KTT Ash Gray vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Brown both stand out as popular tactile options. The Ash Gray is renowned for its tactile response that strikes a balance between being noticeable without being overwhelming. It offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, providing a pleasant blend of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is known for its tactile feel as well. However, unlike the Ash Gray, it lacks a specific standout feature. The Ash Gray switch is characterized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral, while the Brown switch does not have any specific categorizations. Both switches have their merits, and choosing between them will depend on personal preference. 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
38g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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 KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Brown both share polycarbonate as their top housing material, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities, the KTT Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Outemu Brown's nylon bottom housing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
The differences in housing materials between the two switches extend beyond just the top and bottom housings. While the polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to the sound profile, the impact of the nylon bottom housing is felt differently. The KTT Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience with a deeper feel. In contrast, the Outemu Brown's nylon bottom housing also aims to provide a deeper sound profile but with its own unique characteristics, offering users a slightly different typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Brown will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, but the nylon bottom housings provide distinct differences in the depth and fullness of the sound. Whether you prefer a clearer, crisper sound with the Ash Gray or a slightly rounder, deeper sound with the Outemu Brown, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the Ash Gray is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Brown. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that the Ash Gray would provide a lighter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown would offer a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier forces, suited for users who enjoy a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, so users can choose the one that best suits their typing style and preferences for a more comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it longer than the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Outemu Brown switch provides a deeper key press feel compared to the Ash Gray switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Ash Gray switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Outemu Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing or gaming style. Both switches offer tactile feedback, but the Ash Gray will provide a slightly quicker typing experience with its shorter travel distance, while the Outemu Brown offers a longer travel distance for those who prefer more resistance and depth in their key presses.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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, the KTT Ash Gray switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings and user preferences. This moderate actuation force requirement contributes to a balanced sound profile that is not too loud or too soft, offering a pleasant typing experience for both beginners and experienced users. On the other hand, there is no information available on the sound profile of the Outemu Brown switch, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Ash Gray switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The mild tactile feedback of the switch ensures a responsive typing feel without being too pronounced, appealing to a wide range of users. In contrast, there is no specific information provided about the feel of the Outemu Brown switch, making it challenging to assess how it compares to the tactile experience offered by the Ash Gray switch.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the KTT Ash Gray switch stands out for its balanced sound profile and gentle tactile feedback, making it a versatile option for various typing preferences. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Brown switch remain unknown, one can expect similar results in sound and feel to the Ash Gray switch if the Brown switch falls within the category of a neutral and easy-to-press tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and needs. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a tactile feedback that is crisp yet not too overwhelming, the Ash Gray switch may be the better choice for you. It offers a light touch with a delightful blend of tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Outemu Brown switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your typing preferences and whether you prioritize a lighter or heavier tactile experience. Consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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