Outemu Silent Yellow vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow to the KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, we see two linear switches with distinctive characteristics. The Silent Yellow, known for its silence, falls under the category of a linear switch. On the other hand, the Purple Star stands out for its all-POM construction, providing a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile and easy-to-press keys. While the Silent Yellow may be preferred for its quiet operation, the Purple Star offers a comfortable and buttery typing experience, ideal for light typists. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Purple Star, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top and bottom housing materials. The Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Purple Star's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Purple Star's POM top housing provides a pleasing and unique sound experience.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Silent Yellow utilizes a nylon housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing also creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both housing materials offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller sound, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing adds to its pleasing sound profile.
Overall, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of a switch. While the Silent Yellow and Purple Star offer different housing materials, each contributes to the overall typing experience in its own way. The Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, while the Purple Star's POM top housing provides a unique and deeper sound experience. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings of the respective switches also impact the sound profile and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that there is a significant difference in weight between the two. The Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Star is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Purple Star more appealing, while those seeking a more solid push may gravitate towards the Silent Yellow. In terms of weight, the Silent Yellow is heavier, while the Purple Star is lighter, offering users the option to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the Silent Yellow offers a slightly deeper press than the Purple Star. The extra 0.5 mm in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can make a difference in how the typing experience feels overall. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Purple Star, while those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke may lean towards the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, but the slight difference in travel distance may impact how each switch feels while in use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch has a reputation for being quiet and lacking any specific characteristics. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is pleasant to the ears. It is important to remember that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have any specific descriptors available. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground in terms of sound and feel. Additionally, the Purple Star switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This results in a comfortable and effortless typing experience that enhances overall productivity.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Yellow and KTT Purple Star switches may differ in their subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow switch emphasizes a quiet typing experience, while the Purple Star switch provides a smooth and easy-to-press feel that is comfortable for light typists. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits, but rest assured that both switches will deliver satisfactory results in their respective areas of expertise.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a heavier switch with a bottom-out force of 80 grams and have no particular preference for sound or feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch might be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams and are seeking a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound and mild, easy-to-press feel, the KTT Purple Star linear switch would be the more suitable option. Consider your typing preferences and priorities when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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