KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it's essential to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard. The KTT Mallo switch is celebrated for its subtlety and finesse, offering a gentle tactile feedback that strikes a balanced chord for typists. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo is a versatile choice for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White is known for its smooth linear action, providing a consistent keystroke without the tactile bump. While the Mallo may be preferred for its tactile feedback and balanced feel, the Silent White may appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. 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
1.60 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
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
The KTT Mallo and the Outemu Silent White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of the plastic. This helps to produce a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate adds an aesthetically pleasing element to the switches. However, despite these similarities in top housing material, the Mallo features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent White also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect.
Having a nylon bottom housing in switches like the Mallo and the Silent White allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound quality. This adds a different dimension to the overall typing experience, emphasizing the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel. While both switches benefit from the characteristics of nylon in their bottom housings, the top housing material in each switch plays a crucial role in differentiating the sound when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Silent White showcase the impact of different housing materials on the sound profile of mechanical switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and nylon bottom housings for a fuller sound experience, the overall typing feel and sound output are influenced by the combination of these materials. Understanding the role of each housing material in switches can help enthusiasts and users determine the type of sound and feel they prefer in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Mallo has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mallo requires 55 grams while the Silent White needs 60 grams, making the Mallo slightly lighter in this aspect. The Mallo provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Silent White offers a medium typing experience. Regardless of these differences, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, providing users with a satisfying typing experience based on their preference for lighter or heavier key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers and individuals looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent White switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Mallo switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
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 White 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, providing a moderate and dampened sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for a wide range of environments, striking a balance between audible feedback and non-intrusiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch does not have a specific sound description provided. In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch is described as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, offering a light and gentle typing experience with a slight tactile feedback. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions while maintaining a versatile appeal. Conversely, the Outemu Silent White switch does not have a specific feel description provided.
Overall, both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Mallo provides a balanced tactility with a neutral sound and feathery feel, the Silent White remains unknown in its sound and feel characteristics. If you enjoy a moderate sound profile and a subtle tactile feedback, the Mallo would be a solid choice. However, due to the lack of information on the Silent White, it's challenging to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, testing out both switches personally would be the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a subtle tactility and a feathery typing feel with a neutral sound signature, the Mallo switch would be an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a linear switch with a different sound profile, the Outemu Silent White switch may be more suitable for you. Think about your personal preferences and typing environment to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. As you explore the world of mechanical switches, remember that the perfect switch is ultimately the one that feels right for you.
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