KTT F2 vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the KTT F2 and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT F2 mechanical keyboard switch offers a distinct hollow sound signature and a lightly textured feel, providing a unique tactile experience for users. With its medium-light weightiness, the F2 switch strikes a balance between being comfortable yet not overly forceful. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This makes it an ideal choice for those who value both satisfaction and silence while typing. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT F2 and the Outemu Silent Grey switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other materials. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design. Since both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, users can expect similar auditory and aesthetic results when pressing down on the keys.
On the other hand, where the F2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Silent Grey switches use a nylon bottom housing. This contrast in materials leads to a difference in the sound profile produced by each switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom-out sound and feel being influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall performance of the switches, it becomes evident that each material contributes unique qualities to the sound profile and typing experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the F2 and Silent Grey switches creates a clearer and more resonant sound, particularly when letting go of a key. On the other hand, the softer nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey switches produces a deeper and fuller sound profile that affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience.
Weight
The KTT F2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The F2 has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while its bottom out force of 53 grams provides a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, requiring a bit more pressure to register keystrokes, and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a medium-heavy typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the F2 would be the ideal choice, while the Silent Grey would be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with some preferring lighter switches for longer typing sessions and others opting for heavier switches for a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The KTT F2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Grey has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the F2. A 0.5 mm might not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference in the typing experience. The F2 offers a shorter travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer quick and responsive feedback, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a bit more depth in each keystroke, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more deliberate typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT F2 comes in at $3.90, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10.
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 F2 linear switch offers a unique hollow sound signature that sets it apart from other switches, making it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a quiet typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, perfect for those who desire a satisfying yet silent keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound, so the choice between the two will depend on the user's personal preference and the environment in which the keyboard will be used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT F2 linear switch provides a lightly textured feel with a medium-light weightiness, offering a comfortable typing experience without being too forceful or fleeting. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a smooth keystroke with a pronounced bump, giving users a satisfying tactile feedback during typing. The F2 switch falls under the feathery and mild categories, providing a lighter typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, while the Silent Grey switch's feel qualities are unknown. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a more subtle and gentle typing feel or a pronounced tactile feedback during typing.
In conclusion, the KTT F2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The F2 switch provides a distinct hollow sound signature and a lightly textured feel, while the Silent Grey switch offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. Depending on whether the user prioritizes sound, feel, or a combination of both, they can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and preference. However, if the user's preferences align more closely with the qualities of the F2 switch, they can expect a similar experience with the Silent Grey switch in terms of sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT F2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the environment and typing preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a distinct hollow sound signature and a lightly textured feel for a comfortable typing experience, the F2 switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prioritize sound and feel in your typing experience. Choose the F2 for a subtle and feathery typing feel, or opt for the Silent Grey for a satisfying and silent tactile experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what suits your typing style and environment best.
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