KTT Kang White vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Kang White and Cherry MX Red are both popular options worth considering. The Kang White is renowned for its poppy linear feel and dazzling typing sound, thanks to its self-lubricating material that provides unparalleled smoothness. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a classic choice known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Kang White provides a smooth and neutral typing experience, the MX Red offers a textured and thocky feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the Cherry MX Red switches have distinct properties that affect the sound and feel of typing. The Kang White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the MX Red uses a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials have their unique characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Kang White is more resonant and clear, while the nylon top housing of the MX Red offers a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Kang White and the MX Red utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound for both switches when bottoming out a key. While the differences in housing materials for the top and bottom may impact the overall typing experience, having a consistent material like nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a similar sound and feel when typing.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Kang White and the Cherry MX Red switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The use of polycarbonate in the Kang White's top housing creates a more resonant and clear sound, while the nylon top housing of the MX Red offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, providing a consistent sound profile when bottoming out keys. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of both switches is the same at 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience for users. However, the Kang White switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing the key compared to the MX Red switch, whose bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that the Kang White switch may offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium category, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Overall, the choice between the KTT Kang White and Cherry MX Red switches will depend on whether the user prefers a slightly heavier bottom out force or a lighter overall typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar typing experiences and responsiveness from both switches. Despite any other differences between the two switches, such as actuation force or actuation point, their travel distances remain consistent.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
The Kang White switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a melodic and calming typing experience. In contrast, the MX Red switch boasts a thocky sound, giving off a deep and satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. When it comes to feel, the Kang White switch is known for its smooth and lubricated keypress, enhancing the overall typing fluidity. On the other hand, the MX Red switch is textured, offering a unique tactile sensation during typing. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback, catering to different preferences. Whether you opt for the Kang White or the MX Red, rest assured that you'll experience a high-quality linear switch that meets your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences in typing experience. If you value a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a poppy sound profile, the Kang White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper thocky sound while typing, the MX Red might be the switch you're looking for. Ultimately, your choice should be based on whether you prioritize smoothness and a low-pitched sound (Kang White) or a textured feel and thocky sound (MX Red). Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch best suits your typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
