Kailh Sage vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Sage and the KTT Wine Red. The Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that offers a distinct typing experience with its invigorating, sharp, and crunchy feel. Not only is it known for its satisfyingly heavy weight, but also its refreshingly sharp clickiness. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red is a linear switch that provides a completely different typing experience. Typing on these intoxicating switches offers a pillowy light feel along with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. Categorized as bassy and low-pitched, the Wine Red switch gives a different tactile experience compared to the Sage. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Sage and the KTT Wine Red have similarities and differences that contribute to their overall sound profiles. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Sage utilizes a nylon material while the Wine Red uses polycarbonate. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches. Its softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound. While both materials have their advantages, the bottom housing will play a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
When using a switch with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be distributed accordingly. Pressing down on the switch will highlight the characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction allows users to have a more nuanced experience with the switch, as the sound profile can vary depending on how the key is pressed and released.
In conclusion, the Kailh Sage and the KTT Wine Red share a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, the choice of material for the bottom housing sets them apart. The Sage's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the overall clarity and resonance. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the distribution of their housing materials and can be utilized to suit individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The Sage has an actuation force of an unknown number of grams, while the Wine Red requires 44 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Sage has a weighty 70 grams, while the Wine Red is lighter at 55 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing sessions, ideal for work or extended gaming periods. Others, however, prefer a heavier force for a more substantial and pronounced typing experience. In this case, those seeking a lighter option may find the Wine Red linear switch appealing, with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals desiring a heavier and more forceful keystroke may opt for the Kailh Sage clicky switch, as it has both a higher actuation and bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer distinct characteristics, enabling users to choose according to their personal preferences for typing performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wine Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Sage, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, offers a slightly shorter and more responsive feel when pressing down on a key. This shorter travel distance is often favored by gamers who value quicker response times. On the other hand, the Wine Red's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a deeper and more substantial feel. Some individuals may find this longer travel distance more comfortable and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinct and refreshing clicky typing experience. It is best known for its heavy weight and sharp clickiness. This means that when typing on the Sage switches, you can expect a satisfyingly crisp and crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a completely different sound profile. It is described as having a deep and rich sound, characterized by a lower frequency range similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is also described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
In terms of feel, the Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp. An invigorating switch delivers pronounced feedback and has a moderate to firm actuation force. It provides a snappy and reactive feel, creating a highly immersive typing sensation. The sharp tactile bump of the Sage switch is also prominent and can be distinctly felt with every keypress. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Wine Red switch.
Taking into account the information provided, the Kailh Sage switch and the KTT Wine Red switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage switch provides a crunchy and sharp clicky typing experience with its heavy weight and pronounced feedback, while the Wine Red switch offers a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile with a pillowy light type feel. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors when making a decision and to try out different switches to determine the best fit for your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a distinct clicky typing experience, then the Kailh Sage switch is the way to go. These switches offer a refreshing sharp clickiness that adds a satisfying tactile feedback to your typing. The Sage also has a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a pillowy light type feel, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is a great choice. These switches give you a softer and more gentle typing experience, along with a deep and rich sound profile. The Wine Red has a bassy and low-pitched sound that offers a more mellow and immersive typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a heavier, crisp, and clicky typing experience, go for the Sage. If you prefer a lighter, softer, and smoother typing feel, the Wine Red is the switch for you. Consider both the sound and feel aspects when making your decision, as they can greatly impact your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
