KTT Lightning vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing and contrasting the KTT Lightning, a linear switch, and the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, it is clear that both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The KTT Lightnings are popular for their speed and precision, making them ideal for gaming where split-second reactions are crucial. With a slick feel and clacky sound profile, they are categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Chirpy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom provides a tactile feedback that many typists prefer for a satisfying typing experience. While the Tom is not as specifically categorized, its tactile feel offers a different typing sensation compared to the smooth linear action of the Lightning. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Tom utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is mainly due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of this material allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. The similarities in top housing material suggest that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches when it comes to the top housing.
While the top housings of both the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Tom are made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings differ in material. The Lightning features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tom also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for similar sound characteristics. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, emphasizing the importance of material choice for overall typing experience.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housings of the KTT Lightning and Outemu Tom contributes to a similar sound profile, with differences mainly found in their bottom housings. While both switches offer a clear and resonant sound thanks to their polycarbonate top housings, the nylon bottom housings result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. These distinctions in material choice demonstrate the impact housing materials have on the overall typing experience and sound quality of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch differ significantly. The Lightning switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tom switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the Tom switch would likely provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher actuation force. Ultimately, those who prefer a more robust typing feel may opt for the Tom switch, while users who prioritize lighter actuation forces may find the Lightning switch more suitable.
Travel distance
The KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of traditional travel distances, with the Lightning being slightly shorter than the Tom. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Lightning due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Tom with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41, whereas the Outemu Tom 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience that adds a crisp and bright element to your keystrokes. This sound profile is perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and percussive typing sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch has no specific sound descriptors available, so it's hard to directly compare. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Lightning switch provides a subtle and polished typing experience, with a gentle resistance that falls between feather-light and medium. This offers a light typing feel that is complemented by a smooth and refined finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. As for the Outemu Tom switch, there is no available information on its tactile feel, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in this regard.
In conclusion, while the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a subtle and polished typing feel, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Tom tactile switch remain unknown. If you prefer a switch with similar sound and feel characteristics to the Lightning, you may consider exploring other linear switches with clacky sound profiles and subtle, polished typing feels. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should consider your primary use case. If you are a gamer or someone who values speed and responsiveness, the Lightning switch would be a great choice with its light bottom out force and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a tactile bump for typing or prefer a more subtle and polished typing experience, the Tom tactile switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and how you intend to use your mechanical keyboard.
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