KTT Mint vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mint and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer a smooth typing experience. The Mint is praised for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel, featuring a long pole stem that provides a distinctive poppy thockiness while typing. It offers a light and fleeting type feel and is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow does not have a specific standout feature mentioned but still offers a smooth linear typing experience. It is categorized as a quiet switch. When choosing between these switches, the Mint may be preferred for those who enjoy a slightly more tactile experience and a unique thock sound, while the Silent Yellow may be suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive a bit deeper into the specifics so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Mint and Silent Yellow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with polycarbonate top housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the Mint's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Yellow, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches have similar top housings made of polycarbonate, the differences between the nylon bottom housings of the Mint and Silent Yellow become apparent. The Mint's nylon bottom housing contributes to a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel, emphasizing the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing also offers a rounder sound but may not have the same level of impact on the typing experience as the Mint's bottom housing. This highlights how the choice of housing material can affect the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Mint and Outemu Silent Yellow play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. Both switches benefit from polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, while the differences in nylon bottom housings result in varying degrees of sound depth and impact. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the overall typing experience can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in the weight of the two switches. The Mint has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, categorizing it as a heavy switch. The Mint would be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue, while the Silent Yellow would be suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and typing style. By choosing the Mint, users will experience a lighter typing feel, whereas the Silent Yellow offers a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect similar feedback and typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Whether you are using the Mint or Silent Yellow switch, you can anticipate a consistent travel distance of 4 mm when pressing down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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 Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch's sound profile is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Both switches may provide similar results in sound depending on the other factors involved, such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Mint switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a more gentle and approachable feel with smooth key travel. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is not specified, making it challenging to compare the two switches in this regard. However, based on the descriptions provided, both switches may offer a smooth typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, the KTT Mint linear switch is praised for its satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness in sound and mild, polished feel in typing. While information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is unavailable, it is possible that both switches may provide similar results in these aspects depending on other factors such as keyboard setup and personal preference. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a smooth and poppy typing experience, and a low-pitched sound profile, then the Mint switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a more neutral typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch could be the right choice. Consider what factors are most important to you in a switch and choose accordingly. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
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