KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Mallo, a tactile switch, is renowned for its subtlety and finesse in mechanical switch design. With a gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, it strikes a balanced chord for typists seeking just the right amount of feedback. The neutral sound signature of the Mallo makes it a versatile choice for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom, also a tactile switch, offers a different experience with limited information available. It is crucial to note the distinctions between the two switches to determine which one best suits your preferences and typing style. 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
55g
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
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
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
The KTT Mallo and the Outemu Tom share similarities in their housing materials, both featuring polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, while both switches have nylon bottom housings, they differ in the sound produced. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will have a rounder and duller sound compared to those with polycarbonate bottom housings.
Despite having similar housing materials, the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Tom offer distinct typing experiences. The difference in sound profile between the polycarbonate top housing and the nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall feel of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on a key, while the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. This combination of materials results in a unique tactile and auditory typing experience for each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Tom may come down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with a clear top housing for enhanced RGB lighting, the Mallo with its polycarbonate top housing may be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and fuller sound profile with a rounder feel when typing, the Tom with its nylon bottom housing might be more to your liking. Both switches offer a unique blend of materials that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, while its actuation force is listed as None. On the other hand, the Tom has an actuation force of 55 grams, with the bottom out force being unavailable. This means that the Mallo is lighter in terms of bottoming out, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Tom provides a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a unique feel, with the Mallo being lighter and the Tom providing a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Mallo offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Tom provides a shallower feel. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Tom for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Mallo. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding the travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
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 Tom 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 both beginner and advanced typists in various settings. The gentle tactility of the switch contributes to its subtle sound signature, allowing for a pleasant typing experience without being too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by its feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle tactile feedback. This results in a light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and provides comfort during extended typing sessions. The switch offers a balanced mix of characteristics that cater to a wide range of typists, making it a popular choice for many. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Outemu Tom switch is unknown, so it's challenging to directly compare it to the KTT Mallo in this aspect.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo switch stands out for its subtle tactile feedback, medium-light typing feel, and neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for a variety of typing environments. While the Outemu Tom switch's qualities remain unknown, if it shares similar characteristics to the Mallo, users can expect a pleasant typing experience that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and typing comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a feathery, light typing experience with a subtle sound signature, the Mallo would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a noticeable tactile bump and a specific key feel, opt for the Tom switch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Choose wisely based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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