Outemu Silent Grey vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are key differences to consider. The Outemu Silent Grey offers a quiet typing experience with a highly tactile response, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying yet silent keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, thanks to its factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for effortless key travel. While the Silent Grey is perfect for those looking for satisfying tactility, the Pine is best suited for those who prioritize smoothness and ease of typing. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Pine switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of switches is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as the material's translucency allows for better light diffusion. However, the bottom housing of the Silent Grey is made of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Silent Grey switch.
In terms of housing material, the differences between the Silent Grey and Pine switches lie primarily in the bottom housing. While both switches have the same polycarbonate top housing, the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing offers a unique sound experience with deeper tones. On the other hand, the Pine switch maintains consistency with its polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile overall. The combination of materials in each switch allows for a balance between clarity and fullness, catering to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Pine switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Silent Grey's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with deeper tones, while the Pine switch maintains a consistent sharp and crisp sound throughout. Both switches excel in their own right, providing users with options based on their individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Grey is the heavier of the two. The Silent Grey requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, classifying it as a medium switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Pine switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Silent Grey for a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distance is the same, which means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness. The 4 mm travel distance allows for a satisfying tactile feedback with the Silent Grey switch, while the Pine switch provides smooth and consistent keystrokes with the same distance. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and reliable typing experience despite their different switch types.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
The Outemu Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey switch is best known for its quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Both switches provide unique auditory feedback, with the Silent Grey focusing on silence and the Pine emphasizing a more bass-heavy tone. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also depend on external factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its highly tactile and satisfying typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and a smooth keystroke. Meanwhile, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. The factory-lubed finish of the Pine switches minimizes friction for a seamless typing sensation, allowing fingers to glide across the keys with ease. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Silent Grey focusing on tactility and the Pine promoting a smooth and effortless feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Grey switch and the KTT Pine linear switch provide distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Silent Grey excels in offering a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Pine stands out with its buttery smooth keystrokes and bassy sound profile. Whether you prioritize silence and tactility or prefer a smooth and creamy typing sensation, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a buttery smooth feel and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when deciding between these two switches to ensure you select the one that best matches your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits and cater to different typing preferences, so choose wisely based on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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