KTT Orange vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, there are noticeable differences to consider. The KTT Orange is well-regarded for its bouncy feel due to the 22mm long spring, as well as its frictionless typing experience and low-pitched sound profile. With its polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and factory-lubing for smooth key travel, the KTT Orange is an excellent choice for those seeking a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom does not have any specific standout features mentioned. While the KTT Orange offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the Outemu Tom provides a tactile feedback that some users may prefer. 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
46g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Orange and Outemu Tom switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the keyboard. The similar top housings of these switches indicate that users can expect comparable sound profiles and responsiveness when typing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the KTT Orange is also made of polycarbonate, while the Outemu Tom features a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material of the Tom switch creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can provide a different typing experience. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches may impact the overall sound and feel when typing on each keyboard.
Overall, the combination of materials used in the housing of a switch can significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience. While both the KTT Orange and Outemu Tom switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the different bottom housing materials introduce variations in sound depth and fullness. Users may prefer the crisper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Orange or the deeper sound of the nylon bottom housing in the Tom, depending on their personal preferences for keyboard sound and feel.
Weight
The KTT Orange linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but the Orange has a bottom out force of 53 grams while the Tom has an unavailable bottom out force. The Orange switch provides a medium-light typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Tom switch offers a stronger push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or a heavier force for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The Orange switch is slightly longer than the Tom switch, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys. This may be preferred by some users who find shorter distances to feel abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
The Outemu Tom 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 Orange linear switch is known for its low-pitched profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is unknown, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. The 22mm long spring provides a bouncy feel, giving a spring-like feedback sensation with a lively rebound when pressed. The frictionless design ensures smooth and effortless key travel, reducing resistance and maximizing smoothness. The feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is unknown, but going by the characteristics of the Orange switch, you can expect a similar bouncy and frictionless experience with a tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange linear switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile, bouncy feel, and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Tom tactile switch is limited. Based on the qualities of the Orange switch, it can be inferred that the Tom switch may offer a comparable experience in terms of feel and sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience that the user is looking for.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a specific bottom out force or unique tactile feedback, the Outemu Tom switch might better suit your needs. Make sure to test both switches if possible to determine which one aligns better with your typing style and preferences. In the end, the decision between these two switches will depend on what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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