Outemu Silent Yellow vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Silent Yellow and Purple Click offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, characterized by its high-pitched and satisfying click, provides a tactile feedback that adds an extra level of engagement to typing. While the Silent Yellow is categorized as a silent switch, the Purple Click falls into the crunchy, invigorating, resonant, and stepped categories. If you're looking for a switch that prioritizes quietness, the Silent Yellow may be the way to go. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Purple Click both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Both switches offer a visually appealing and acoustically beneficial experience with their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Silent Yellow and the Purple Click feature a nylon material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon for their bottom housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches enhances the overall typing experience by providing a unique sound profile that complements their polycarbonate top housing.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Purple Click, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a diverse acoustic experience with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, resulting in a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch boasts a higher actuation force of 65 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a better choice for users who enjoy a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with varying preferences. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter typing experience may find the KTT Purple Click more suitable, while users wanting a heavier feel may prefer the Outemu Silent Yellow.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance before the key actuates. The similar travel distance of these switches allows for consistent typing experiences regardless of which one is being used. So, whether you opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow or the KTT Purple Click, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 switch is known for its quiet operation, providing a typing experience that is virtually silent. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a distinct and satisfying high-pitched click with each keystroke. The Purple Click switch produces a crunchy and resonant sound that is reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, providing a more audibly immersive typing experience compared to the Silent Yellow switch.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch provides a smooth and linear typing experience without any tactile feedback. On the contrary, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating and tactile response with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive feel. The Purple Click switch also has a stepped design, providing a subtle differentiation in the keystroke feel compared to the more consistent feel of the Silent Yellow switch.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Yellow and KTT Purple Click switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences in keyboard switches. The Silent Yellow is ideal for users who prefer a quiet typing experience without tactile feedback, while the Purple Click switch is perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying click with each keystroke and a more tactile typing feel. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it all depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force, a satisfying click sound, and a pronounced tactile feedback, the Purple Click switch would be a great choice. Consider your sound and feel preferences when making your decision, and remember that both switches offer their own unique typing experiences. Happy typing!
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