KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Cream Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer tactile feedback for typists. The KTT Mallo is celebrated for its gentle tactility that provides just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a balanced typing experience. It also boasts a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, catering to various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow lacks specific details about its features, but it is known to offer tactile feedback as well. However, the lack of information may make it challenging to determine its specific advantages. Ultimately, when choosing between these two switches, it's important to consider your preferences for tactility, sound, and typing feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Both the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing materials. The KTT Mallo utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness lends to a clear and resonant sound that is particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This contrast in top housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
In summary, while the KTT Mallo and Outemu Cream Yellow switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, their top housing materials diverge in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo provides a clear and resonant sound, ideal for RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the Cream Yellow offers a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Understanding these differences in housing materials can help users choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, while the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, also considered medium. However, the Mallo's actuation force is listed as None grams, making it difficult to compare directly to the Cream Yellow's 45 grams actuation force. In terms of weight preference, those looking for a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mallo, while those seeking a more substantial push feel may prefer the Cream Yellow with its slightly heavier actuation force. Overall, both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the Cream Yellow may provide a bit more resistance for those who prefer a slightly heavier touch.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Mallo. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a slightly shallower feel when typing, the Cream Yellow may be the better option. On the other hand, the Mallo offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional typing experience with a bit more depth. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the preference between the two may come down to personal typing style and preference for 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 Cream Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a dampened sound when pressed, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Mallo switch is known for its feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle tactile characteristics. It provides a light typing experience with little exertion required, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Cream Yellow switch's feel is unspecified, but it is worth mentioning that the qualities of the Mallo switch fall into a safe, middle-ground zone of typing experiences, making it approachable to most users.
Considering the available information, the KTT Mallo and Outemu Cream Yellow switches offer contrasting yet potentially complimentary qualities. While the Mallo excels in providing a balanced tactile experience with a neutral sound profile, the Cream Yellow switch leaves its feel and sound characteristics unknown. Ultimately, both switches could provide similar results depending on the user's preference, but the Mallo stands out for its subtlety and finesse in design, making it a versatile choice for typists seeking a gentle yet noticeable tactile feedback without overpowering sound distractions.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Mallo tactile switch or the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, you should go for the Mallo if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and appreciate a switch that offers gentle tactility without being overpowering. The Mallo's neutral sound signature and feathery typing feel make it a versatile option for various typing environments, reducing finger fatigue and providing a comfortable typing experience for extended sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a medium feel but are less concerned about specific sound and feel characteristics, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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