KTT Kang White vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the KTT Kang White and the Outemu Silent Grey. The Kang White is a linear switch with a delightful typing sound and smoothness due to its self-lubricating material, making it a great choice for those looking for a low-pitched and neutral feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, ideal for users who appreciate a pronounced bump and smooth keystrokes. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Kang White and the Outemu Silent Grey utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that helps in creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. In terms of sound, both switches with polycarbonate top housing will provide similar results, emphasizing clarity and sharpness in typing experience.
On the other hand, the Kang White features a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. Similarly, the Outemu Silent Grey also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches contributes to a more satisfying typing experience with a softer sound characteristic.
When comparing the two switches, the distribution of housing materials plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, influenced by nylon in both switches, impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the top housing, made of polycarbonate in both cases, affects the sound when letting go of a key. While the materials differ in each part of the switch, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the KTT Kang White and the Outemu Silent Grey provides a well-rounded typing experience with a balance of sharpness and depth in sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is apparent that the Kang White is lighter in both aspects. With an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, the Kang White offers a lighter typing experience compared to the Silent Grey, which has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback. For those who prefer a softer touch and a smoother typing experience, the Kang White would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial push and a stronger tactile feel may lean towards the Outemu Silent Grey. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, users can expect similar results when using either switch. The travel distance plays a significant role in the typing experience, as it determines the amount of feedback and actuation force required. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. Ultimately, the KTT Kang White and Outemu Silent Grey switches offer users the same travel distance, ensuring a comfortable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99, 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
The KTT Kang White linear switch is favored for its low-pitched typing sound, which provides a mellow and bass-heavy tone that is soothing to the ears. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who appreciate a tactile response without the noise. While the Kang White switch boasts a self-lubricating material for unparalleled smoothness, the Silent Grey switch ensures a satisfying and silent typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the Kang White and Silent Grey switches will depend on whether you prioritize a more immersive sound experience or a quieter typing environment with tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and dazzling typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Kang White may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a highly tactile and silent typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Consider the level of force you are comfortable with and the type of sound profile that best fits your preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing needs.
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