KTT Pine vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly impact your typing or gaming experience. If you're looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switches might be a perfect fit for you. These switches are medium-heavy and known for their buttery smooth feel, making them ideal for those who prefer a tactile typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, the Pine switches minimize friction and provide smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you value speediness and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver switches might be the better option. These switches have a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making them ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize quick and precise movements. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches share many similarities. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for more translucency, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. Additionally, the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housings. The KTT Pine utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the Outemu Yellow Silver utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine switch contributes to the overall sound profile, particularly the bottom-out sound and feel. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate ensures a more impactful sensation when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Yellow Silver switch elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing.
In summary, both the KTT Pine and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer the benefits of utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, the use of different bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine switch provides a more impactful sensation, while the nylon bottom housing of the Yellow Silver switch creates a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the desired sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that these switches have some similarities, but also some differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This ensures that the typing experience will be similar in terms of responsiveness. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight distinction. The Pine switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Yellow Silver switch that has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Yellow Silver switch more suitable. Its lighter bottom out force allows for typing over longer periods of time without causing excessive finger fatigue. This makes it ideal for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, may opt for the Pine switch. Its heavier bottom out force provides a satisfying tactile feedback, offering a more robust typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch share the same actuation force, their differences lie in the bottom out force. The Pine switch is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial and satisfying typing experience, while the Yellow Silver switch is slightly lighter, making it suitable for extended periods of typing without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Pine linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel experience with both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
The Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a deep and rich bass tone during key presses. The low-pitched sound profile of these switches provides a mellow and bass-heavy experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you use them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its buttery and creamy typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. The factory-lubed finish of the switches minimizes friction, contributing to their smooth key travel. On the other hand, there is no available information about the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch.
In conclusion, the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized by its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, as well as its buttery and creamy typing experience. It is built for effortless typing and aims to provide a smooth and uniform sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and its feel is unknown. If you are looking for a smoother typing experience with rich bass tones, the KTT Pine may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a more neutral sound, the Outemu Yellow Silver could be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 58 grams, polished and factory-lubed finish, and smooth key travel, the Pine switch minimizes friction and provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation. The Pine switch is also characterized by its bassy and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Yellow Silver switch offers a light actuation force and responsiveness favored by gamers and typists. It is also suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. Overall, the decision between the KTT Pine and Outemu Yellow Silver switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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