Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keylin and Outemu Silent Yellow offer two intriguing options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Keygeek Keylin stands out for its premium typing experience, achieved through new molds that enhance both smoothness and acoustic richness, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback during typing while maintaining a quiet environment. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow is designed to provide a more subdued typing experience with its specifically engineered characteristics aimed at minimizing noise, thus catering to users who prioritize a serene workspace or gaming setup. With both switches falling under the linear category, they offer a smooth actuation without tactile bumps; however, their distinct acoustic profiles create different user experiences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it becomes apparent that there is a significant contrast in the top housing. The Keylin's top housing is made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. This characteristic results in a duller and rounder audio experience during typing, as the material absorbs more sound compared to harder alternatives. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing, which presents a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant and clear sound, making it a better fit for users who prioritize audio clarity over depth, especially in setups that benefit from RGB lighting due to the transparency of the material.
On the other hand, both the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Silent Yellow feature nylon in their bottom housings. This shared attribute contributes to a consistent sound profile characterized by its deeper and fuller quality. The bottom housing is crucial for the typing experience, as it affects the bottom-out sound and the overall feel of the switch when pressed. The nylon's naturally absorbent properties help provide a cushioned, soft landing for key presses, which is beneficial for prolonged typing sessions. Thus, while the top housings differ significantly, both switches maintain a uniformity in bottom housing aesthetics and acoustic characteristics, promoting a comfortable and rich audio experience.
The differing properties of the top and bottom housings in these switches illustrate how switch performance can vary based on material choices. For those selecting a switch, understanding that the Keylin's nylon top will yield a more subdued, warmer sound, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top will provide a more pronounced and bright audio profile enables users to choose based on their preferences. However, both switches will likely deliver a satisfying typing experience overall due to their nylon bottom housings, which bolster sound absorption and a plush feel regardless of the top material. This interplay between materials allows for nuanced auditory and tactile experiences suited to various user inclinations, ensuring that both switches can appeal to a broad spectrum of enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there are distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences. The Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing, which may provide a satisfying tactile feedback. Therefore, the Keylin is the lighter option compared to the Silent Yellow, catering to those who favor a lighter switch for longer usage, while the Silent Yellow is better suited for users who appreciate the added resistance in their keystrokes. In summary, if you seek a lighter, less fatiguing experience, the Keygeek Keylin is preferable, while the Outemu Silent Yellow is suited for a firmer, more robust typing sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Keylin provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Silent Yellow's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke and a less abrupt typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference: if you favor a snappier action, the Keylin is the way to go, whereas the Silent Yellow is ideal for users who appreciate deeper keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, the Keylin is renowned for its rich acoustics, which enhances the auditory experience during typing. The smooth sound profile contributes to an enjoyable acoustic environment, making it a suitable option for both casual typing and gaming. In contrast, the Silent Yellow does not have a specific sound profile described, but being a linear switch, it likely produces a more subdued sound when compared to tactile or clicky switches. However, the overall sound experience can still be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and build materials, meaning that users looking for quieter performance could achieve similar results with either switch depending on their setup.
Regarding feel, the Keylin switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, which offers a premium typing experience that many enthusiasts seek. This smooth action allows for quick and effortless keypresses, making it particularly appealing for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. The Silent Yellow, while lacking a detailed description of its feel character, is designed as a linear switch as well, suggesting that it also presents a smooth keypress with a consistent resistance throughout. Users who appreciate the linear typing experience will find that both switches can provide a comparable tactile experience; however, individual preferences will ultimately dictate which switch feels better for a given user.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin and Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches cater to those seeking a smooth typing experience. The Keylin excels in sound quality with its rich acoustics, while the Silent Yellow offers a quieter alternative without a distinct sound profile. Their keyfeel remains consistently linear, making them good choices for users who favor seamless keystrokes. When choosing between these two switches, consider personal preferences for sound and feel, knowing that with the right setup, either switch can deliver a satisfying performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Keygeek Keylin linear switches and Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth and premium typing experience, the Keylin switch, with its 48-gram bottom-out force, will likely suit you well. It excels in providing rich acoustics and a satisfying feel, making it a great option for those who also appreciate a tactile response during their typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance while typing, the Outemu Silent Yellow, with a firmer 60-gram bottom-out force, may be the better choice. While it lacks the specific recognition for premium features that the Keylin offers, the Silent Yellow is designed for a quieter operation, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing when noise might be an issue. Ultimately, your decision should consider your typing style, whether you prioritize smoothness or noise reduction, and the overall feel you desire from your keyboard.
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