KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mallo switch is praised for its gentle tactility, medium-light typing feel, and neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, ideal for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different user preferences, it's essential to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine the best switch for your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Yellow Silver, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience when typing on both the Mallo and the Yellow Silver due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Mallo features a nylon housing while the Yellow Silver also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, the typing experience on both switches may differ slightly due to the subtle variations in sound and feel brought about by the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, it can be concluded that while the top housing material of the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Yellow Silver is the same, their bottom housing materials differ. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Mallo has a lower actuation force of None grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 45 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that while the Mallo may require less force to activate a key, both switches will feel equally weighted when fully pressed. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience for the Mallo, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch may provide a bit more resistance, offering a more solid typing feel for those who prefer a slightly heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance. In terms of comparing and contrasting the two switches, their travel distance is equal, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Overall, whether you choose the KTT Mallo tactile switch or the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, you can count on a 4mm travel distance for a satisfying typing 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 Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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, both the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches are known for their neutral sound profiles, with the Mallo also being described as having a subdued sound. This means that both switches offer a moderate sound that is suitable for various typing environments. It's 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 is praised for its feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle qualities, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions and suitable for shared spaces due to its quiet operation. As for the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, information on its feel is not provided, but given its light actuation force and neutral characteristics, it can be inferred that it likely offers a smooth and responsive typing experience favored by gamers and typists.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer neutral sound profiles that make them versatile for various typing environments. While the Mallo is praised for its gentle tactility and feathery feel, the Yellow Silver is favored for its light actuation force and speediness. Depending on your preferences for typing feel and sound, either switch could be a suitable choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, it's essential to consider your personal typing preferences and the type of environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to determine which switch will best suit your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and intended use. If you value a gentle tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile, the Mallo may be the right choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force and versatile sound signature make it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force and speediness, the Yellow Silver switch may be more suitable, especially for gamers and typists looking for responsiveness. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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