Outemu Lime (V3) vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and TTC Yunhai stand out for their distinct characteristics, appealing to different preferences among users. The Outemu Lime switches are notable for their lightweight design and subtle tactility, making them an excellent choice for tactile enthusiasts who desire a light and airy typing experience, complemented by a muted sound profile. This switch caters to those who appreciate a polished feel without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches offer a linear typing experience marked by their deep, rounded sound and incredibly low actuation force, ideal for typists seeking a smooth and effortless keystroke with minimal resistance. Both switches provide unique benefits—Limes for their soft tactility and silent operation, and Yunhais for their gentle and fluid action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your specific typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime and the TTC Yunhai switches both feature nylon for their top and bottom housings, leading to a striking similarity in their sound profile and tactile experience. As established with the characteristics of nylon, its softer texture contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, allowing for a satisfying auditory feedback when engaging with the switches. This shared material means that users can expect a consistent sound quality when typing on either switch, resulting in a duller and more muffled sound. The properties inherent in nylon ensure that both switches will deliver a rich typing experience, thereby making them ideal for users seeking a quieter and more subdued sound environment.
Despite the similarities in housing material, variations between the two switches may arise due to differences in internal mechanisms, spring weight, and other design nuances. Each switch’s engagement and release can also be subtly affected by how the nylon housings are integrated, even if the materials themselves are the same. Typing on both switches will showcase a similar sound profile, but the feel and responsiveness might differ slightly depending on their individual build and configuration. In this respect, users may find that while both the Lime and Yunhai provide a satisfying sound, the tactile feedback and key actuation can still exhibit unique characteristics.
Ultimately, since both the Outemu Lime and TTC Yunhai utilize identical nylon materials for both the top and bottom housings, the resulting experiences of these two switches will largely converge in terms of their auditory qualities. The similarities in their construction allow for comparable results, providing a consistent and pleasant typing sensation filled with deep sound profiles regardless of which switch is chosen. Consequently, users prioritizing sound quality and softer keypress experiences will likely appreciate the benefits of either switch, making them suitable options for similar typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch with the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Lime requires a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and features a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the TTC Yunhai exhibits a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lime is generally more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Yunhai might appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience owing to its heavier forces. While both switches offer a "light" profile overall, the Lime is distinctly lighter than the Yunhai, making it the better choice for prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it's clear that they differ, with the Lime having a travel distance of 3.3 mm and the Yunhai measuring 3.6 mm. The Lime's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for more immediate feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Yunhai's 3.6 mm distance offers a more pronounced depth that some users might prefer for a more tactile and robust experience. Therefore, those who appreciate a snappier feel may lean towards the Outemu Lime, while those who enjoy a greater travel distance for a more satisfying keypress might opt for the TTC Yunhai. Overall, the two switches cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
The Outemu Lime (V3) 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 Outemu Lime tactile switch is characterized by its neutral and muted qualities. It strikes a balance with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of environments, whether you’re at home or in a shared workspace. The muted nature of the Lime switches helps to reduce the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making them an optimal choice if you seek a quieter typing experience. In comparison, the TTC Yunhai linear switch's sound profile remains unspecified, so its auditory characteristics could vary based on the specific build and configuration of the keyboard.
In feel, the Outemu Lime switches excel with their mild, feathery, subtle, and polished attributes. The gentle actuation force promotes a more comfortable typing experience, allowing for prolonged use without finger fatigue. Their polished design contributes to smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. The tactility of Lime switches is approachable, making them user-friendly for novices and experienced typists alike. However, the TTC Yunhai linear switch lacks a detailed description of its tactile feedback or overall feel, leaving a gap in comparative analysis. Given that the Yunhai is also noted for its lightweight actuation force, it may provide a similarly comfortable typing experience, but specifics about its tactile nature are unknown.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a nuanced and quiet typing experience with a well-rounded feel, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is less well-documented, particularly in terms of auditory and tactile characteristics. If you're seeking a switch that combines light actuation with a gentle touch, the Limes present an excellent choice. However, the Yunhai could also be a viable option for those who prefer linear switches, despite the uncertainties surrounding its sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to those favoring a lighter typing experience, enabling potential users to find comfort in their selection while considering individual preferences for tactile feedback and noise levels.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, your choice should primarily reflect your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you appreciate a tactile feedback experience combined with the softest touch, the Lime is an excellent option, particularly for those who prefer a lighter feel that can facilitate long typing sessions without fatigue. Its muted sound profile also makes it a suitable choice for shared spaces or professional environments where noise reduction is beneficial. On the other hand, if you're seeking an effortless typing experience with a deeper sound that enhances engagement, the Yunhai may be the superior choice. Its slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams still feels gentle while providing satisfying resistance that many typists enjoy, making it ideal for extended use without feeling too taxing on your fingers. Ultimately, whether you go for the Lime's pleasantly subtle tactility or the Yunhai's satisfying linearity, you'll find that both switches cater to different typing experiences based on your personal preferences and usage scenarios.
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