TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Outemu Yellow Silver stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and use cases. The Light Cloud V2 is lauded for its silent operation and refined typing feel, making it ideal for those who value a softer, more nuanced experience on their keyboard. With its “mild” and “feathery” characteristics, this switch provides a delicate touch that can enhance productivity in quiet settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it particularly appealing for gamers and typists seeking speed and responsiveness. While the Yellow Silver is designed for performance and quick key presses, the Light Cloud V2 excels in providing a subtle, satisfying typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Outemu Yellow Silver, a significant distinction is found in their top housing compositions. The Light Cloud V2 utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is celebrated for its soft properties that absorb sound, leading to a deeper, more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver employs polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its rigidity and ability to generate a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This fundamental difference in materials directly influences the characteristics of the switches, with the Light Cloud V2 favoring a mellow and subdued typing sound while the Yellow Silver accentuates clarity and brightness.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both are constructed from nylon. This shared material contributes to a unified sound signature when pressing down on the key. The nylon bottom housing, irrespective of the top housing's material, brings that same deeper and fuller acoustic quality to both switches. As such, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and bottom-out sound across both switches due to the polyester's sound-absorbing properties in the lower housing. Therefore, while the top housings generate distinctly different auditory outputs, the overlapping nylon bottom housing ensures that the typing feel retains a level of consistency.
In summary, the critical takeaway is how the materials confer specific auditory qualities to each switch. The Light Cloud V2 and the Outemu Yellow Silver diverge notably in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—shaping their respective sound profiles during keystrokes. However, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings aligns their deeper sound characteristics, creating a similarity that may lead users to perceive more consistent experiences while typing, particularly in terms of feel and bottom-out sound. This nuanced distinction reinforces how both visuals and acoustics interplay in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both switches have identical actuation forces of 45 grams, meaning they require the same light touch to initiate a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Light Cloud V2 featuring a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Yellow Silver has a slightly lower bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar initial response, the Light Cloud V2 provides a heavier overall tactile experience when the key is fully depressed. Consequently, the Outemu Yellow Silver is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who favor prolonged typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, those who prefer a stronger push feel might lean towards the TTC Light Cloud V2 for that more substantial feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The TTC Light Cloud V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Outemu Yellow Silver features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. For gamers or those who seek quicker response times, the shorter 3.5 mm distance of the Light Cloud V2 might be preferable due to its faster actuation. In contrast, users who appreciate a more substantial key press may find the 4 mm travel of the Yellow Silver more satisfying, as it provides a deeper response and feel during use. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference for travel distance, whether one leans towards a snappier action or a more traditional depth.
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 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 Light Cloud V2 offers a notably muted profile, producing softer and quieter sound compared to standard mechanical switches. This makes it an appealing option for those who are looking to minimize noise in a variety of environments, such as offices or shared spaces. While it also has a neutral sound profile, which is adaptable for different settings, its primary characteristic leans towards a quieter experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch carries a neutral sound profile as well, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. The sound produced by both switches is moderate, allowing them to blend well in most situations, though the TTC Light Cloud V2 stands out for its more hushed output.
In terms of feel, the Light Cloud V2 excels with its mild and easy-to-press characteristics, providing a gentle and responsive typing experience. Its lightweight actuation force ensures that users experience minimal effort during key presses, which is especially beneficial for long typing sessions as it reduces finger fatigue. The categorization of these switches as feathery only enhances the ease of pressing, making them very user-friendly. Unfortunately, specific details on the feel of the Yellow Silver switch are less defined; however, it is recognized for its light actuation force as well, suggesting a level of responsiveness suited for fast-paced gaming and typing.
In conclusion, both the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches provide a pleasant typing experience, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Light Cloud V2 is particularly favored for its quiet operation and lightweight feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize a serene typing environment and comfort over long durations. Meanwhile, the Yellow Silver maintains a neutral sound profile while offering comparable ease in actuation, appealing to gamers and typists looking for speed and responsiveness. While both switches share similarities in sound and feel, individual preferences will determine which one enhances your specific typing or gaming experience the most.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a refined and delicate typing experience, particularly in environments where noise is a concern, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is your best bet. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 58 grams offers a controlled feel, making it ideal for both typing and gaming without causing fatigue, especially during long sessions. Conversely, if you seek a light and speedy switch primarily for gaming, with a focus on responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver, with its lighter bottom-out force of 55 grams, would serve you well. It allows for faster actuation, catering to gamers looking for quick response times without sacrificing comfort. Overall, your decision should align with whether you value a muted, nuanced typing feel or a snappier, more agile gaming experience, ensuring that your choice enhances your overall keyboard enjoyment.
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