Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the nuances between options can significantly influence both gaming and typing experiences. The Cherry MX Orange switch is renowned for its revival of the original MX Orange switches, now enhanced through the MX2A generation to meet modern demands. While it maintains a unique feel, it is categorized as a tactile switch, offering a distinct feedback during key presses that many users appreciate for its precision and control. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a refreshingly light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who value speed and responsiveness. With its emphasis on smooth, quick keystrokes, the Yellow Silver is designed to cater to those who thrive on rapid inputs. In choosing between these two options, one might favor the tactile feedback of the MX Orange for a more deliberate typing experience, while the Yellow Silver may appeal to those seeking a swift, quiet performance. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
When examining the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Yellow Silver switches, one cannot overlook the contrasting sound profiles generated by their respective top housing materials. The MX Orange features a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This material effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Its stiffer nature allows sound waves to resonate more clearly, giving the user a distinct auditory feedback that is crisper and more pronounced. Consequently, while both switches can provide satisfying auditory experiences, they cater to different preferences based on their unique sound characteristics.
Digging deeper into the bottom housing, we find a point of convergence between the two switches. Both the MX Orange and Yellow Silver utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This shared characteristic means both switches can deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile arising from this material. Although the top housings differ significantly—creating distinctive experiences for sound and feel during keypresses—the nylon bottom housing ensures that neither switch strays too far from that thicker sound signature. Therefore, when users bottom out either switch, they will largely experience the sound qualities imparted by the nylon material, promoting a sense of familiarity and similarity between the two.
Ultimately, the differences in sound characteristics of the MX Orange and Outemu Yellow Silver can be primarily attributed to their top housing materials. While the nylon of the MX Orange contributes to a deeper sound, the polycarbonate of the Yellow Silver produces a crisper and brighter audio profile. However, the commonality of nylon in both switches' bottom housings helps maintain a certain level of acoustic consistency. Thus, upon pressing the keys, users will feel the weight of their material choices in the sound profile, while the distinct auditory feedback from each switch's top housing ensures that they are ultimately two different experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences. The Cherry MX Orange features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Yellow Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Yellow Silver switch requires less force to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is not available, while the Yellow Silver switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. As a result, while the actuation force is higher on the Cherry MX Orange, if its bottom out force were known and comparable, users might find both switches provide a unique typing experience depending on their preferences. In summary, the Cherry MX Orange is generally heavier in actuation force, appealing to those who favor a more substantial push feel, whereas the lighter Outemu Yellow Silver is ideal for users seeking a softer touch and less fatigue during extended use.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users will experience the same amount of movement when pressing down on the keys. This similarity ensures that both switches deliver a consistent feel and tactile response, making them suitable for similar typing or gaming experiences. Since their travel distances are equal, one can expect similar performance and feedback from either switch, which may appeal to users looking for uniformity in their keyboard setup.
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 Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Cherry MX Orange switch possesses a distinct sound profile, often characterized by a gentle thock or muted click. This quality can make it appealing for users who seek a quieter typing experience but still want some auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is noted for its neutral sound profile. This switch generates a moderate sound level during actuation, making it versatile enough for various environments—be it a home office or a gaming setup—where noise levels might be a concern. Both switches offer a sound experience that can be suitable for gaming and typing, as the MX Orange is designed with a subtle auditory feedback in mind, while the Yellow Silver’s neutrality caters to both casual and more serious users.
In terms of feel, the MX Orange switch has earned a reputation for its responsive actuation and smooth linear mechanics, often providing a satisfying experience with just the right amount of resistance. Users appreciate this balance, which helps enhance accuracy in fast-paced scenarios. Meanwhile, the Yellow Silver switch also features a linear feel, known for its light actuation force, which allows for rapid key presses without much effort. This quality can particularly benefit gamers who require quick responses in their gameplay. Although the switches differ in the force required for actuation, both aim to provide a fluid experience suitable for fast-paced actions, appealing to both gamers and typists alike.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Yellow Silver switches exhibit distinct sound qualities, with the former offering a quieter thock and the latter a neutral sonic experience, they both provide smooth, linear feels. The MX Orange is lauded for its balanced actuation, while the Yellow Silver excels in its lightweight responsiveness. Both switches cater to similar user needs, making them excellent choices for those seeking a reliable, enjoyable typing experience, with the right selection based on personal preference and intended use.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches, consider your specific needs and preferences for typing and gaming experiences. The Cherry MX Orange, with its origins linked to renowned MX2A enhancements, is a solid choice if you value a reliable switch that offers a smooth typing experience, especially if you're looking for something familiar yet enhanced over older models. However, since its bottom-out force isn't specified, you may find it more cushioned if you type lightly. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is more tailored for those who prioritize responsiveness and speed, with a bottom-out force of 55 grams that strikes a balance between comfort and tactile feedback. This makes it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, the Yellow Silver's neutral sound profile allows for versatility in both quiet environments and shared spaces, making it suitable for both gamers and typists who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, choose the MX Orange if you're seeking a smooth and classic typing feel, while the Yellow Silver is a better fit if you want a snappier response and a sound profile that won’t disturb your surroundings.
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