KTT Wine Red vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the KTT Wine Red and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique experiences are the KTT Wine Red and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Wine Red switch is favored for its pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, making typing on it a truly intoxicating experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is known for its delicate typing experience, making it perfect for those who spend long hours typing. Its crisp sound profile adds an extra level of satisfaction. While these general pointers provide some insight into the switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
44g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The KTT Wine Red and SP-Star Yanyu differ in their housing materials, with the Wine Red featuring a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Yanyu utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both housing components. The polycarbonate material of the Wine Red creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its relatively stiffer nature, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, with its translucency, the polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a unique sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side, delivering a pleasant overall experience.
While both switches feature different materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials on the overall switch experience is divided. When pressing down on either the Wine Red or the Yanyu, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, users can expect subtle differences in the sound and feel of these switches based on the materials of their respective top and bottom housings.
Despite their distinct housing materials, the KTT Wine Red and the SP-Star Yanyu share similarities in terms of their sound profiles. Both switches offer pleasant and bright sound profiles, although the Wine Red's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend lends a more balanced and less sharp tone. Additionally, both switches prioritize the use of unique housing materials to enhance the overall sound experience, demonstrating the importance of housing materials in keyboard switches. So, while there are differences in their housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of pleasant sound output from both the Wine Red and the Yanyu switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Wine Red linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Wine Red has an actuation force of 44 grams, providing a medium-light feel, while the actuation force of the Yanyu is unavailable. However, the bottom out force of the Wine Red is 55 grams, slightly heavier than the Yanyu's 43 grams, which is classified as light.
Considering weight is important for individuals who prefer different typing experiences. Those who desire a lighter switch may favor the Wine Red as it allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, such as the Yanyu.
As the actuation force of the Yanyu is unavailable, it is difficult to directly compare the actuation forces of the two switches. However, if the actuation forces are similar or unknown for both switches, users can expect similar results in terms of the force needed to trigger keystrokes. Despite this, it is worth noting that bottom out force differs between the two switches, with the Wine Red being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
The KTT Wine Red linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm distance of key travel. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience to the user in terms of key press depth. Whether you choose the Wine Red or Yanyu switch, you can expect the same level of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
The KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. These switches can be described as bassy, with a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Wine Red switches are low-pitched, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a crisp sound profile due to its material blend. While the specific sound characteristics of the Yanyu switch are not described in detail, it can be considered a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile and a thocky sound when pressed. Please note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is not described in the provided information. However, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a mild and feathery typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance and a light actuation force, which reduces finger fatigue and makes them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switch is also described as having a subtle feel, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing experience. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Wine Red and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Wine Red provides a pillowy light type feel along with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile characterized by bassy and low-pitched tones. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile and a thocky sound when pressed. Both switches have their unique qualities, and the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, it is important to note that the specific feel of the Wine Red switch is not described in the provided information.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Wine Red linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, you should consider the specific qualities and preferences that you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you value a slightly heavier bottom out force and a deeper, richer sound profile, the Wine Red switch would be an excellent choice for you. It offers a pillowy light typing feel with a satisfyingly deep and bassy sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience, especially for long typing sessions, the Yanyu switch would be more suitable. It has a light bottom out force and a crisp sound profile, making it perfect for those looking for a more gentle and thocky typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with your desired typing feel and sound preference.
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