Outemu Crystal vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Crystal switch offers a unique linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight, along with a neutral sound profile categorized as 'Chirpy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch provides a silent typing experience compared to the Crystal switch. If you prefer a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Crystal switch may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch could be the better choice. Let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silent Yellow switches feature a polycarbonate 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 clear and resonant sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the Crystal has a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, while the Silent Yellow has a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
Although both the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silent Yellow switches have similar polycarbonate top housings, they diverge when it comes to their bottom housings. The Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its overall sound profile, while the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing results in a different sound experience. The Crystal's stiffer plastic creates a resonant and clear sound, whereas the Silent Yellow's softer nylon material absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material affects the typing experience and the overall auditory feedback of each switch.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the typing experience of both the Outemu Crystal and Outemu Silent Yellow switches. The qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom, impacting the sound profile and feel when pressing down and releasing a key. While the top housing is more influential in determining the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Crystal and Silent Yellow switches depends on personal preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, the main difference lies in the actuation force and bottom out force. The Crystal switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who prefer a stronger push when typing would find the Silent Yellow switch to be more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users will experience a similar feel when pressing down on keys with either switch. The 4 mm travel distance of both switches allows for a smooth and consistent typing experience, whether for gaming or typing tasks. Overall, the travel distance for both switches is the same, providing users with a consistent and reliable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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 Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its chirpy and high-pitched characteristics, giving off a unique and somewhat sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, indicating a quieter typing experience. However, keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is recognized for its polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, there are no specific feel descriptors provided for the Outemu Silent Yellow switch, leaving its tactile experience relatively unknown. Despite this, both switches being linear means that they generally offer a consistent and straightforward keypress without any tactile bump or audible click.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch stands out for its chirpy sound and polished feel, providing a unique typing experience with medium-light weight and elastic feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a more discreet typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a medium-light switch with a unique linear typing experience and a neutral sound profile, then the Outemu Crystal switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and silence while typing, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on factors such as typing feel, sound preference, and typing force. Make an informed decision based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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