KTT Lightning vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

In the realm of mechanical keyboards, finding the perfect switch can greatly enhance your typing or gaming experience. Two popular options worth considering are the KTT Lightning and the TTC Silent Red switches. The KTT Lightnings are renowned for their "speed" attribute, making them ideal for situations where split-second decisions can determine success or failure. These switches offer a slick typing feel accompanied by a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment, the Silent Reds are an excellent choice. Delivering a seamless and smooth typing experience, these switches emit a muted sound profile, making them perfect for office or shared living spaces. With a smooth and consistent feel throughout, they also feature a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Lightning Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.41 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the TTC Silent Red switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both the Lightning and Silent Red switches.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the switches diverge in material choice. The KTT Lightning features a nylon bottom housing, while the TTC Silent Red incorporates a similar nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a slightly different typing experience between the Lightning and Silent Red switches due to the nuanced sound variations caused by their respective bottom housings.

It's important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are distributed differently across the switches. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, which users will notice when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite this difference, users can still expect similar overall sound profiles and tactile experiences from both the Lightning and Silent Red switches, thanks to their shared polycarbonate top housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Lightning switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is slightly lighter compared to the Silent Red's actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Lightning requires 50 grams of force, while the Silent Red is heavier at 63.5 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lightning switch would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation force, typing for long periods of time becomes easier and more comfortable. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Some individuals may prefer this option for a more satisfying keystroke.

Considering the weight aspect, it is important to note that both switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. While the Lightning switch is lighter overall, with lighter actuation and bottom out forces, the Silent Red switch leans towards a heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Although both switches offer shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Lightning is the shorter option. For gamers seeking a faster response time, the shorter travel distance provided by the Lightning may be preferred. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress depth may find the longer travel distance of the Silent Red to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch has a clacky sound profile. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. It also has a high-pitched characteristic, further enhancing the sharpness and clarity of the sound. Additionally, the Lightning switch has a unique chirpy quality, giving it a distinctive acoustic signature. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is specifically designed to minimize noise. It has a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes the Silent Red switch ideal for environments such as offices or shared spaces where noise reduction is a priority. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the type of keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a subtle typing experience. It has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light feel when typing. The switch's sound signature is also not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the Lightning switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used in its construction or the factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch provides a buttery typing experience. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, delivering a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation when typing. The Silent Red switch is also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Overall, the Silent Red switch provides a safe middle-ground typing experience that should be approachable to most users.

In conclusion, the KTT Lightning linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning switch offers a clacky sound profile with a high-pitched and chirpy characteristic, while the Silent Red switch has a muted sound profile that reduces noise. In terms of feel, the Lightning switch provides a subtle and polished typing experience, while the Silent Red switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. It's important to consider these differences and choose the switch that best suits your preferences and needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, and enjoy a clacky sound profile, the KTT Lightning linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a light bottom out force of 50 grams, making them ideal for situations where milliseconds can make a difference. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and silent typing experience, especially in shared spaces or office environments, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Silent Reds offer a muted sound profile that minimizes noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Lightning offers a subtle and polished experience, while the Silent Reds provide a buttery and mild typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences and requirements, considering factors such as sound, feel, and the environment you'll be using the keyboard in.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more