Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Yellow Silver

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two switches that are worth exploring are the Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Yellow Silver, a linear switch. The Durock Light Tactile stands out for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a refreshing alternative to the sharper tactile switches available. With a categorization of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', this switch offers a unique and angelic typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is favored by gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness. With a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, this switch falls under the 'Neutral' category. Both switches have their own strengths and depending on your preferences, one may be more suited to your needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Yellow Silver, they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a similar advantage for both switches in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, whether you choose the Light Tactile or the Yellow Silver, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon as the material. However, the effect of nylon on the sound profile differs between the Light Tactile and the Yellow Silver. The Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing also offers a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon as a classic switch housing material ensures that typing on switches that feature this material will create a duller and rounder sound overall.

Although the top and bottom housings differ for each switch, it's important to note that they still contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on either the Light Tactile or the Yellow Silver, the qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. This emphasizes the impact that the bottom housing has on the overall switch experience. Conversely, the top housing of the switch influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the differences between the top and bottom housing materials in each switch can be observed in these particular aspects of the user experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we can see distinct differences. The Light Tactile switch has an actuation force of 52 grams, requiring a medium-heavy force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch.

In terms of bottom out force, the Light Tactile switch requires 67 grams of force to fully press down, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, allowing for a slightly lighter touch when fully pressing the keys.

Considering weight is crucial as it affects typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Yellow Silver switch, enabling longer typing periods ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback may favor the Light Tactile switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

It is noteworthy that both switches provide a distinct typing experience due to their different actuation and bottom out forces. Thus, choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming style.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it becomes apparent that they are equal in this regard with a travel distance of 4 mm for both switches. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent and similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. Whether it is the Durock Light Tactile or the Outemu Yellow Silver, the travel distance remains the same, ensuring a level of familiarity and comfort for users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The Outemu Yellow Silver switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for gamers and typists who prefer a speedier and more responsive experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle tactility. Compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, the Light Tactile switch provides a more approachable feel and sound, appealing to a wide range of users. Additionally, these switches are described as polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel provided by the Light Tactile switch contribute to its overall pleasant feel. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is not available.

Taking into account the available information, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature. It offers a mild and approachable typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. Although the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, specific details about its subjective qualities are not provided. If you're looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Light Tactile, the Outemu Yellow Silver may provide a comparable experience in terms of actuation force and sound, but without the specific information, it's difficult to make a direct comparison.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice. It offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most, and its polished finish provides smooth and sleek key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is the way to go. It is particularly favorable for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches have a moderate actuation force and sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and users.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more