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KTT Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Silent Yellow

An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. The Cream Yellow stands out for its distinctive clacky sound, shortened bottom-out distance, and long-pole stem, providing resonant audio feedback and a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow does not have any specific standout features but is praised for its silent operation. The Cream Yellow is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', while the Silent Yellow does not fall into any specific category. If you prioritize a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. 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

50g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

58g

Bottom-out force

60g

Pre-travel

1.90 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

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow, they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. The translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, the Cream Yellow and Silent Yellow differ in their bottom housing material. The Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing.

The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Cream Yellow leads to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Silent Yellow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, maintaining similar characteristics of creating a deep and full sound profile. The difference in the bottom housing materials between the two switches highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.

While both the Cream Yellow and Silent Yellow share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound profile, they diverge in their bottom housing materials. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a similar sound profile. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for typing experience and aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, the Cream Yellow is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Silent Yellow is heavier with an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. The Cream Yellow offers a more moderate typing experience with its medium forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a balance between light and heavy switches. In contrast, the Silent Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which may be preferred by users looking for a more tactile feedback and resistance when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Cream Yellow being lighter and the Silent Yellow being heavier.

Travel distance

While both the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch are considered to be on the shorter side when it comes to travel distance, with the Cream Yellow measuring at 3.5mm and the Silent Yellow at 4mm, the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance making it better suited for those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, might prefer the Cream Yellow for this reason. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow with its 4mm travel distance provides a bit more depth to the key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them both suitable options for those looking for a more responsive typing experience.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow 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

Overall, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, providing a satisfying tactile and auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch lacks specific information on its sound and feel qualities, making it difficult to directly compare to the Cream Yellow. However, if the goal is to achieve a similar clacky sound and bouncy feel, opting for the Cream Yellow would be a reliable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a silent typing experience or a heavier bottom out force, the Silent Yellow might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference and typing style.

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