Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing or gaming experience, particularly when comparing the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Yellow Silver, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Keygeek Keylin is celebrated for its new molds that offer a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize comfort and auditory pleasure during extended use. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, which makes it particularly favorable for gamers and typists who value speed and responsiveness in fast-paced scenarios. While both switches present distinctive benefits tailored to different user preferences, they each stand out in their own right. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches are constructed using different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. The Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties that produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality stems from nylon's ability to absorb sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing for gamers and those wanting customized lighting setups. Together, these differences highlight how material choice directly affects both the tactile experience and the resonance of sounds produced by each switch.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Keylin and the Yellow Silver utilize nylon material. The use of nylon in this component contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the nylon top of the Keylin switch. As both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, they will yield similar results regarding the feel and bottom-out sound when pressed. This commonality serves to create a consistent auditory experience when typing or gaming, regardless of the top housing material differences. It emphasizes how the bottom housing is pivotal in defining the switch's overall sound when depressed, making it a critical feature in the design.
Overall, while the key differences in housing materials significantly shape the Keylin's and Yellow Silver's sound profiles—bringing forth distinct auditory signatures—the shared nylon bottom housing provides a unifying factor in their performance. The varied top housings not only influence the initial sound but also how the switches interact with the user's typing or gaming experience. Therefore, while the Keylin leans toward a relaxed and muted sound, and the Yellow Silver leans toward a lively and sharp sound, both can create a fulfilling tactile experience, chiefly due to their common bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, significant differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin switch features a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it well-suited for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more pronounced push feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Keylin switch is lighter overall, while the Yellow Silver is heavier. This distinction in weight and force measurement indicates that users who favor a lighter switch for extended use might opt for the Keylin, whereas those who appreciate firmer resistance may lean towards the Yellow Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find that the Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Keylin, you'll experience a more responsive keypress, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver, with its longer travel distance, provides a deeper and more substantial feel, which some users might find more satisfying. Thus, for those who prefer shorter travel distances for enhanced responsiveness, the Keylin would be the better option, while the Yellow Silver caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress depth.
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 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
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch is known for its rich acoustics, contributing to a more engaging auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver features a neutral sound profile, which means it maintains a more subtle sound that many find versatile for both gaming and typing. While the Keylin's premium acoustics can give off a more satisfying noise with each keystroke, the Yellow Silver's moderate sound level allows it to seamlessly fit in various environments without being overly intrusive. Depending on your specific setup and keycap choice, both switches can deliver a suitable auditory experience.
The Keylin switch provides an exceptional smoothness, making it ideal for users who prioritize a luxurious typing experience. While the details about the Yellow Silver's tactile feedback aren't specified, its light actuation force suggests that it allows for quick key presses, which can enhance responsiveness during fast-paced tasks, particularly for gamers. Although both switches have different emphases, they can both cater to users who seek a satisfying linear feel; the Keylin appeals to those who want smooth operation, while the Yellow Silver draws in players looking for speed and minimal resistance.
Overall, if you're deciding between the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches, the choice will ultimately depend on your specific typing preferences and use cases. The Keylin offers a premium auditory and tactile experience, while the Yellow Silver is tailored for speed and versatility. Though they have distinct characteristics, either option will provide a linear switch experience, making it essential to align your choice with your desired typing or gaming style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of only 48 grams and prioritize a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, then the Keylin could be the ideal choice for you. This switch is particularly excelled at providing a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances your overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly firmer switch with a 55-gram bottom-out force that offers a neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver might suit you better, especially if you are a gamer or typist who values speed and responsiveness. The Yellow Silver’s characteristics make it versatile for both gaming and typographic needs, striking a balance that caters well to various users. In essence, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it's feather-light travel and rich sound with the Keylin or a balanced actuation force and adaptability with the Yellow Silver. This mindful choice can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience significantly.
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