Outemu Silent Yellow vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch, known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a noiseless typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon, also a linear switch, stands out for its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. While the Silent Yellow is categorized as soft, the Sea Salt Lemon is described as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. These general pointers can help you decide which switch might be best suited for your needs; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best choice for yourself.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, we see that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches leads to a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the differences may lie in the feel of the switches as the top housings can impact the sound when releasing a key.
On the other hand, the Silent Yellow and the Sea Salt Lemon have nylon bottom housings, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other housing materials. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing of a switch tends to have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, which means that the nylon bottom housing on both switches contributes to the overall typing experience by providing a softer touch and sound.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, such as having polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their bottom housings, specifically with the nylon material, may affect the overall typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings impact the sound and feel of pressing and releasing a key, with the material of the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon may come down to personal preference in typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. 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 Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. The actuation force of the Silent Yellow is significantly heavier than that of the Sea Salt Lemon, while the bottom out force of the Silent Yellow is also heavier. This means that users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Silent Yellow switch, while those looking for a lighter typing experience may opt for the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance for both switches is equal, resulting in similar experiences when typing or gaming with either one. The uniformity in travel distance allows for consistent feedback and performance, making both switches ideal choices for those looking for a reliable typing experience.
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 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 linear switch does not have a specific reputation or distinctive sound profile, making it a versatile option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound characteristics. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon switches produce a mellow, bass-heavy tone that is not too loud or sharp, making them a pleasant choice for various typing environments. However, it is important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have a specific feel commonly associated with it. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is praised for its mild and gentle typing experience. With a progressive spring and dry-lube design, the Sea Salt Lemon switches provide a smooth and approachable feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. This makes them suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Yellow and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, they both present themselves as versatile options for a variety of users. The Silent Yellow provides a neutral sound profile and undefined feel, making it a flexible choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches deliver a low-pitched, mellow sound and a mild, gentle feel, making them a comfortable and user-friendly option for a wide range of typing needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and can provide satisfying results depending on personal preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy linear switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams, the Outemu Silent Yellow might be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 53 grams and appreciate a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon could be the better option. Keep in mind that the Silent Yellow offers a unique typing experience while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a gentle and approachable feel. Consider your typing preferences and needs before making a decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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