KTT Ash Gray vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silent White, a linear switch. The Ash Gray switch is praised for its tactile response that strikes a perfect balance between a light touch and a crisp actuation, providing a delightful blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Silent White switch is known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Each switch offers its own unique advantages, with the Ash Gray being easy-to-press and mild, while the Silent White remains neutral in its feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Silent White switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ash Gray and Silent White switches differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Ash Gray using nylon and the Silent White also using nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile.
While both switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the Ash Gray and Silent White switches vary in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. The split qualities of the housing materials result in different impacts on the sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing, which affects the bottom-out sound and feel, will showcase the qualities of the nylon material, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key, emphasizing the sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound provided by the polycarbonate material in both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the KTT Ash Gray and Outemu Silent White switches plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and feel of each switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, their use of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. Whether opting for the sharper and crisper sound of the Ash Gray or the deeper and fuller sound of the Silent White, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing material choices.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Ash Gray is lighter overall. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams. Additionally, the Ash Gray also has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams in comparison to the Silent White's 60 grams. Therefore, the Ash Gray offers a more lightweight typing experience, making it ideal for extended use without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Silent White provides a slightly heavier feel, which may be preferred by users who desire a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a similar level of performance in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users will get comparable results regardless of their choice.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Outemu Silent White switch with the shorter travel distance, while others who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the KTT Ash Gray switch with the slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience overall in terms of travel distance, so users can expect comparable results from either option.
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 Silent White 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of uses whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch's sound characteristics are unspecified. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The mild tactile feedback of the Ash Gray switch falls in a middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. The feel of the Outemu Silent White switch remains unknown.
Overall, it is evident that the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback with a subtle yet noticeable response, making it a great option for users looking for a pleasant typing experience. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch are not specified, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound level and actuation force based on the characteristics of the Ash Gray switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch or the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light touch with a tactile response that is both substantial and comfortable, then the Ash Gray switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force with a linear switch that offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, then the Silent White switch could be more suitable. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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