Outemu Lime (V3) vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Lime and KTT Mallo mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lime switch stands out for its lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silent operation, making it a great choice for tactile enthusiasts looking for a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo switch is praised for its subtle tactility, medium-light typing feel, and neutral sound signature, striking a balance that suits a variety of typing environments. While both switches offer tactile feedback and a comfortable typing experience, the Lime switch leans towards a feathery light touch, while the Mallo switch focuses on a more subdued and versatile design. 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
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and KTT Mallo switches, we see that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing material, the Outemu Lime and KTT Mallo switches are quite similar and users can expect comparable typing experiences in terms of sound and feel.
On the other hand, the top housing material sets the Outemu Lime and KTT Mallo switches apart. The Lime features a nylon top housing, while the Mallo incorporates a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, polycarbonate is visually appealing for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect a noticeably different sound and aesthetic experience when typing on switches with polycarbonate top housings compared to nylon top housings.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Lime and KTT Mallo switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics. If you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder profile, the Outemu Lime with nylon top and bottom housings may be more appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound with visual appeal for RGB lighting effects, the KTT Mallo with its polycarbonate top housing may be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, providing users with options to customize their typing experience to their liking.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that the Lime has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Mallo's unknown actuation force. However, the Mallo has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Lime has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Mallo provides a slightly heavier typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Lime would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Mallo for its heavier force. In either case, understanding the weight differences between the two switches is crucial in selecting the one that best suits individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mallo switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Lime switch. The Lime switch's shorter travel distance might be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Mallo switch's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
The Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, both the Outemu Lime and the KTT Mallo switches share a neutral profile, fitting well into a variety of environments. The Lime offers a muted sound, ensuring a quieter typing experience, whereas the Mallo provides a more subdued sound that is gentle and subtle, perfect for shared spaces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, both switches share the characteristic of being feathery, meaning they are exceptionally light to press and reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Lime switch also touts a subtle and polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience, while the Mallo switch adds a mild and stepped quality, providing a gentle tactility that is noticeable yet not overpowering. Whether you prefer a polished typing experience or a stepped feel, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience that will suit a wide range of users.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Lime and KTT Mallo switches offer unique qualities that cater to tactile enthusiasts looking for a light and satisfying typing experience. While the Lime switch excels in providing a feathery feel and muted sound, the Mallo switch offers a subtle tactility and subdued sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a more refined typing experience with the Lime switch or a gentle tactility with the Mallo switch. Either way, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience that is sure to impress newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, you should choose the Lime if you are looking for a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, along with a neutral to muted sound profile. On the other hand, opt for the Mallo if you prefer a medium-light typing feel with a gentle tactility that provides feedback without being overpowering, coupled with a neutral to subdued sound signature. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing style and environment when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Lime and KTT Mallo switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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