunhai will present a softer landing. The separation of impact based on the material composition allows each keyboard to cater to different preferences; for users who appreciate the resonance of polycarbonate, the Semi Mute will deliver a lively typing experience, while those who prefer the depth of nylon will find the Yunhai more satisfying. Ultimately, despite differing materials, the overall quality and impact of both designs serve to meet varied user needs and preferences, showcasing the diverse world of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences can be observed in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Semi Mute switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Yunhai switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it in the light category. This means that the Yunhai switch requires slightly less force to actuate, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while the Semi Mute offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier feedback. Overall, for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Yunhai is the better choice, whereas the Semi Mute might appeal to users who enjoy a firmer keypress.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch differ, with the Semi Mute featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Semi Mute the longer option, appealing to those who favor a deeper keypress feel, which can provide a more satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Yunhai may cater to gamers and typists who prefer quicker actuation and faster response times. Ultimately, if you lean towards a preference for a more responsive feel, the TTC Yunhai with its shorter travel distance could be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial depth might opt for the KTT Semi Mute.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Semi Mute linear switches provide a notably quiet typing experience, characterized by their muted operation designed specifically for users seeking minimal noise. This reduces the typical sounds associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for late-night typing sessions or environments where silence is golden. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switches are not characterized in the same way, with details about their acoustic profile remaining unspecified. Given this, the Yunhai may have its unique sound, which could potentially be more pronounced or offer a different auditory pleasure, but the specifics remain unclear.
In terms of feel, the KTT Semi Mute switches excel with their buttery and mild characteristics. They provide a smooth and effortless keystroke experience, allowing for a comfortable typing session without taxing the fingers. The gentle actuation of these switches caters to typists desiring something that feels approachable yet satisfying. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches are described as having an incredibly light actuation force, suggesting that they also offer an effortless typing experience, though the specifics of their tactile feedback are not provided. Both switches seem to prioritize comfort through their design, but the Semi Mute’s buttery type feel and mild nature stand out as definable traits in comparison.
In conclusion, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch excels in providing a muted and comfortable typing experience with defined characteristics of smoothness and gentleness, the TTC Yunhai's sound and feel details remain unspecified. Although they may serve a similar purpose in providing an enjoyable typing experience, the Semi Mute allows for a more precise expectation of sound and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prioritize silence and comfort during typing. The choice between these two switches may ultimately come down to personal preference, but you can expect a noise-free environment with the Semi Mute, while the Yunhai may surprise you with a different but equally enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a completely silent typing experience and often find yourself typing late at night or in shared spaces where noise could disturb others, the KTT Semi Mute switch is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams strikes a balance between feedback and effort, making it suitable for typists who like a more controlled keystroke. The buttery and mild feel of the Semi Mute is perfect for those looking for a comfortable, smooth typing experience without the distraction of sound. Conversely, if you appreciate a lighter touch and a more effortless typing sensation, the TTC Yunhai switch with its lighter 50-gram actuation force would be more suitable for you. While it does not have the same level of sound dampening as the KTT Semi Mute, the Yunhai offers a unique, gentle typing experience that some may find more enjoyable, particularly if you're spending long hours at your keyboard. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it's silence and comfort or lightness and a unique sound profile—before making your choice.
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