KTT Ash Gray vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a pleasant tactile experience, the KTT Ash Gray and the Kailh Plum are both excellent options to consider. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is noticeable but not overwhelming, creating a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is both light and crisp. On the other hand, the Plum switch feels quite hefty but offers a unique tactile experience without a significant tactile bump. The sound profile of the Plum switch is neutral and enjoyable, adding to the overall typing experience. Both switches offer different characteristics in terms of ease of pressing, tactility, and weight, allowing you to choose the switch that best suits your preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Kailh Plum switches share some similarities but also have notable differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through. Therefore, if you are seeking similar sound characteristics and want to incorporate RGB lighting, both the Ash Gray and the Plum switches with polycarbonate top housing will deliver desirable results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Ash Gray features a nylon construction while the Plum uses nylon as well. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This quality makes the Ash Gray switch with its nylon bottom housing more suitable for those looking for a switch with a deeper and more resonant sound while typing.
In terms of how the housing materials affect the overall typing experience, the qualities of each housing material in a switch are split between the top and bottom. When pressing down on a switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more influenced by the bottom housing. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound profile is more affected by the characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, the choice between the Ash Gray and the Plum will depend on personal preferences for the sound profile during typing and whether RGB lighting is a factor in the decision-making process.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are noticeable differences to consider. The KTT Ash Gray has a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams, allowing for swift keystrokes without much effort. In contrast, the actuation force of the Kailh Plum is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare with the Ash Gray. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams of force for a complete press, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too heavy. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, giving it a significantly heavier feel compared to the Ash Gray. This makes the Plum more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. It is important to note that if the actuation forces of both switches were the same, both would provide similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, considering the given information, the KTT Ash Gray is the lighter option, while the Kailh Plum is the heavier option.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have very similar travel distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Plum has a slightly longer distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, either of these switches would provide similar results. However, it is worth noting that some people may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the Ash Gray switch may be the better choice for you. Overall, both switches offer similar travel distances, with the Plum being slightly longer, allowing for a subtle difference in feel when pressing down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate sound. This makes both switches suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you are using them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is described as both easy-to-press and mild. Easy-to-press switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Ash Gray switch also offers a mild typing experience, which means that its characteristics are more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced tactile feedback. This makes the switch approachable to most users, offering a low-impact and responsive typing feel.
On the other hand, the Plum switch is described as both mild and stepped. Like the Ash Gray switch, it also offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Plum switch has a stepped feel, meaning that it feels like it has two stages. While it is not as pronounced as a hypertactile switch with a full keystroke bump, the Plum switch provides a more moderate tactile feedback with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In summary, both the KTT Ash Gray and Kailh Plum tactile switches offer their own unique qualities. The Ash Gray switch provides a light touch with a crisp actuation, offering a delightful blend of tactile feedback. It is easy-to-press and mild, providing an effortless and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum switch feels hefty and has a unique tactile bump that is different from other tactile switches. It is mild and stepped, offering a moderate tactile feedback with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. While both switches have a neutral sound profile and are suitable for most intents and purposes, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for weightiness and tactile characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light touch and a crisp actuation, then the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is the one for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and a delightful blend of tactile feedback, it offers a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive. Additionally, the Ash Gray provides an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, making it effortless and comfortable for extended typing sessions. It has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more hefty switch without a huge tactile bump, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a great choice. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a unique typing experience. The Plum offers a mild and stepped feel, combining a gentle typing experience with a neutral sound profile. This switch stands out as it breaks the correlation between tactility and weight, giving you a different sensation compared to other tactile switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and Kailh Plum tactile switches depends on your preference for actuation force, tactile feedback intensity, and typing experience. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and can be suitable for beginners or advanced users in various settings. Consider your desired typing feel and determine whether you prioritize a lighter touch or a more substantial feel without a pronounced tactile bump. Make your selection based on these factors, and you will find the perfect switch to enhance your typing experience.
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