Cherry MX Black vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both switches fall under the linear category, offering a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. The Cherry MX Black stands out for its low-pitched and textured feel, providing a stiff typing experience with a classic sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow lacks specific standout features but offers a quieter typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches will likely offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the differences lie in the top housing materials, with the MX Black using nylon and the Silent Yellow utilizing polycarbonate.
The key distinction between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. The MX Black's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, which results in a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Silent Yellow allows for the switch to be more visually appealing when paired with RGB lighting. This contrast in top housing materials highlights the impact different materials can have on the sound and aesthetics of a switch.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Silent Yellow will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience. While both switches share a similar bottom housing material of nylon, their top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate offer distinct sound profiles. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the MX Black, while those seeking a sharper and crisper sound may be more inclined towards the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we find that both switches have a bottom out force of 80 grams. However, the MX Black has a lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Silent Yellow's 65 grams. This means that the MX Black will require less force to register a keystroke but will feel heavier when fully depressed. In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the MX Black for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of both switches is equal, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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
Overall, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is known for its deep sound profile and textured, stiff feel, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit of resistance. On the other hand, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch are not well-documented in terms of sound and feel. However, given the nature of linear switches, it can be expected that the Silent Yellow switch may provide a smooth and relatively quieter typing experience compared to the MX Black switch. It is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the best switch for each user, so trying out different switches is recommended to find the one that suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Black linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should opt for the MX Black if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, a low-pitched sound profile, textured and stiff feel, and a classic typing experience with Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. On the other hand, you should choose the Outemu Silent Yellow if you desire a similar bottom out force, a silent typing experience, and are not concerned with specific sound or feel characteristics. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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