KTT Lightning vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking to choose between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch offer distinct experiences to cater to different preferences. The KTT Lightnings are ideal for those seeking a speedy and responsive typing experience, making them the perfect choice for gamers or competitive typists who value quick input response. With a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile, these switches are categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Chirpy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switches provide a tactile feedback that many typists prefer for a more traditional typing experience. Although lacking a specific standout feature, the Browns offer a smooth and satisfying tactile bump without the audible feedback of the Lightning switches. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The main difference between the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Brown lies in the materials used for their top and bottom housings. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Lightning is made of nylon, creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to polycarbonate.
While the top housings of both the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Brown are made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings differ with the Lightning utilizing nylon and the Brown also opting for polycarbonate. This split in housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of each switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Lightning contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Brown may result in a sharper and crisper sound. The impact of these housing materials can be felt when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the housing materials used in the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Brown play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Lightning creates a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing may result in a different sound profile. Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the typing experience, with each material offering its own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, a clear difference in weight can be seen. The Lightning switch is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Brown switch is heavier with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Lightning switch make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel when typing for extended periods, such as for work or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Brown switch provide a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the weight of the switch is an important factor to consider based on individual preferences for typing comfort and typing intensity.
Travel distance
The KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Brown switch provides a longer travel distance, offering a more substantial keypress feel. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Lightning switch catering to those who prefer quicker keystrokes, while the longer travel distance of the Brown switch appeals to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ultimately providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their specific needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41, whereas the Outemu Brown 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 Lightning linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Lightning linear switch is described as having a subtle and polished feel, providing a gentle resistance and a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is unknown. Both the Lightning and Brown switches offer unique qualities in terms of feel, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it's clear that the KTT Lightning linear switch excels in providing a fast and precise typing experience with a clacky sound profile and subtle feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch offers a tactile typing experience, but details on its sound and feel remain unknown. If seeking a similar typing experience to the Lightning switch, one could expect similar results in terms of speed and precision from other linear switches with a clacky sound profile and subtle feel. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Lightning and Outemu Brown switches would depend on the individual's preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch that prioritizes speed and quick actuation for gaming or fast typing, the Lightning switch with its light bottom out force and clacky sound profile may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a more subtle and polished typing experience, the Outemu Brown switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed and performance or a more refined tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
