KTT Wine Red vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Wine Red and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal linear switch for a mechanical keyboard, the KTT Wine Red and the TTC Yunhai both offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Wine Red switches are celebrated for their pillowy light typing feel and satisfyingly deep, rich sound profile, categorizing them as 'bassy' and 'low-pitched,' which can provide a comforting auditory experience during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches excel with their incredibly light actuation force, creating a smooth and gentle typing experience, complemented by a deep, rounded sound profile that invites users to glide effortlessly across the keys. While the Wine Red is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback and tactile comfort, the Yunhai appeals to typists seeking a relaxed and almost effortless keypress. 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
44g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Progressive spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Wine Red and the TTC Yunhai, it becomes evident that they both utilize different types of plastics, yielding distinct acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Wine Red features polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings, promoting a sharper, higher-pitched sound with enhanced clarity and resonance. This stiffer plastic construction enables the sound to resonate more effectively, making it ideal for users who appreciate a crisper auditory feedback during typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional appeal of these switches.
In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in a noticeably deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound waves, creating a rounder auditory experience compared to polycarbonate. This material choice consistently contributes to a more muted sound, aligning well with users who prefer a softer typing experience. The characteristics brought by nylon lessen the sharpness perceived in polycarbonate switches, shifting the auditory feedback towards a more comforting and subdued quality.
Despite their differing materials, both switches influence the overall sound and tactile feedback based on their unique housing compositions. The interaction between the top and bottom housings in the Wine Red affords a crisper sound on release due to the stiffer polycarbonate, while the Yunhai's nylon configuration excels in delivering a fuller bottom-out experience. Thus, while the results may vary significantly from one to the other, the fundamental dynamics of switch construction remain relevant. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall performance ensures that users can select switches that align with their personal preferences, whether they favor the brightness of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Wine Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge. The KTT Wine Red features an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option overall. This means that those who favor a softer touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming might prefer the Yunhai for its reduced effort required to actuate the key. Conversely, the Wine Red offers a slightly heavier feel, which some users may find more satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches have their unique characteristics, the Yunhai is the better choice for those prioritizing a lighter, easier actuation, whereas the Wine Red leans towards a medium-light preference for users who like a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Wine Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it's evident that the KTT Wine Red offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the TTC Yunhai features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This slight difference may influence user experience, especially when considering preferences for responsiveness and typing feel. Gamers often prefer the shorter travel distance of the Yunhai for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more pronounced depth might gravitate towards the KTT Wine Red for its fuller press. Ultimately, if you prioritize rapid key activation and a snappier feel, the Yunhai would be the optimal choice, whereas the Wine Red caters to those who appreciate a bit more travel for a more satisfying keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 quality, the KTT Wine Red switches deliver a notably deep and rich auditory experience that many users find appealing. Their bassy and low-pitched characteristics result in a warm, mellow tone that enhances the overall typing experience. This richness in sound can evoke a sense of depth that typists appreciate, especially in quieter environments where each keystroke is accentuated. In contrast, while the TTC Yunhai switches are recognized for a unique typing experience, their specific auditory qualities are not detailed, making it difficult to directly compare their sound profile with that of the Wine Red. However, sound perception is inherently influenced by external variables such as the keyboard build and keycap materials, meaning that both switches could produce satisfying results depending on the setup.
Regarding feel, the KTT Wine Red switches are celebrated for their pillowy light typing experience, creating a soft landing for each key press. This gentle resistance can make typing enjoyable and less fatiguing over long periods. The TTC Yunhai, while known for an incredibly light actuation force, similarly caters to those seeking a gentle and effortless feel while typing. The lightness of the Yunhai switches makes for a smooth and seamless experience, inviting typists to glide through their work. Although both switches focus on a light touch, the Wine Red's pillowy feel may provide a slightly different tactile sensation compared to the more straightforward implementational ease of the Yunhai.
In summary, the KTT Wine Red and TTC Yunhai linear switches both cater to different preferences while sharing an emphasis on lightness in feel. The Wine Red stands out with its rich and deep sound profile, creating an engaging auditory experience, whereas the specifics of the Yunhai's sound remain unknown, making it a bit of a wildcard in auditory preferences. Nevertheless, if you're drawn to a pillowy typing feel paired with deep tones, the Wine Red is likely your best bet, while the Yunhai offers an effortless typing experience that may suit those who favor a more pronounced weightlessness. Depending on individual setups, both switches can potentially provide satisfying performance results.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Wine Red and the TTC Yunhai linear switches largely depends on your typing style and sound preferences. If you favor a medium-light touch and enjoy a typing experience characterized by a pillowy feel with a deep, rich sound, the Wine Red switch is likely the better fit for you. Its 55-gram bottom-out force provides just enough resistance for a satisfying tactile response, making it a great option for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light typing feel with an effortless actuation, the TTC Yunhai switch, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, may be more up your alley. Its unique deep and rounded sound profile enhances the typing experience without requiring much effort, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or for users who prioritize ease of use. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards a more substantial feel with the Wine Red or an airy, effortless experience with the Yunhai.