KTT Mint vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing and contrasting the KTT Mint, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch, it's important to consider their unique characteristics and qualities. The Mint is praised for its smooth linear feel, providing a satisfying typing experience with a poppy thockiness and a light touch. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet and tactile typing experience, featuring a distinctive tactile bump and a satisfying "thocky" sound. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is clear that they both offer unique characteristics that affect the overall sound profile of the switches. The Mint's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer nature. Both materials have their own advantages, with polycarbonate being ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, and nylon offering a classic sound profile preferred by many typists.
Furthermore, when looking at the bottom housing materials of the Mint and Silent Yellow Jade, both switches utilize nylon for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is favored by many enthusiasts. While the impact of the bottom housing is more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the top housing plays a key role in the sound produced when a key is released. Despite the differences in housing materials between the two switches, they both ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Mint's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp and clear sound, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Overall, whether one prefers a crisper sound with the Mint or a rounder sound with the Silent Yellow Jade, both switches offer unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the two switches, it is clear that the KTT Mint linear switch is lighter in both regards compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch. The Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 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 Mint is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, catering to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. In this case, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Mint. A shorter travel distance is often favored by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific use case. Both switches offer their own advantages, and selecting the one that suits your needs best will result in a satisfactory typing experience.
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 Jade 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for its quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, making it a great option for those looking for a more subdued typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth feel that is approachable to most users. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, these switches are designed for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a punchy tactile bump, providing a unique and satisfying feel while typing. Although specific details on the feel of the Silent Yellow Jade switch are not provided, it can be inferred that the tactile bump adds a layer of feedback for users.
Overall, both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mint switch provides a low-pitched sound and a mild, polished typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet, "thocky" sound and a tactile bump for added feedback. Depending on your preference for linear or tactile switches, both options can provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective characteristics. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from both switches.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter touch with a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and satisfying linear typing experience with a poppy thockiness, the KTT Mint switch may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a quiet, tactile typing experience with a punchy bump and a unique translucent yellow housing, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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