Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Outemu Lime and Outemu Yellow Silver keyboard switches offer distinct experiences for users depending on their preferences. The Lime switch is highly regarded for its lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silent operation. It caters to tactile enthusiasts who appreciate a feather-light typing experience with a subtle touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. With a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, this linear switch ensures a swift and efficient typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches differ in terms of their impact on sound profiles. The Lime features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Yellow Silver boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver is transparent, making it especially suitable for use with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Lime and the Yellow Silver utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effects of nylon in the top housing. As with the top housing, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing.
It is worth noting that the split design of the top and bottom housings in both switches means that each housing material's qualities are distributed differently. When pressing down on the switch, the impact of the bottom housing is felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Lime and the Yellow Silver differ in terms of their housing materials, the general concepts and effects of nylon in both switches lead to similar results in terms of sound profiles when comparing the top and bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it becomes evident that they offer different experiences. The Lime switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This lightness allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a medium-light feel. This provides a more substantial typing experience for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches allow for efficient keystroke triggering, albeit with different levels of force required. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter option may find the Lime switch more suitable, while those who desire a slightly heavier feel may prefer the Yellow Silver switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference. The Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Yellow Silver switch has the longer travel distance.
The Lime switch's travel distance of 3.3 mm falls on the shorter side of the spectrum, making it a popular choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch's 4 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer a more substantial key press, providing a sense of depth and solidity.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a shorter travel distance and quick response times, the Lime switch may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced key press and a sense of robustness, the Yellow Silver switch with its longer travel distance might be a better fit. Both switches offer unique experiences, so it is important to consider your individual preferences before making a decision.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.40. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Lime (V3) and Yellow Silver.
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
In terms of sound, the Lime switch is a unique switch that has a neutral sound profile with a muted quality. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. The Yellow Silver switch, on the other hand, has a neutral sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Therefore, both switches offer a moderate sound profile, but the Lime switch provides a muted sound that minimizes noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Lime switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. It features a feathery light actuation force, which means it requires little exertion from your fingers to press the keys. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Lime switch also has a subtle resistance, providing a gentle typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, there is no information available about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch.
Overall, the Lime and Yellow Silver switches have different subjective qualities. The Lime switch is lightweight, offers an approachable tactility, and features a muted sound profile. It is perfect for tactile fans who want a feathery light typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it favorable for gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness. While there is no information available about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch, it can be inferred that it may provide a similar feel to the Lime switch in terms of its light actuation force and neutral characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the Lime and Yellow Silver switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the specific intended use of the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a tactile fan who wants a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are incredibly unique, lightweight, and feature an approachable tactility. Additionally, the Lime switches are silenced, making them perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you are a gamer or typist who values speediness and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver switches would be more suitable. These switches have a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making them favorable for gaming and typing tasks. Ultimately, the choice between the Lime and Yellow Silver switches depends on your specific preferences and requirements for typing or gaming.
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