TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The TTC Light Cloud V2 is celebrated for its lightweight design and refined typing feel, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a delicate and nuanced experience that is characterized as mild, muted, neutral, easy to press, and feathery. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow, while not as widely recognized for specific features, is known for its quiet operation, appealing to users who prioritize a discreet typing experience. Both switches fit the linear category, offering a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, but each presents a different angle for typists—one focused on sensitivity and ease, the other on silent performance. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value a more nuanced feel or a quiet typing environment. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Light Cloud V2 and Outemu Silent Yellow switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the auditory experience of each switch. The Light Cloud V2 features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture, which tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material choice contributes to a more muted auditory response when typing, creating a duller and rounder sound that appeals to users seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer and tends to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, delivering a crisper sound that can be more pleasing for those who appreciate a more resonant auditory feedback. The aesthetic advantage of polycarbonate is its translucency, which allows RGB lighting to shine through and enhance the visual appeal of the switches when lit.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, an interesting similarity arises. Both the Light Cloud V2 and Silent Yellow utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This shared material leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when the switch is bottomed out, regardless of the differences in their top housings. Both switches can create a consistent tactile experience, as the nylon bottom absorbs sound more efficiently, contributing to that rounder sound signature. Consequently, while the Light Cloud benefits from the combined qualities of nylon on both ends, the Silent Yellow manages to maintain a similar auditory quality on the bottom due to its own nylon housing, balancing the sharper attack of the polycarbonate top with deeper tones below.
Ultimately, the combined characteristics of each housing material dictate the switches' overall sound profiles and typing experiences. The differing top housing materials establish a tonal contrast, with the nylon of the Light Cloud V2 contributing to a softer output, while the polycarbonate of the Silent Yellow enhances clarity and resonance. Nonetheless, both switches share the same benefits from their nylon bottom housings in terms of sound absorption at the base, resulting in a unique blend of qualities that can appeal to different user preferences. By understanding these material distinctions, users can make more informed choices between the two switches, ensuring they select a switch that aligns with their personal typing style and sound preferences.
Weight
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch exhibit similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke, making them equally accessible for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Light Cloud V2 requiring 58 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Yellow is slightly heftier at 60 grams. This means that while both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience with comparable actuation requirements, the Silent Yellow offers a marginally firmer feel when fully depressed, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial push. As a result, the Light Cloud V2 is categorized as the lighter option and is better suited for extended typing sessions, whereas the Silent Yellow, being slightly heavier during bottom out, would cater to those who prefer more resistance in their key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches, it is clear that they differ, with the Light Cloud V2 having a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Yellow measures 4 mm. This means that the TTC Light Cloud V2 offers a shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for users who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper keystroke that some users may find more satisfying, allowing for a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences—those who prefer a snappier, more responsive feel may gravitate toward the TTC Light Cloud V2, while users seeking a more substantial keystroke might opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is designed to produce a muted and neutral sound profile. This means it offers a softer and quieter experience, reducing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, which is particularly beneficial in shared workspaces or quiet environments. The muted sound combines well with its neutral characteristics, making it versatile for both beginners and seasoned typists. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has no specific sound profile information available, but given its name, one could expect it to share some qualities that favor a quieter typing experience. However, the complete absence of details makes it challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the Light Cloud V2 shines with its mild, easy-to-press characteristics, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. The combination of a lightweight actuation force and a feathery touch ensures that finger fatigue is minimized, making prolonged typing or gaming significantly more comfortable. This switch delivers a refined feedback that balances responsiveness and comfort. The Outemu Silent Yellow lacks specified feel characteristics, leaving a gap in comparative analysis. However, if the switch is designed with a focus on silence, it could potentially offer a similar lightweight experience, though this is speculative without further details.
In summary, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is a standout choice for those looking for a quiet and comfortable typing experience, featuring a muted sound and a refined feel. While the Outemu Silent Yellow is anticipated to cater to similar preferences for a quieter switch, the lack of specific attributes leaves uncertainty about how closely they compare. For newcomers to mechanical keyboards, the Light Cloud V2 provides a reliable option, while the Silent Yellow might also appeal, but one would need to explore it further to understand its true qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches largely depends on your unique needs and preferences. The Light Cloud V2 is a superb choice if you’re seeking a balanced, nuanced typing experience with minimal noise. With a bottom-out force of 58 grams, it's both easy to press and offers a generally mild feel, making it perfect for long typing sessions at home or in the office without causing finger fatigue. Additionally, its muted sound profile makes it an excellent option for quieter environments, allowing you to stay focused without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer key press, the Outemu Silent Yellow, with its 60-gram bottom-out force, might suit you better. While it does not have the same level of refined characteristics as the Light Cloud V2, its emphasis on a linear feel still provides a respectable typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize a bit more force while still wanting to keep noise levels low, the Silent Yellow will serve you well. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance you desire between typing feel, sound, and the physical demands of your fingers during use.
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