Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Crystal Violet offers a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience that is gentle and comfortable. Its sound profile is pleasantly mellow and lower-pitched, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned, but linear switches are known for their smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile feedback. While the Crystal Violet may appeal to those who enjoy a tactile typing experience, the Silent Yellow could be a good choice for those who prefer a linear switch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which offers a low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow has a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in switch housings also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing contributes to the low-pitched sound profile, similar to the top housing. In comparison, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
Both the Crystal Violet and the Silent Yellow switches have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. While the Crystal Violet uses ABS for both the top and bottom housings, the Silent Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. The split in housing materials between the two switches results in different characteristics being emphasized during typing. The Crystal Violet offers a consistent low-pitched sound profile throughout typing, while the Silent Yellow provides a contrast between the sharper top housing and the deeper bottom housing. This distinction in housing materials adds to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
In terms of sound feedback, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Silent Yellow offer varying experiences due to their different housing materials. The ABS top and bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contribute to a consistent low-pitched sound profile, while the polycarbonate and nylon housing of the Silent Yellow create a contrast between sharp and deep tones. The impact of the housing materials can be felt differently when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the Crystal Violet and the Silent Yellow will depend on the sound profile and typing experience that each user prefers.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. However, the Crystal Violet has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Silent Yellow has a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it even heavier. This means that the Crystal Violet provides a more medium-light typing experience, while the Silent Yellow offers a heavier and more substantial feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Crystal Violet, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Silent Yellow. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, you can expect a consistent amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance can result in a similar typing experience and feel on both switches, providing a tactile feedback on the Crystal Violet and a smoother linear feel on the Silent Yellow. So, whether you choose the Crystal Violet or Silent Yellow switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet switches are known for their low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a relaxed auditory experience that is not overly intrusive. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow switches. This means that if you are looking for a quieter typing experience, the Crystal Violet switches may be the better choice based on the information provided.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switches are described as creamy, mild, and stepped, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switches. If you prefer a switch that offers a comfortable and smooth typing experience with a slight tactile bump, the Crystal Violet switches seem to be a good option based on the available information.
Overall, based on the information provided, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches appear to offer a relaxed and comfortable typing experience with a mellow sound profile. While less information is available about the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches, if you are looking for a tactile switch that provides a gentle typing experience with a creamy feel and low-pitched sound, the Crystal Violet switches may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, personal preference and testing the switches yourself will be the best way to determine which switch is the right fit for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a lighter operating force and a gentle, stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Crystal Violet is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a linear typing experience without additional tactile feedback, the Silent Yellow may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice should be based on what typing experience you value most - whether it be a creamy and mild feel with a low-pitched sound or a heavier and linear typing experience. Consider your personal typing preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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