KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mallo and Outemu Blue offer unique characteristics to suit different preferences. The KTT Mallo is a tactile switch known for its subtlety and finesse in design, providing a gentle tactility that offers just enough feedback without being overpowering. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo strikes a balanced chord for typists in various environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch that does not have specific characteristics mentioned. While the Mallo is best for those who appreciate a softer typing experience, the Blue may appeal to individuals seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Blue, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Mallo and the Blue share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, this material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from the unique characteristics of their respective housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Blue, the different distribution of these materials in each switch can affect their sound and feel. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Conversely, the top housing, constructed from polycarbonate, plays a more significant role in the sound released when a key is released. This distribution allows for a balance in the sound profile of each switch, with the properties of both housing materials working together to provide a satisfying typing experience.
While the KTT Mallo and Outemu Blue share common housing materials, the arrangement of these materials within each switch can result in distinct typing experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a sharp and resonant sound, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a different tactile feel when keys are pressed. By understanding how each housing material influences the sound and feel of a switch, users can choose the one that best suits their preferences for a customized typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch both offer unique experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo has a medium-light actuation force of None grams, making it easy to trigger keystrokes, but requires 55 grams of force to bottom out. In contrast, the Blue switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience, but the bottom out force is unknown. The Mallo is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Blue switch offers a heavier push feel for those who prefer a more solid typing experience. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer their own advantages and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance. This allows for consistent typing experiences between the two switches. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is sufficient for comfortable typing, providing a satisfying amount of key travel without being too long or too short. Ultimately, whether you choose the KTT Mallo or the Outemu Blue, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Blue comes in at $3.10 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, the KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it a versatile option for various environments. Its moderate actuation force requirement ensures that it is suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch's sound characteristics are unspecified, so it is hard to directly compare the two in this aspect. The sound quality of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch is known for its feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing experience. The light actuation force required by the Mallo switch reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The stepped design of the switch provides a unique tactile sensation with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Blue switch is not described, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect.
Overall, the KTT Mallo switch stands out for its balanced tactility, medium-light typing feel, and neutral sound signature, making it a versatile choice for typists in various settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch's qualities remain unknown, making it challenging to determine how it compares to the Mallo switch in terms of sound and feel. However, if the Blue switch shares similar qualities to the Mallo switch based on the available information, users can expect to experience a pleasant and engaging typing experience with both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, you should opt for the Mallo if you prefer a medium-light typing feel with gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile. The Mallo's feathery and mild feel, along with its subtle and subdued sound characteristics, make it a versatile choice for various typing environments. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with more pronounced tactile and audible feedback, you might want to consider the Outemu Blue clicky switch. The Blue switch offers a more intense typing experience with a louder click sound. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound level.
Mentioned in this article
