Outemu Green vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Green and KTT Semi Mute can greatly impact your typing experience. The Outemu Green is a clicky switch that provides a tactile feedback and audible click with each keystroke, perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of typing. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute is a linear switch that offers a completely silent operation, making it ideal for creating a noise-free work environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. While the Green switch falls into the category of clicky switches, the Semi Mute switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Neutral'. 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
65g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Green and the KTT Semi Mute switches, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes it ideal for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the passage of light. However, the housing material of the bottom housing differs between the two switches. The Green uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Semi Mute utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and clearer sound.
Despite the difference in bottom housing material, the top housings of both the Outemu Green and KTT Semi Mute switches are composed of polycarbonate. This means that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic qualities when typing on either of these switches. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound when keys are pressed and released, making it a popular choice for switch housing material. While the bottom housing material may affect the overall sound profile, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures consistency in sound characteristics between the two switches.
In terms of performance, the choice of housing material for the top and bottom of a switch can impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing material, also polycarbonate in both cases, affects the sound when keys are released. Understanding how different housing materials contribute to sound profiles can help users choose switches that align with their typing preferences and aesthetics. Ultimately, the decision between the Outemu Green and KTT Semi Mute switches may come down to personal preference for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, significant differences can be noted. The Outemu Green clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 65 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a lower bottom out force of 58 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions. The difference in weight between the two switches caters to different preferences among users, with some preferring lighter switches for prolonged use and others favoring heavier switches for a more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the intended use of the keyboard.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same level of key press feedback and actuation depth. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the Outemu Green clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
The Outemu Green 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 Outemu Green clicky switch is known for its loud and satisfying tactile feedback, which can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy the audible clickiness of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is designed to be quiet and unobtrusive, perfect for creating a noise-free typing environment. The Semi Mute switch offers a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more subtle typing experience suitable for late-night work or shared spaces. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Green switch providing a more pronounced and clicky sound, while the Semi Mute switch offers a quieter and more subdued typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green clicky switch is known for its tactile bump and audible click, providing a satisfying and responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offers a buttery and mild typing sensation, characterized by its smooth and fluid keystrokes. The Semi Mute switch provides a gentle typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions. The Outemu Green switch, with its tactile feedback and audible click, offers a more pronounced and forceful typing experience, suited for those who prefer a more tactile and clicky feel.
Overall, the Outemu Green clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Green switch provides a loud and tactile typing feel, ideal for those who enjoy audible feedback and a satisfying clickiness. In contrast, the Semi Mute switch offers a quiet and fluid typing experience, perfect for creating a noise-free environment and providing a more subtle and gentle typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing styles and environments, ensuring that users can find the switch that best suits their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Green clicky switch or the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a heavy typing experience with a loud and clicky sound, the Outemu Green switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a quieter and smoother typing experience with a medium actuation force, the KTT Semi Mute switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you desire a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing sessions, the Semi Mute switch is specifically tailored for that purpose. Ultimately, whether you choose the Green clicky switch or the Semi Mute linear switch, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences.
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