KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Silent Green mechanical keyboard switches, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. The KTT Mallo is a tactile switch that is praised for its gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, offering a balanced experience for typists. Its neutral sound signature makes it versatile for different typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is a linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. While it lacks the tactile feedback of the Mallo, it may appeal to those who prefer a consistent linear 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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 KTT Mallo and the Outemu Silent Green, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, resulting in a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it visually appealing. However, while both switches share this material for their top housing, the Mallo diverges by using nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone.
Despite both switches using polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences lie in the bottom housing material. While the Mallo utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, providing a deeper sound profile, the Silent Green opts to maintain consistency by also using polycarbonate for the bottom housing. This results in a sharper and crisper overall sound for the Silent Green switch, as the polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound profile. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, especially when paired with RGB lighting to create visually stunning effects.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience is significant, as the qualities of the bottom housing material primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Mallo creates a balance between clarity and depth in sound, whereas the Silent Green's consistent use of polycarbonate results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound characteristics and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light feel, while the Silent Green offers a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. In terms of actuation force, the Mallo requires None grams, while the Silent Green demands 45 grams. This means that the Silent Green requires a slightly lighter touch to initiate a keystroke compared to the Mallo. Therefore, those looking for a lighter typing feel may prefer the Silent Green, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Mallo. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear 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 with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches provide a satisfying key press with a consistent feel, allowing for a smooth typing experience. The tactile feedback of the Mallo switch may offer a more pronounced bump during key presses, while the linear Silent Green switch provides a smoother keystroke without any tactile feedback. Overall, the travel distance of these switches plays a significant role in the typing experience and can vary depending on personal preferences for key feel.
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 Silent Green 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, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments without being overly distracting. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Green 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 being used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Mallo switch provides a feathery and mild typing experience that is comfortable for extended use, whether for gaming, work, or school. The switch also offers a subtle resistance and a stepped feel, adding to its versatility and user-friendly nature. The feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch is unknown, so it's hard to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, the KTT Mallo tactile switch stands out for its balanced tactility, gentle typing feel, and neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for a wide range of typing needs. While the specifics of the Outemu Silent Green switch are not provided, it is safe to say that both switches offer similar qualities that cater to a smooth typing experience with minimal distractions. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when making a choice between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you appreciate a subtle tactile feedback with a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a silent operation, the Silent Green may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing style, environment, and personal preferences when deciding between these two switches to ensure an optimal typing experience. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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