Outemu Silent Yellow vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Pine mechanical keyboard switches, both switches fall into the linear category, offering a smooth keystroke experience without tactile feedback. The Silent Yellow is known for its silent operation, making it ideal for those who value a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switches are described as medium-heavy and buttery smooth, providing a unique typing feel that is both creamy and low-pitched. While the Silent Yellow may be the preferred choice for those seeking a silent typing environment, the Pine switches are appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke with a smooth finish. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Pine switches, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the resonance of the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the Silent Yellow stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While the Silent Yellow boasts a nylon bottom housing that absorbs sound and creates a rounder sound profile, the Pine uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent sharper, higher-pitched sound across the entire switch. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Pine contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, as the stiffness of the material plays a significant role in the overall sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing complements the aesthetics of the switch, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of construction, the Outemu Silent Yellow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing allows for a distinct sound experience with different qualities for both pressing down and releasing a key. On the other hand, the KTT Pine's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout the switch results in a cohesive sound profile that is focused on sharpness and clarity. Whether it be the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound or the influence of the top housing on the release sound, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Silent Yellow switch boasts a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the Pine switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions. The difference in forces between the two switches highlights the importance of weight preferences in keyboard selection. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the KTT Pine switch, while those who enjoy a heavier push feel may lean towards the Outemu Silent Yellow switch for a more solid typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Pine linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of key travel. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will get consistent and familiar typing experiences regardless of which one they choose. Overall, the Outemu Silent Yellow and KTT Pine linear switches offer the same level of key travel, making them equally suitable choices for those looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more noise-sensitive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer auditory feedback during keystrokes. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Silent Yellow offering a subdued typing experience while the Pine delivers a more pronounced and bass-heavy sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both offer a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Silent Yellow is known for its linear feel without any tactile bump or audible click, while the Pine switch is described as medium-heavy, buttery smooth, and creamy. Both switches aim to provide a seamless typing sensation with minimal friction and a uniform key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to whether you prefer a switch that emphasizes smoothness and quiet operation (Silent Yellow) or one that offers a more pronounced and tactile typing experience (Pine).
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Yellow is recognized for its silent operation, the Pine switch stands out for its bassy sound profile and smooth, buttery feel. Depending on one's personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. It is important to consider factors such as keycap and keyboard choice when determining the overall typing feel and sound of these switches. Ultimately, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of smoothness and performance, with the main distinction lying in the sound profile they offer during typing.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a heavier switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams and prioritize a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 58 grams and enjoy a buttery smooth typing feel, the KTT Pine linear switch would be a better option. Additionally, if you appreciate a bassy and low-pitched sound profile during key presses, the Pine switches would be more appealing to you compared to the Silent Yellow switches. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing force, sound, and feel to ensure an optimal typing experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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