KTT Orange vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and the Outemu Brown offer distinct typing experiences. The KTT Orange switch stands out for its bouncy feel, frictionless typing, and low-pitched sound profile. With a 22mm long spring and high-quality materials like polycarbonate and POM, the Orange switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch is known for its tactile feedback, making it easier to feel when a key press has been registered. While the Brown switch lacks specific standout features like the Orange's bounciness and low-pitched sound, it excels in providing a satisfying keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits; 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
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and Outemu Brown switches are quite similar, as both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them ideal for users who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Orange features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Brown uses nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the Brown offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Orange, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both the KTT Orange and Outemu Brown switches provide a unique typing experience due to the qualities of their top housing materials. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing sound and feel. However, the impact of the bottom housing material cannot be overlooked. The KTT Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, while the Outemu Brown's nylon bottom housing enhances the overall typing experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound.
In conclusion, while the KTT Orange and Outemu Brown switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, whereas the Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound profile and typing feel. Both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience and are suitable for users who appreciate high-quality materials in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The KTT Orange linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch with an actuation force of 53 grams. The bottom out force of the Orange switch is also lighter at 53 grams, while the Brown switch requires a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the KTT Orange switch would be a suitable choice. However, if someone enjoys a more substantial typing feel and doesn't mind a bit more resistance, the Outemu Brown switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience and should be considered based on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Brown tactile switch with a 4 mm travel distance. The Orange switch would provide a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking quick input recognition. On the other hand, the Brown switch offers a bit more depth and feedback with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more traditional typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths, so the choice between the two would ultimately depend on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 Brown 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 Orange linear switch is known for its low-pitched profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Orange linear switch is recognized for its bouncy and frictionless characteristics. The 22mm long spring provides a bouncy sensation, offering a spring-like feedback with lively key presses that rebound when released. Additionally, the frictionless design ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance and friction. Unfortunately, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's feel qualities are unspecified, making it challenging to contrast with the KTT Orange in this aspect.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange linear switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile, bouncy feel, and frictionless typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Brown tactile switch remain unknown, with the KTT Orange's superior characteristics like bouncy feedback and smooth key travel, choosing either switch can potentially yield similar results in terms of overall satisfaction. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you'll want to choose the Orange if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. The Orange switch provides a smooth key travel and a lively feel thanks to its unique construction. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile feedback, the Outemu Brown switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your personal preference for key feel, sound, and typing experience. Consider these factors carefully to find the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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