Cherry MX Black vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Cherry MX Black switch, known for its iconic feel, has been further improved by Cherry with their new Hyperglide tooling. This results in a smooth and textured typing experience, coupled with a deep sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff, the MX Black switch offers a unique tactile feedback that some users prefer. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, produced by Outemu, is highly regarded for its consistent quality. This switch boasts a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it particularly suitable for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness without compromising on the typing experience. While the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Yellow Silver switches share a linear design, they differ in terms of pitch, texture, and overall feel. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you make an informed decision on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches exhibit some noticeable differences. The MX Black switch features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting into the switch.
Moving to the bottom housings of the switches, both the MX Black and the Yellow Silver switches share the same nylon material. As with the top housing, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. The nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of sound characteristics, both switches will offer similar results with regards to the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the differences between the two switches' housing materials lie primarily in their top housings. Nylon in the MX Black switch provides a softer, more absorbent material for a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver switch offers greater stiffness and clarity for a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches share the same nylon material, resulting in similar sound characteristics for the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the two switches offer different levels of resistance. The MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch would be the ideal choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, typing for longer periods becomes easier and more comfortable. This makes it a great option not only for regular office work but also for extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch caters to individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel. With its higher actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a more substantial typing experience. This heavier resistance can be beneficial for those who desire a tactile and precise feedback while typing, allowing for better control and accuracy.
It is worth mentioning that if one is looking for a switch with similar actuation and bottom out forces to the Cherry MX Black, the Outemu Yellow Silver is not a perfect match. However, it does offer a comparable experience with a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired typing experience – whether it be a lighter, more effortless keystroke or a heavier, more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a similar distance of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience.
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 Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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
The Cherry MX Black switch is known for its deep sound profile, which is low-pitched and offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate sound with no specific emphasis on any particular frequency. It is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced, and whether they are using the switch at home or at work. 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 used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured. This means that it has noticeable friction when pressed, providing a tactile feedback to the user. Some users prefer a subtle texture in their switches, while others prefer a smoother typing experience without any friction. Additionally, the MX Black switch is also considered stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This means that users will need to apply more force when pressing the keys with these switches.
Unfortunately, there is no provided information about the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch. However, based on the information given, we can assume that it provides a smooth typing experience with no noticeable texture or friction. It is also likely to have a lighter actuation force compared to the MX Black switch, as it is described as favorable for gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer different subjective qualities. The MX Black has a deep, low-pitched sound profile and provides a textured and stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, but information about its feel is unknown. If you are looking for a switch with a bass-heavy sound and a tactile, stiff feel, the MX Black is a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a moderate sound profile and a potentially smoother, light-touch typing experience, the Yellow Silver switch may be more appropriate. It is important to consider personal preferences and requirements when selecting a switch, and to also take into account other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also impact the overall typing experience and sound.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are someone who prefers a heavier typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be a suitable choice. With its 80 gram bottom out force and textured feel, these switches offer a satisfying and tactile typing experience. However, if you are a gamer or typist who values speed and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch would be a better fit. With its lighter 55 gram bottom out force and neutral sound profile, these switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver depends on your preferred typing experience and usage.
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