KTT Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Silent Ocean stand out as intriguing options for enthusiasts who prefer linear switches. The Cream Yellow is celebrated for its distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which together create a resonant audio feedback that many find satisfying. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate both a tactile experience and an audible response while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean caters to users seeking a quieter typing experience. While it may not boast any standout characteristics like its competitor, its silent operation makes it ideal for environments where sound discretion is key, allowing you to type without disturbing others. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on your preferences, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches show notable similarities, particularly regarding their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, a material known for its stiffness and translucency. This shared characteristic results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that can enhance the auditory experience for users. The polycarbonate's clarity also offers aesthetic benefits, especially for those who prefer RGB lighting integrated into their keyboards, as the material allows light to pass through effectively. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a similar performance when it comes to brightness and sound resonance from the top housing.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find that they also share the same material—nylon. This classic switch housing material is renowned for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon absorbs more sound than stiffer materials, contributing to a rounder and less piercing auditory experience. As a result, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches are designed to create a balanced sound profile. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom means that users will get the benefits of clarity from the top while also enjoying a warmer, more rounded sound from the bottom.

Overall, the KTT Cream Yellow and Outemu Silent Ocean switches utilize similar materials for both their top and bottom housings, leading to a harmonious auditory experience. The polycarbonate top ensures a bright and clear sound, while the nylon bottom softens the acoustic output, fostering a well-rounded typing experience. The result is a unique interplay where the characteristics of each material complement one another; the top housing contributes to the initial sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing influences the bottoming-out sound and feel. Measurement-wise, regardless of brand differences, users can expect a largely consistent sensory experience from both switches due to their identical materials.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cream Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, classifying it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Silent Ocean has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, though its bottom out force is heavier at 65 grams. This means that while the Silent Ocean requires less force to register a keystroke, it offers a more significant resistance when fully pressed down. Consequently, for typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch or extended typing sessions, the Silent Ocean would be preferable due to its lower actuation force. However, those who favor a more substantial feel while typing might gravitate towards the Cream Yellow, especially with its higher bottom out force, which contributes to a firmer end-feel. In summary, while both switches cater to different preferences, the KTT Cream Yellow is the heavier option overall due to its greater bottom out resistance.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Cream Yellow provides a shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may appeal more to users who prefer a deeper feel when typing, lending a sense of depth to each keystroke. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Cream Yellow could be the better choice for you. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Silent Ocean would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cream Yellow switch stands out with its distinctively clacky audio profile. This sound is characterized by a crisp and percussive feedback that resonates as you type, which enhances the overall acoustic experience of using the keyboard. The shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to this sharpness in sound, making each keystroke feel almost musical. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch lacks a defined sound profile, meaning that it doesn’t offer the same auditory feedback, resulting in a quieter typing experience. However, the overall sound will also depend on factors like your choice of keyboard and keycap materials, which can influence how each switch sounds in practice.

In terms of typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow switch boasts a notably bouncy tactile response. Typists can expect to enjoy a spring-like sensation with a lively rebound upon each press, which makes for a dynamic and engaging typing experience. The long-pole stem and lengthened spring contribute significantly to this bounciness, adding an element of excitement to every keystroke. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is not specified, leaving its tactile characteristics largely unknown. This contrast suggests that users of the Cream Yellow will experience a more stimulating typing sensation compared to the Silent Ocean.

In summary, the KTT Cream Yellow switch offers a distinct clacky sound and a lively, bouncy feel, making it an exciting choice for typists who value auditory feedback and tactile engagement. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch presents a quieter typing experience, although its feel remains unspecified. If you're seeking an engaging and responsive typing experience, the Cream Yellow would be the recommended option, while those preferring a serene environment might lean towards the Silent Ocean, albeit with less definitive feedback in both sound and feel.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between KTT Cream Yellow and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as well as your typing or gaming environment. If you enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a distinct clacky sound that can enhance your auditory feedback during use, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is your ideal pick. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams makes it suitable for those who favor a snappy response without feeling overly heavy. This switch may be particularly appealing for those who type frequently or engage in activities where auditory feedback can enhance the experience, such as gaming or coding. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter experience and don't mind a firmer actuation force with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Silent Ocean is where you should lean. This switch is perfect for environments where noise is a concern—such as shared offices or late-night gaming sessions—allowing you to enjoy seamless typing without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, consider your typing style, environment, and whether the tactile response and sound of your switches enhance or hinder your experience when making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more