KTT Matcha vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Matcha is loved for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a clean bottom-out sound that is satisfying to many users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet typing experience with a distinctive "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump. While the Matcha offers a more accentuated and clacky feel, the Silent Yellow Jade leans towards a quieter and smoother 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
One key difference between the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is the material used for their top housing. The Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the choice between these two materials will significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
On the other hand, both the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade share a polycarbonate bottom housing. This material brings forth the same qualities in both switches, creating a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, contributing to a consistent typing experience across both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design. Therefore, while the top housing may differ between these switches, the shared bottom housing material ensures a similar sound profile.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Matcha creates a distinct sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade yields a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, both switches feature a polycarbonate bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sharp and clear sound profile. Ultimately, understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch performance can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions based on their sound and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is clear that the Matcha is lighter in both aspects. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Matcha requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to press all the way down compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Matcha would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Matcha offering a lighter touch and the Silent Yellow Jade providing a heavier push feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Matcha offers a more traditional travel distance, making it a good option for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a shallower travel distance, which may be favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Matcha offering a longer travel distance for a more substantial key press, and the Silent Yellow Jade providing a shorter travel distance for quicker key response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Matcha switch is known for its clean bottom-out sound, providing a satisfying and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet typing sound with a "thocky" quality, adding a unique element to your typing experience. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Matcha being more clacky and the Silent Yellow Jade being quieter, providing options for users based on their preference for sound output.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha switch is described as having a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel. This means that users can expect a switch that is responsive, with a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, and requires minimal effort to actuate. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch's feel is unknown, but based on its design as a silent tactile switch, users can expect a smooth and comfortable typing experience without the added noise. Both switches offer different tactile feels, catering to users who prioritize either responsiveness or a quieter typing experience.
Overall, the KTT Matcha and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on your preference for sound output and tactile feel, both switches provide options for users looking to enhance their typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisp and clacky sound or a quiet and "thocky" sound, as well as a snappy and responsive feel or a smooth and comfortable feel, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that you can find a switch that suits your typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a snappy tactility with a clean bottom-out sound, then the KTT Matcha may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the kind of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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