KTT Ash Gray vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to keep in mind are the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The KTT Ash Gray switch is designed to offer a tactile response that strikes a balance between being noticeable yet not overpowering. It provides a light touch with a crisp actuation, creating a delightful blend of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is known for providing a quiet yet satisfying typing experience with a "thocky" sound. This third iteration of Outemu's silent tactile lineup features a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. While the Ash Gray switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Silent Yellow Jade switch falls into a different category. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, one noticeable difference is the polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray versus the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of its softer plastic absorbing more sound. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate of the Ash Gray is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the classic nylon of the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more muted appearance.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Ash Gray and the Silent Yellow Jade feature nylon for its softer plastic properties that absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material results in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the switches. However, the difference in top housing material between the two switches may lead to variations in sound profiles when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray may create a crisper sound upon key release compared to the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preferences. While the Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound with RGB lighting capabilities, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing that absorbs sound for a more muted typing experience. Ultimately, users looking for a brighter and crisper sound may lean towards the Ash Gray, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound may prefer the Silent Yellow Jade.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Ash Gray is lighter in both aspects compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Ash Gray make it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Silent Yellow Jade provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force, with the Ash Gray offering a lighter option and the Silent Yellow Jade providing a heavier alternative.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for fast response times, such as gamers. The Ash Gray switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more satisfying and deep keypress feel for some users compared to the Silent Yellow Jade switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Jade 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 offers a neutral typing experience with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, perfect for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. Your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The mild tactile feedback of the Ash Gray switch falls in a safe middle ground, making it approachable to most users. Meanwhile, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is not explicitly described, so it may provide a different typing experience compared to the Ash Gray.
Overall, both the KTT Ash Gray and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ash Gray switch provides a moderate sound profile and easy-to-press feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quieter typing experience with a punchy tactile bump. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, tactile feedback, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a blend of tactile feedback that is both substantial and unobtrusive, the Ash Gray switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you lean towards a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a quiet, tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump, the Silent Yellow Jade switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you want out of your mechanical keyboard.
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