Outemu Silent Yellow vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch that is best known for its quiet operation. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, also a linear switch, stands out for its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound. While the Silent Yellow may appeal to those looking for a silent typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream's butterscotch, creamy feel and resonant sound make it a tempting choice for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a more sensory typing experience. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Outemu Silent Yellow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique properties that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a higher-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing provides a clacky sound signature that is both distinctive and satisfying. While both materials bring their own characteristics to the table, they cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent Yellow's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, making it a top choice for those seeking a premium typing experience. The differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches showcase how each material contributes to the overall typing experience in unique ways, catering to a variety of preferences and needs.
While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Silent Yellow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches may vary in material, they both ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the sharp and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Silent Yellow or the smooth and durable POK material in the bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches offer qualities that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, smoothness, and overall durability.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch showcase a significant difference in weight. 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 Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Vanilla Ice Cream more suitable, while users who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and tactility.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Silent Yellow offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. This could result in a more satisfying typing experience for some users who prefer a longer travel distance. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and those looking for faster response times. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on user preference, with the Silent Yellow offering a slightly longer travel distance and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a shorter one. Overall, choosing between the two would depend on individual preference for typing feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This results in a unique auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches in the market. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch are not well-documented, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, both switches offer a distinct sound that can enhance your typing experience depending on your preferences and setup.
Moving on to feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is praised for its buttery and creamy tactile sensation during typing. The smooth and fluid keystrokes provided by these switches offer a seamless and enjoyable typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, details on the tactile feel of the Silent Yellow switch are not readily available for comparison. Despite this, both switches promise a comfortable typing feel, ensuring that your typing sessions are pleasant and satisfying.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, respectively. While the Silent Yellow switch may provide a different typing experience compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, both switches aim to enhance your typing setup with their distinctive characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a high-pitched and clacky sound or a smooth and creamy tactile feel, both switches are designed to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavier switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 48 grams and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your typing style best.
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