Outemu Silent Yellow vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Strawberry both offer unique qualities to consider. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch that is best known for its silent operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, also a linear switch, is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With its low-pitched sound and frictionless, silky feel, the Strawberry switch is a popular choice for those who prioritize typing comfort and performance. 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
62g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Strawberry, both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Silent Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate, emphasizing clarity over depth.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, the Silent Yellow and the KTT Strawberry exemplify the importance of housing materials in switch design. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound characteristics, with polycarbonate providing a sharper and crisper sound profile, while nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. The split between bottom and top housing allows for a distinct tactile experience when pressing down on the switch, with the qualities of the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Strawberry may come down to personal preferences in sound profile and feel. The Silent Yellow's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a blend of sharpness and depth in sound, catering to those who enjoy a versatile typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout its housing provides a more uniform and focused sound profile, ideal for users who prioritize clarity and precision in their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches demonstrate the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, highlighting the importance of selecting the right combination for individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it's evident that the Silent Yellow is heavier in both aspects. The Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Strawberry has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow requires more force to register a keystroke and to fully press the key down compared to the Strawberry. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the KTT Strawberry would be the better option as it has lower actuation and bottom out forces. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be the choice. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is an important factor to consider based on personal preference, as a lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions while a heavier weight provides a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth keystroke experience due to their identical travel distances. Therefore, whether you choose the Outemu Silent Yellow or the KTT Strawberry switch, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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 being silent, which means it has a low noise level when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches will provide a quiet typing experience, making them suitable for shared workspaces or those who prefer a quieter keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have specific descriptors provided. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for being frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. This means that the Strawberry switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch provides a fluid and refined typing sensation, allowing for a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Yellow and KTT Strawberry switches offer a silent typing experience, making them ideal for those looking for a quieter keyboard. While the Silent Yellow switch may lack specific details on feel, the Strawberry switch is praised for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch would be a great choice for a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a smoother actuation, and a more vibrant aesthetic, the KTT Strawberry switch could be the better choice for you. Consider the sound, feel, and overall performance you desire in a switch to make the best decision for your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and needs.
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