KTT Orange vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and the Outemu Black are two prominent linear switches to consider. The KTT Orange Switches are praised for their unique design, featuring a 22mm long spring for a bouncy feel, a polycarbonate milky top housing, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing. Known for their slick and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, these switches are ideal for those who prioritize smoothness and minimal friction while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch doesn't come with any notable features but still offers a linear 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
46g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Outemu Black, we can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, giving them a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Black switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality.
In terms of sound profile, the top housing material of both the KTT Orange and Outemu Black plays a significant role in creating a sharp and clear sound when keys are released. However, the bottom housing material of these switches contributes differently to the overall typing experience. The Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound, while the Black's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed. This difference in bottom housing material affects the overall feel and sound profile of each switch during use.
Overall, while both the KTT Orange and Outemu Black utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Orange with its polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper typing experience, while the Black with its nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches have qualities that cater to different preferences, making them suitable choices for users looking for specific sound profiles and typing sensations.
Weight
The KTT Orange linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. This means that the Orange switch will require less force to trigger a keystroke initially. In terms of bottom out force, the Orange switch also has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Black switch has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams. This indicates that the Black switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push feel when pressing all the way down. Those who prefer lighter switches may find the KTT Orange switch more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a heavier touch may opt for the Outemu Black switch for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Black switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the KTT Orange switch. A difference of 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the KTT Orange switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Outemu Black switch may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
The Outemu Black 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
Overall, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a unique typing experience with its bouncy and frictionless feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile. The 22mm long spring provides a spring-like sensation and the excellent factory-lubing ensures a smooth key travel. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Black linear switch is not available. If you are looking for a switch with a similar feel and sound profile to the KTT Orange, you may want to consider other linear switches with bouncy and frictionless characteristics combined with a low-pitched sound. Remember that the overall typing experience also depends on factors like your keyboard layout and keycaps. Happy typing!
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a linear switch without any specific sound or feel characteristics mentioned, the Outemu Black switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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