Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the KTT Phalaenopsis both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. On one hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches provide a quiet and tactile typing experience with a distinct "thocky" sound, making them ideal for those who prefer feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches boast a light actuation force of 37g, minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions, and offering a satisfying tactile bump with each press. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different users' preferences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
While the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, the KTT Phalaenopsis uses polycarbonate for both housing components. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. On the contrary, polycarbonate, as a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, while nylon offers a more traditional look and feel.
In terms of sound profile, the nylon housing of the Silent Yellow Jade offers a duller and rounder sound due to its sound-absorbing properties, while the polycarbonate housing of the Phalaenopsis delivers a clearer and more resonant sound. The choice between the two housing materials ultimately depends on the type of typing experience and sound profile a user prefers. While both materials have their unique characteristics, the Silent Yellow Jade and the Phalaenopsis cater to different preferences with their respective housing materials.
Whether utilizing nylon or polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing, the impact on the overall typing experience is heavily influenced by the qualities each material brings to the switch. The properties of the bottom housing are more pronounced during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the KTT Phalaenopsis are designed to optimize the sound and feel of each keystroke for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch reveals some interesting differences. The Silent Yellow Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Phalaenopsis, which has an actuation force of 37 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Silent Yellow Jade is also higher at 65 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis at 50 grams, indicating that the Silent Yellow Jade is overall a heavier switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Phalaenopsis, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. However, for typists who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the preferred choice due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In conclusion, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more robust typing experience, while the Phalaenopsis provides a lighter and more effortless typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is shorter at 3.3 mm compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for a longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Phalaenopsis being on the longer end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are known for their quiet yet tactile typing experience, producing a satisfying "thocky" sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer a light actuation force and a discernible tactile bump, creating a delightful typing experience. In terms of sound, the Silent Yellow Jade switches have a unique "thocky" sound profile, while the Phalaenopsis switches are described as having a "bassy" sound, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. When it comes to feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switches have not been specifically described, while the Phalaenopsis switches are noted for their "stepped" feel, providing a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches excel in providing a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, while the KTT Phalaenopsis switches focus on a light actuation force and a discernible tactile bump for effortless typing. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the "thocky" sound of the Silent Yellow Jade or the "bassy" sound of the Phalaenopsis switches. Additionally, the "stepped" feel of the Phalaenopsis switches may appeal to those looking for a more subtle tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer a great typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and value a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and prioritize effortless typing with minimal finger fatigue, the KTT Phalaenopsis would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience.
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