KTT Orange vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The KTT Orange is a linear switch known for its bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. With its polycarbonate milky top housing and excellent factory-lubing, it provides a smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. Featuring a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, these switches provide a tactile feedback while remaining quiet. If you prefer a bouncy and smooth typing experience, the KTT Orange may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you enjoy a tactile and quiet typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade could be the perfect fit. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade has a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials have their own distinct characteristics, they ultimately produce different auditory experiences for the user.
In terms of the bottom housing, the KTT Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade also differ in material. The Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its sharp and crisp sound profile, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
It is important to note that when the top and bottom housings are different in a switch, the qualities of each material will impact different aspects of typing. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the KTT Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may have contrasting housing materials, they offer a variety of options for users seeking specific sound profiles and typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow Jade is the heavier of the two. The Orange switch has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Orange switch, while individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Yellow Jade. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the keyboard market, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. The Orange switch offers a bit more depth with its 3.5 mm travel distance, potentially providing a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more travel in their switches. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch's 3.3 mm travel distance may appeal to users who prioritize quick and effortless key presses. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel despite the slight variation in 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 Silent Yellow Jade 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for its quiet operation with a satisfying "thocky" sound, making it a good choice for those looking for a more subdued typing experience. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange switch is characterized by a bouncy sensation due to its 22mm long spring, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback when typing. Additionally, it offers a frictionless typing experience with its factory-lubed components, resulting in smooth and effortless key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a punchy tactile bump, giving users a tactile feedback with each keystroke. Unfortunately, further details on the feel of the Silent Yellow Jade switch are not available.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are looking for a quiet switch with a satisfying tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch could be more to your liking. Both switches are factory-lubed for smooth key travel, ensuring a refined typing experience regardless of your choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you prefer.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a bouncy, frictionless feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what attributes matter most to you when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch.
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