Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Yellow are significant and deserving of consideration. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is recognized for its refined tactile experience, delivering a satisfying medium-strength bump that enhances typing feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a pronounced tactility and attentive feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch, which means it provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience, particularly in shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, one focusing on tactile feedback and the other on silence and smoothness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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 Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches, notable differences in sound profiles and material properties emerge. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, while the Outemu Silent Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound vibrations and creating a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Yellow switch is stiffer, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is more resonant and clear. This distinction means that users seeking a rich, muted typing experience may prefer the MX Purple RGB, while those looking for a crisp, bright sound might opt for the Silent Yellow.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a convergence in sound characteristics at that level. The nylon material used in the Silent Yellow's bottom housing delivers a similarly deep and full sound profile, akin to the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in their sound output and material properties, the bottom housings unify them in terms of auditory experience. When bottoming out during typing, both switches would elicit a comparable sound quality due to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties, ensuring that switches using this material provide a consistent tactile and auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings in these two switches illustrates how different materials can complement or contrast each other to shape the overall typing experience. The MX Purple RGB’s softer nylon top dampens sound, creating a subdued atmosphere perfect for quieter environments, while the Outemu Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Additionally, while the differences in the top housing play a crucial role in the overall sound signature when releasing keys, the shared nylon bottom guarantees that both switches maintain a baseline of deep, rich sounds at the moment of keystroke impact. For users, this means that regardless of the choice, a consistently satisfying tactile feel can be achieved, accompanied by either a muted or brighter auditory feedback based on their selection of switch.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch share an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive in terms of initiating a keystroke. This similarity provides a consistent typing experience, suitable for long periods of use, whether for work or gaming. However, the comparison diverges when it comes to bottom-out force, as the Silent Yellow switch has a defined bottom-out force of 60 grams, indicating a more resistant feel when pressing keys all the way down. On the other hand, the MX Purple RGB lacks a specified bottom-out force, leaving it ambiguous whether it offers a lighter or heavier bottoming-out experience. Consequently, the Outemu Silent Yellow is heavier overall due to its increased bottom-out resistance, which may appeal to users preferring a firmer keystroke for a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB’s actuation force implies a potentially lighter feel, making it more suitable for those who favor a less strenuous typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when pressed down, they each exhibit an identical distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation responses from both switches, providing a consistent typing experience. Since both switches share this travel distance, they are equally suited for those who prefer a specific key travel feel without any variance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
When comparing the sound produced by the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches, there are notable differences in character. The MX Purple RGB emits a crisp and pronounced sound upon actuation, likely due in part to its tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy an audible feedback with each key press. In contrast, the Silent Yellow switches are designed to minimize noise, featuring a more subdued sound profile. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the specific keyboard design and the choice of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile experience that includes a short, medium-strength bump, giving users a clear indication of actuation without being overly harsh. This tactile feedback is particularly appreciated by typists and gamers alike who enjoy a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches provide a smooth linear action with no tactile feedback, aiming for an uninterrupted keystroke that is ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more fluid feel. This contrast between tactile and linear makes each switch appealing to different types of users depending on their preferences.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches cater to distinct typist preferences. For individuals who value tactile feedback and a pronounced sound, the MX Purple RGB excels, while the Silent Yellow appeals to those seeking a quieter, smoother typing experience. Each switch ultimately provides a different feel and sound profile, allowing newcomers to mechanical keyboards the chance to select a switch that best aligns with their personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile experience with noticeable feedback while typing, and you appreciate the sound and sensation that a tactile switch brings, then the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent choice for you. It's particularly suited for those who engage in a lot of typing or gaming, as the tactile bump can enhance your overall responsiveness and accuracy. However, if you prefer a quieter environment, whether for work or shared spaces, and value a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile resistance, the Outemu Silent Yellow may be the better option. Its linear nature means that you won’t experience any tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who require silence while still enjoying a comfortable typing experience, especially if you find yourself typing for extended periods. Ultimately, consider where and how you'll be using your keyboard most, and weigh those factors against your personal touch and sound preferences.
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