KTT Ash Gray vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between a tactile switch like the KTT Ash Gray and a linear switch like the Outemu Silent Yellow can significantly impact your typing experience. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that strikes a balance between being noticeable yet not overpowering. This switch offers a light touch with crisp actuation, making it ideal for those who prefer a tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch lacks any notable features or characteristics, providing a smooth and linear keystroke. The Silent Yellow switch is a great option for those who prefer a simplistic typing experience without any tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Both the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Silent Yellow feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. This leads to more clear and resonant sound profiles, making them ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ash Gray and the Silent Yellow diverge when it comes to their bottom housings. The Ash Gray utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and increased sound absorption. In contrast, the Silent Yellow also uses a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics to the Ash Gray.
While both the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Silent Yellow share similar polycarbonate top housings, the differences lie in their nylon bottom housings. The split housing materials in each switch distribute the qualities of each material between the top and bottom of the switch. When typing on these switches, users will feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both switches provide unique sound profiles due to the combination of their housing materials, with the Ash Gray offering a more resonant and clear sound compared to the Silent Yellow's deeper and fuller sound.
In summary, the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Silent Yellow share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, which give them a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile suitable for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing also offers similar characteristics. The distribution of housing materials in each switch affects the sound profile when typing and releasing keys, providing users with distinct typing experiences based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Ash Gray is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray requires 38 grams of force to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Silent Yellow has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, categorizing it as a heavy switch. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Ash Gray make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier forces of the Silent Yellow provide a more substantial typing feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ash Gray has a shorter travel distance than the Silent Yellow. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ash Gray may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Yellow may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a longer key press. Both switches offer different experiences due to their respective travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference as to which one would be the better choice for each individual user.
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 Yellow 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 tactile switch offers a neutral profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or experienced user. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is not provided, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is known for being easy-to-press, providing a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force contributes to a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, striking a balance between different characteristics. As for the Outemu Silent Yellow switch, information regarding its feel is unavailable, making it challenging to compare directly in this regard.
Overall, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch stands out for its blend of tactile feedback, light touch, and crisp actuation, offering a pleasant typing experience. With a moderate sound profile and easy-to-press feel, it provides a versatile option for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the information provided about the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is limited, making it more challenging to draw direct comparisons. If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Ash Gray, the Silent Yellow may provide a comparable experience, but further research or personal testing may be necessary to confirm this.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a light and tactile typing experience with a moderate sound profile, the Ash Gray switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you as you type away on your mechanical keyboard.
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