Gateron Beer vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silent Yellow, a linear switch. The Gateron Beer switch stands out with its stunning translucent green design that evokes the allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its lightweight feel and stepped tactility, the Beer switch offers a unique typing experience with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is a linear option that is praised for its quiet operation. While the Beer switch is described as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', and 'stepped', the Silent Yellow switch does not have specific categorizations. Depending on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound levels, both switches offer distinct advantages. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Silent Yellow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting effects in switches. However, both switches differ in their bottom housing material. While the Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Silent Yellow uses nylon instead. Nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the Gateron Beer switch means that the qualities of this material are evenly distributed throughout the switch. When typing on the Beer, users will experience a consistent sharp, high-pitched sound profile due to the polycarbonate material in both housings. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a mix of sharpness and depth in sound. The bottom housing's softer nylon material contributes to a fuller sound, while the top housing's polycarbonate provides a crisper and more resonant tone.
In terms of feel, the bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. As a result, the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Silent Yellow will give users a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Gateron Beer. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches will contribute to the sharp, higher-pitched sound upon key release, creating a distinct sound profile for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it's clear that the Beer is the lighter option while the Silent Yellow is the heavier one. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it light and easy to type on for extended periods. In contrast, the Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions, the Beer would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more pronounced keystroke feedback would lean towards the Silent Yellow. Both switches offer different levels of force feedback, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the Gateron Beer switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch may offer a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer their own benefits in terms of travel distance, with the Beer providing a quicker response and the Silent Yellow delivering a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
The Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its distinct clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, giving a crisp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to compare the two in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses with minimal force required to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a more subtle feel with distinct stages during the keystroke. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is unknown, so we can't provide a direct comparison.
Overall, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Gateron Beer switch would be a great choice. However, if you're interested in a linear switch with a silent operation, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch might be worth considering. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy the unique feel of a stepped tactility with a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a silent typing experience without a tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and requirements for performance.
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