TTC Gold Silver vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, an immediate difference is their actuation force and sound profile. The Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness and signature resonant sound, offering a decisive bottom-out with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver by Outemu boasts a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize speediness and responsiveness while typing or gaming. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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 TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Yellow Silver, we see that both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. However, the aesthetic advantage of using polycarbonate in the top housing, especially for RGB lighting, is also highlighted in both switches. With similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housing, users can expect to experience a consistent sound profile across both switches.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches reveals a difference in sound profiles. The Gold Silver and Yellow Silver switches' nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. While both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound depth and richness from the nylon bottom housing, the distinction in sound texture between the two materials adds diversity to the typing experience.
When the top and bottom housings differ on a switch, each housing material contributes specific qualities to the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is significant, as it affects the overall typing experience when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding how the combination of housing materials influences sound and tactile feedback helps users appreciate the nuances of each switch design's unique characteristics.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Silver has an unknown value while the Yellow Silver requires 55 grams to bottom out, giving it a medium-light feel. The Gold Silver would be lighter in terms of overall force required for typing, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver provides a slightly heavier push, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for the level of force feedback desired during typing.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver. The 0.5 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact the overall feel of typing or gaming. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Gold Silver with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Yellow Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the feel that best suits individual typing or gaming styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
The Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 TTC Gold Silver linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and rich sound with each press. This switch's sound signature is neutral, ensuring that it is suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch also boasts a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for both novice and experienced users. Ultimately, both switches provide a moderate sound experience that caters to a wide range of users, with the Gold Silver offering a slightly more pronounced thocky sound compared to the Yellow Silver.
Regarding feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is renowned for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction. The mild and subtle characteristics of this switch contribute to a gentle typing experience that is suitable for most users. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is not available at this time. However, given the light actuation force of this switch, it can be inferred that it provides a smooth and responsive typing feel, aligning with the preferences of gamers and typists who value speed and fluidity.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver excels in providing a thocky sound and a polished typing experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize a decisive and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver boasts a neutral sound profile and a light actuation force, appealing to those seeking a responsive and speedy typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, but rest assured that both options will deliver satisfactory results in different ways.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you value rapid responsiveness, a solid bottom-out, and a resonant sound, the TTC Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemo Yellow Silver could be more suitable, especially for gamers and typists looking for speediness and responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to try them out and see which one fits your needs best.
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