Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Silent Yellow offer different typing experiences for users to consider. The Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch that provides a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and minimal audio feedback. Known for its textured feel and low-pitched sound profile, the MX Brown switch is popular among users who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch with a smooth keystroke and no tactile bump or audible click. While it lacks distinct characteristics like tactility or sound profile, the Silent Yellow switch offers a straightforward typing experience without any distractions. Each switch has its own unique traits that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual typing preferences and needs. 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
55g
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 Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which helps in absorbing sound and creating a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is characteristic of switches with nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing of the MX Brown features nylon, while the Silent Yellow utilizes polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound quality. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
While both the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches have nylon bottom housing, they differ in their top housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Cherry MX Brown's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Silent Yellow produces a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction not only affects the sound profile of the switches but also plays a role in their overall aesthetics. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making the Silent Yellow a visually appealing option for those looking for customizable lighting effects.
It is important to note that the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. The combination of nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing in the Outemu Silent Yellow splits the qualities of each material between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing's impact is more pronounced when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when letting go of a key. This split in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience that blends the softer, fuller sound of nylon with the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, providing users with a versatile and customizable option for their mechanical keyboard needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the MX Brown has a lighter touch compared to the Silent Yellow. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow features a higher actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the MX Brown would be the ideal choice. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Silent Yellow would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience that the user desires. Both switches offer a unique feel, and while the actuation and bottom out forces differ, users can achieve similar results based on their individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This can result in a consistent typing experience for users who prefer either tactile or linear switches. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched tones during key presses, providing a deeper and richer sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches have no specific sound descriptors provided, suggesting a quieter typing experience overall. However, the actual sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are often described as textured, offering a tactile feedback that some users find satisfying. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switches, so it is unclear how they compare in terms of tactile response and typing experience.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Brown switches are praised for their subtle tactility and relatively quiet operation, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches offer a potential alternative for those seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If a user prefers a tactile feel with subtle audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches would be a suitable choice. However, if a quieter typing experience is a priority, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches may be the better option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactile feedback and quieter keypresses, the Cherry MX Brown would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with no tactile feedback and a more solid keypress feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences, as both switches offer different characteristics that cater to different needs.
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