Dareu Master vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master and Outemu Silent Yellow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Master is highlighted by its all-POM linear switch, known for its medium weight and classic clacky sound signature. This switch provides exceptional smoothness in operation, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch offers a quieter typing experience due to its silent design. While it may lack specific standout features like the Master switch, it provides a more subtle typing experience for users who prefer a quieter keyboard. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Dareu Master and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The POM top housing of the Dareu Master provides a deeper and relatively more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing aspect in addition to its sound characteristics.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the POM bottom housing of the Dareu Master results in a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Silent Yellow produces a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Dareu Master.
Despite their differences, if the top and bottom housings are the same for a given switch, such as in the case of the Dareu Master with both POM top and bottom housings, you can expect similar sound characteristics throughout the keystroke. The combination of materials in a switch's housing plays a significant role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Master has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Master's information is unavailable, while the Silent Yellow has a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow requires more force to fully press the keys compared to the Master switch. Ultimately, the Master switch would be preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Silent Yellow would cater more to users who enjoy a heavier, more tactile feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Master linear switch is 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Dareu Master has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow, making it a better choice for those who prioritize faster response times and a more immediate feel when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow with its longer travel distance may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying keypress experience. Both switches offer a different tactile sensation, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Master linear switch is known for its classic clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This creates a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that is favored by many users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have a specific sound description available, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Master switch is described as offering a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. This means that it provides a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch is noted for its polished finish, which results in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, there is no specific feel description available for the Outemu Silent Yellow switch, making it challenging to directly compare the feel of these two switches.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Master switch offers a clacky sound signature and a mild, polished feel that many users appreciate. While the specific sound and feel of the Silent Yellow switch are unknown, it is worth noting that both switches belong to the linear switch category, which means that users can expect similar smooth keypresses without the tactile bump or audible click present in other switch types. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a medium-weight linear switch with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Dareu Master linear switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch and are looking for a silent typing experience, then the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch could be more suitable. Consider your preference in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Master and Outemu Silent Yellow boils down to your personal typing preferences and needs. Happy typing!
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