KTT Orange vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The KTT Orange switch is recognized for its bouncy feel, featuring a 22mm long spring that provides a unique typing experience. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, this switch offers a frictionless and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch lacks specific standout features but is known for its silent operation. If you prefer a bouncy and smooth typing experience with a distinct sound profile, the KTT Orange switch may be the better choice for you. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 the Outemu Silent Yellow are both made of polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more resonant and clear sound, making it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Silent Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Orange. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Even though both the KTT Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow have polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housing materials differ with the Orange having polycarbonate and the Silent Yellow using nylon. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom affects the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing plays a greater role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This difference in housing materials contributes to the unique characteristics of each switch, with the Orange offering a sharper sound and the Silent Yellow providing a deeper, fuller sound.
While the KTT Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow have similar polycarbonate top housings, their different bottom housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles. The Orange's stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing leads to a clear and resonant sound, while the Silent Yellow's softer nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with the Orange offering a crisper sound and the Silent Yellow providing a more rounded sound. Both switches demonstrate how housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound quality.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Yellow is the heavier option while the Orange is the lighter of the two. The Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, categorizing it as a heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Orange switch more comfortable for longer typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier Silent Yellow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Yellow has a longer travel distance than the Orange. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered traditional, while 3.0mm is the most shallow. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Orange a good choice for gaming. However, some may find the shorter travel distance of the Orange too abrupt and prefer the more substantial feel of the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Silent Yellow 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 is known for its low-pitched sound profile and bouncy, frictionless feel. With a long spring for a bouncy feel and a polycarbonate milky top housing, typing on the Orange switches provides a smooth and effortless experience. The Silent Yellow linear switch does not have as much information available for comparison, but based on the qualities of the Orange switch, it can be assumed that it may offer similar low-pitched sound and possibly a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between KTT Orange linear switches and Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches, you should consider your preferences on bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Orange switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.