Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a variety of options available that cater to different preferences and needs. Two popular switches that are often compared are the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Cherry MX Brown is best known for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches differ in terms of their composition. The MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to the nylon's softer nature, it absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate's stiffer quality contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. While the materials of the top housing differ, both switches provide distinct sound profiles, with the MX Brown offering a deeper tone and the Yellow Silver emphasizing sharper tones.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the MX Brown and the Yellow Silver utilize nylon. This traditional switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon enables it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches elicit a similar sound experience due to the common use of nylon in their bottom housing. However, it's important to note that the bottom housing mainly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released.
When considering the overall sound profile of a switch, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role. For instance, the MX Brown's nylon housing in both the top and bottom leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile throughout the typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver combines a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound, with a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller tone. It's clear that the housing materials utilized in these switches contribute unique sound characteristics, enhancing the overall typing experience for the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches have identical forces. Both the MX Brown and the Yellow Silver switches have an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light switches. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, the typing experience in terms of weight will be virtually the same. For those who prefer lighter weight switches, allowing them to type for extended periods of time, both options would provide a suitable choice. On the contrary, individuals seeking a more substantial push feel for a stronger typing experience may find these switches to be on the lighter side. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the MX Brown and Yellow Silver switches are comparable, delivering similar outcomes.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a similar distance of travel from the top to the bottom when pressed down. Whether you choose the Cherry MX Brown or the Outemu Yellow Silver, you can expect to experience the same tactile feedback and key travel distance.
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 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 Brown switches are best known for their subtlety in both sound and feel. When it comes to sound, the MX Brown switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This gives them a bassy and low-pitched sound, which is relatively gentle and subdued. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switches have a neutral sound profile. They produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the MX Brown switches are known for their tactile feedback and relatively light typing experience. They have a gentle tactility that provides a slight bump when pressed, offering a satisfying and responsive feel while typing. Additionally, the MX Brown switches are described as textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switches.
Considering all the available information, the Cherry MX Brown switches and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches differ in their subjective qualities. The MX Brown switches offer a more subtle and tactile typing experience with a gentle bump and subdued audio feedback. They are best suited for users who prefer a lighter tactile switch and a deeper, bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switches provide a neutral sound profile with a light actuation force, making them suitable for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. While there is no information on the feel of the Yellow Silver switches, it is likely to provide a smoother typing experience compared to the textured MX Brown switches. Overall, both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking subtlety and a gentle yet tactile typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is an excellent choice. With a relatively light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a comfortable typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize speediness and responsiveness, particularly for gaming or rapid typing, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch may be more suitable. With a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, these switches provide a quick and responsive typing experience. Additionally, their moderate actuation force requirement and moderate sound profile make them versatile for various purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preferences and requirements.
Mentioned in this article
