Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing and contrasting two mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both linear switches, there are distinct features that set them apart. The Keygeek Raw is renowned for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a delightfully creamy yet lightweight switch. With a slightly textured feel right out of the box, the Keygeek Raw is ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is characterized by its silence, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and Outemu Silent Yellow switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, while the Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material in the Silent Yellow switch creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Nylon & UPE blend in the Keygeek Raw. This difference in housing materials results in distinct sound experiences when typing on these switches.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Keygeek Raw uses a UMPE & Si blend, while the Silent Yellow incorporates nylon. The nylon bottom housing in the Silent Yellow switch elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the UMPE & Si blend in the Keygeek Raw may offer a different typing experience with a unique sound profile. These variations in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of each switch when pressed.
While the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Silent Yellow switches have different housing materials for the top and bottom, the impact of these materials is felt in different ways during typing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their unique housing materials, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Keygeek Raw has a lower actuation force of None grams, making it lighter compared to the Silent Yellow, which has an actuation force of 65 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw requires 57.5 grams, while the Silent Yellow needs 80 grams, indicating a heavier feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Keygeek Raw, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Keygeek Keygeek Raw has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow's 4 mm. This means that the Keygeek Raw will provide a quicker response time for gamers looking for fast key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow offers a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced key feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the slight difference may make a noticeable impact depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw linear switch is known for its creamy yet lightweight feel due to its unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon. Upon arrival, these switches provide a slightly textured feel, making them a great choice for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch's feel is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Raw linear switch is considered neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is unspecified, making it challenging to determine how it compares in terms of sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Overall, while the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches may have their differences in sound and feel, without enough information on the Silent Yellow, it's hard to provide a comprehensive comparison. However, based on the available information, if a user enjoys a creamy yet lightweight feel with a slightly textured experience and a neutral sound profile, the Keygeek Raw linear switch would be an excellent choice. If looking for something similar, it may be worth exploring other switches with comparable characteristics for a similar typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Keygeek Raw linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it's important to note that the Keygeek Raw offers a lighter bottom out force of 57.5 grams compared to the heavier 80 grams of the Silent Yellow. The Keygeek Raw also provides a unique material blend that offers a creamy yet lightweight feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches. In terms of sound, the Keygeek Raw has a neutral profile suitable for most purposes, while the Silent Yellow's sound profile is unspecified. Additionally, the Keygeek Raw offers a textured feel that some users may prefer, while the Silent Yellow's feel characteristics are not described. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, material blend, sound profile, and feel.