KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The KTT Mallo switches are praised for their subtlety and finesse, offering a gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overwhelming. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo switch strikes a balanced chord for typists in various environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches provide a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. As the third iteration of Outemu's silent tactile lineup, these switches feature a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
65g
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
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, we can see distinct differences between the two. The Mallo's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiff nature which enhances resonance. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Mallo's nylon bottom housing and the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, the Mallo's overall sharper sound profile contrasts with the more rounded sound of the Silent Yellow Jade.
Despite their differences, both the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade share the use of nylon in their bottom housing. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, where the two differ is in their top housing material. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo contributes to a sharp and resonant sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade creates a duller and rounder sound. The split between the bottom and top housing qualities in a switch means that the overall sound and feel when pressing and releasing a key will be impacted differently for each switch.
In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Mallo's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for users who enjoy a softer and more rounded typing feel. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housing, ensuring a consistently deep and full sound profile. Ultimately, it is the combination of top and bottom housing materials that determine the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Mallo has a lighter actuation force at None grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 50 grams. This means that the Mallo may be more sensitive and easier to trigger keystrokes with. However, the bottom out force of the Mallo is 55 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Silent Yellow Jade's 65 grams, making the Mallo a medium-light switch while the Silent Yellow Jade falls into the medium-heavy category. The difference in forces between the two switches caters to different preferences - those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mallo, while individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Silent Yellow Jade. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Mallo has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 3.3 mm. The Mallo's 4 mm travel distance allows for a deeper key press, which can provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a quicker and more responsive key press, such as gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Yellow Jade 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 tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is described as producing a satisfying "thocky" sound, offering a quieter typing experience. While the Mallo provides a subtle and subdued sound, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a unique, punchy tactile bump sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch also depends on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Mallo is known for its feathery and mild typing experience, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It strikes a balance between light actuation force and gentle tactile feedback, reducing finger fatigue. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade does not have specific descriptors for feel, but as a silent tactile switch, it likely offers a smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. Again, individual preferences will play a role in determining the feel that best suits each typist.
Considering the information provided, the KTT Mallo and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switches offer different sound profiles and typing feels, catering to different preferences. The Mallo excels in providing a neutral sound and feathery typing feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade stands out for its quiet "thocky" sound and likely smooth, tactile typing experience. Typists looking for a more subtle sound and light typing feel may prefer the Mallo, while those seeking a quieter typing sound with a pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a personal keyboard setup will provide the best understanding of which switch better suits individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a subtle tactility and neutral sound, the KTT Mallo switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a unique "thocky" sound and punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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