Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular linear options are the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow. The Cherry MX Orange switches, renowned for their robust construction and optimal performance, offer a satisfying tactile feedback that appeals to typists and gamers alike who appreciate a responsive keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches prioritize noise reduction, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience in shared or professional settings. While both switches provide smooth keypresses without tactile bumps, the MX Orange leans toward a snappier response, whereas the Silent Yellow excels in discretion and comfort. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow, a distinct difference can be observed in the choice of material for the top housings. The MX Orange utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This results in a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow employs polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer, more resonant sound, making it appealing for users who prefer a crisper auditory experience. This divergence in top housing materials indicates that the overall sound characteristics and typing feel will vary significantly between the two switches.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings, as both the MX Orange and the Silent Yellow feature nylon at this part of their design. This commonality brings a synergy to the two models, as the properties of nylon contribute to a consistent outcome regarding the bottoming out sound and feel. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs some of the impacts during key presses, thereby enriching the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, regardless of the variation in the top housing material. Consequently, users of either switch will enjoy a coherent, pleasant tactile feedback when engaging the keys, despite the differences in their upper sound emanations.
When considering the overall implications of these material differences, it becomes evident that the MX Orange and Outemu Silent Yellow present unique auditory signatures due to their varied top housings. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the tactile feel remains consistent across the two switches. This means that while typists will notice a distinction in sound while typing—prevailing deeper tones from the MX Orange and brighter frequencies from the Silent Yellow—the fundamental typing experience regarding key actuation will remain similar due to the compatibility of the bottom housing materials. Thus, versatility in sound meets consistency in tactile feedback, showcasing the nuanced engineering behind each switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The MX Orange requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent Yellow is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow is easier to press, making it a suitable choice for users who may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the information for the MX Orange is unavailable, whereas the Silent Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorized as medium. This indicates that once the Silent Yellow is fully pressed down, it requires a moderate amount of force to reach the bottom, providing a more tactile feedback upon bottoming out. Thus, while the Silent Yellow is lighter in terms of actuation force, its bottom out force is defined and may contribute to a different typing experience compared to the MX Orange, which lacks that specific measure. Overall, if a heavier feel is desired, one might aim for the MX Orange, but without the bottom out force information, a direct comparison remains incomplete.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they offer the same journey from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. This identical travel distance ensures that users will experience similar keypress feedback and responsiveness when using either switch. As a result, whether opting for the MX Orange or the Silent Yellow, one can expect a comparable tactile performance during typing or gaming. Thus, in terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer, making them equal in this aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switches are known for offering a balanced acoustic profile that strikes a careful harmony between audible punctuations during typing and a relatively subdued noise level compared with some other types of switches. This makes them versatile for both office and home environments. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches are designed specifically for a quieter operation, featuring dampened keystrokes that significantly reduce the sound produced on actuation and bottoming out. While the two switches may have differing sound characteristics, the specific board and keycap materials you choose could influence their overall acoustic performance.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange switches provide a smooth linear experience, allowing for fluid key presses without any tactile bumps or resistance. This makes them especially appealing for users who prefer a seamless typing experience or enjoy gaming without interruptions caused by tactile feedback. The Outemu Silent Yellow switches also offer a linear feel, emphasizing smooth key presses, designed to minimize disruption with their cushioning effect on actuation and release. Both switches cater to users who favor linear responsiveness, so you'll likely experience a similarly fluid typing sensation with either option.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Silent Yellow switches cater to users seeking linear switch performance, though they differ in their sound profiles. The MX Orange provides a moderately audible feedback suitable for various environments, while the Silent Yellow excels in quiet operation. For both, the feel is characterized by smooth actuation without the tactile feedback found in other switch types. Depending on your sound preferences and environment, either switch could serve your needs well, offering a satisfying typing experience with a focus on linear action.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Orange linear switches and Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches largely depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you value a blend of nostalgia and performance, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent choice, particularly for gaming and typing where you appreciate a responsive feel without the distraction of a noisy environment. However, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience, perhaps because you're in a shared space or value a more subdued sound for late-night work, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch would be more suitable; its medium bottom out force provides a balanced tactile feedback without the clicky distractions. Ultimately, whether you prioritize the nostalgic charm of the Cherry MX Orange or the stealthy performance of the Silent Yellow, understanding your use case will guide you to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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