KTT Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Silent Grey. The Cream Yellow is a linear switch that is known for its distinctively clacky sound, bouncy typing feel, and shortened bottom-out distance. On the other hand, the Silent Grey is a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Cream Yellow may be preferred for its unique sound and bouncy feel, the Silent Grey is ideal for those looking for a satisfying and silent 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Silent Grey, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch is beneficial for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while both switches share this characteristic, the difference lies in their nylon bottom housing. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a rounder and duller sound due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound.
On the other hand, the Silent Grey also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound when typing. The split between the housing materials in each switch affects the overall sound profile and feel of typing on the keyboard. The impact of the bottom housing is more evident in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Although both switches have different bottom housings, their shared polycarbonate top housing allows for a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile, making them both suitable options for those looking to enhance their typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight switch, while the Silent Grey has a bottom out force of 65 grams, leaning towards the medium-heavy side. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Cream Yellow, as it requires less force to bottom out. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Silent Grey for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired level of keypress resistance.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have different travel distances, with the Cream Yellow at 3.5 mm and the Silent Grey at 4 mm. The Cream Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Grey. This means that the Cream Yellow may provide a quicker response time, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Silent Grey offers a slightly longer travel distance, which could provide a more satisfying tactile feedback and a deeper key press feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience one is looking for. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so users can expect different results based on their individual needs and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
The Outemu Silent Grey 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
The Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy audio feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those seeking a satisfying and silent key press. When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is praised for its bouncy typing sensation, offering a spring-like feedback with rebound when pressed. The Silent Grey switch's tactile bump and smooth keystroke provide a different tactile experience. Ultimately, while the Cream Yellow switch excels in providing a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quieter typing experience with a pronounced bump. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but with different qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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