Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, you are met with two distinct typing experiences. The Silent Yellow Jade switch is a tactile option that offers a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound with its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is a linear choice known for its buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. While the Silent Yellow Jade provides tactile feedback and a quieter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a smooth and consistent keystroke. 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
53g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, one major difference lies in their top housing materials. The Silent Yellow Jade utilizes nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon employs polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Silent Yellow Jade and the Sea Salt Lemon utilize nylon. This shared material results in a similar typing experience for both switches, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. While the bottom housing may not be as visually prominent as the top housing, it still plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. The consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing of both switches highlights the importance of this material in creating a specific sound profile desired by users.
Overall, the use of different materials for the top and bottom housings of switches allows for a nuanced typing experience. The split between the qualities brought by the bottom and top housing materials affects various aspects of typing, from the bottom-out sound and feel to the sound when releasing a key. While the Silent Yellow Jade and the Sea Salt Lemon may offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different top housing materials, the consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing ensures that users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on both switches. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch. The Silent Yellow Jade requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon only needs 45 grams of force to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon, as it requires less force to type. In contrast, those looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Silent Yellow Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In terms of travel distance, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a shorter distance of 3.3 mm compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has a longer distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon switch will have a slightly deeper key press than the Silent Yellow Jade switch. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Yellow Jade being closer to the shallower end. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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 Yellow Jade switch is known for its quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and tactile bump. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. Ultimately, the sound of each switch will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump. Meanwhile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is known for its mild and buttery smooth typing experience, which is achieved through a progressive spring and dry-lube design. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Silent Yellow Jade being more tactile and the Sea Salt Lemon being more smooth and gentle.
Overall, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with a quiet sound, the Silent Yellow Jade would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for those looking for a unique typing experience in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a buttery smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Happy typing!
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