Outemu Lime (V3) vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available on the market. Two popular choices are the Outemu Lime, a tactile switch, and the KTT Orange, a linear switch. The Outemu Lime switches are known for their unique features, including being lightweight, having a gentle tactility, and being silenced. These switches provide a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, making them perfect for tactile enthusiasts. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches come with a 22mm long spring, offering a bouncy type feel. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, a long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a slick, frictionless typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile. The factory-lubing ensures a refined, fluid key travel with minimal friction and maximum smoothness. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, making it important to dive deeper into the details to choose the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the KTT Orange switches differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Lime switch features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Orange switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's relative stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting.
Similarly, when analyzing the bottom housings of the Lime and Orange switches, nylon and polycarbonate showcase distinct characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Lime switch generates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness and superior sound absorption. Conversely, by utilizing a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Orange switch produces a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more pronounced and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, especially when combined with RGB lighting.
However, it's important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housing materials, the resulting sound and feel will be a combination of these qualities. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's properties will be more prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. Despite their differences, both the Outemu Lime and KTT Orange switches offer distinct sound profiles, providing users with varied options based on their preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Lime switch has a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a gentle touch. In contrast, the Orange switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams, requiring a bit more force to register keystrokes. Both switches have different bottom out forces as well, with the Lime switch having a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Orange switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams.
Considering the weight aspect, the Lime switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter feel can be beneficial for individuals who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue over time. On the other hand, the Orange switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing.
In summary, the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the KTT Orange linear switch. These differences cater to different preferences, with the Lime switch being ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, and the Orange switch appealing to individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In comparison, the Lime offers a slightly shorter travel distance than the Orange switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Lime switch would be the preferable choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down keys may find the longer travel distance of the Orange switch more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Lime switch is known for its neutral sound profile with a muted quality. This means that the Lime switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the Orange switch produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound produced by the switch is also influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Lime switch offers a mild and feathery typing experience. The switch has a gentle typing feel with a light actuation force, reducing strain on the fingers and providing comfort for extended typing sessions. It also has a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Orange switch provides a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. The switch has a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively feel with rebound when pressed. It also offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction.
Considering all the available information, the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lime switch produces a neutral and muted sound, while the Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the Lime switch offers a mild, feathery, and polished typing experience, while the Orange switch provides a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing preferences. However, it is important to note that the ultimate typing experience is influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. If you are looking for similar sound or feel qualities as mentioned, you can compare the specific characteristics mentioned and choose accordingly.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prioritizes a lightweight typing experience with a touch of tactility, then the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches offer a feathery light feel that reduces finger fatigue and ensures comfortable extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Lime switches feature a subtle tactility and are silenced, making them perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a bouncy and frictionless feel, the KTT Orange linear switch would be ideal. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches provide a slightly higher actuation force, giving a medium-light feel. The Orange switches offer a slick and smooth typing experience, thanks to the polycarbonate milky top housing and excellent factory lubing. Furthermore, they have a low-pitched sound profile, which produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Lime and KTT Orange switches depends on your personal preference for weight, tactility, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
