Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Yellow Silver can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, celebrated for its refined tactile feedback, offers a delightful short bump with medium strength, making it an excellent option for users who appreciate a tactile response without excessive force. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver is a linear switch that prioritizes smoothness and speed, featuring a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile that caters to gamers and typists who need precision and quick reactions. Each switch has its unique advantages; the MX Purple RGB is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile experience with a bit of character, while the Yellow Silver excels in environments where swift key presses are paramount. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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 comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Yellow Silver, one notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's relatively softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows for a clearer and more resonant audio experience. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as it enhances the visual effects; while nylon, though functional, does not offer the same visual appeal for illumination purposes.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, share the same material—nylon. This uniformity in construction means that both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Yellow Silver will provide a similar tactile feedback and sound profile during key presses. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and rounder sound signature, creating a satisfying experience when the keys bottom out. Since both switches employ nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent performance in terms of sound and feedback during usage, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Yellow Silver give each switch a distinctive auditory character. The nylon top of the Cherry MX Purple RGB absorbs sound, yielding a softer, more muted tone, while the polycarbonate top of the Outemu Yellow Silver produces a sharper sound. Conversely, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that both switches will deliver a similar deeper sound when keys are bottomed out. This blend of contrasting top materials and similar bottom materials results in unique overall experiences for users, allowing them to find a switch that aligns with their individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to keystrokes. This similarity means that users can expect comparable typing experiences in terms of how much pressure is needed to register a keypress. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces; the Yellow Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB's bottom out force is unknown. This indicates that the Yellow Silver provides a firmer feel when pressing the key all the way down, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the MX Purple RGB can be considered lighter overall due to its unspecified bottom out force, while the Yellow Silver, with its heavier nature, may be more suitable for those who enjoy a bit of resistance during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both switches have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Consequently, both switches can deliver a similar tactile experience when it comes to key presses, making them comparable in their performance and feel.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is known for its refined auditory feedback, offering a pronounced click that enhances the tactile experience without being overly loud. This makes it suitable for both gaming and office environments, where a bit of feedback can be satisfying but not disruptive. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile that is designed to be less intrusive, making it ideal for gamers and typists looking for a quieter operation. The moderate sound level of the Yellow Silver can provide an unobtrusive typing experience, ensuring that it won't be bothersome whether you're at home or in a shared workspace.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a tactile bump which is well-balanced, offering a short, medium-strength feedback that allows users to feel each key press distinctly. This tactile quality can enhance typing accuracy and overall satisfaction, particularly for enthusiasts who appreciate that nuanced feedback. Meanwhile, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a lighter actuation force that promotes speed and responsiveness, making it a desirable option for fast-paced gaming and quick typing. This switch sacrifices the tactile bump for a smoother, linear travel, appealing to those who prioritize rapid key presses over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Yellow Silver switches cater to different preferences while providing unique advantages. The MX Purple RGB excels in tactile feedback and sound feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy a pronounced typing experience. Conversely, the Yellow Silver offers a neutral sound profile and smooth actuation suited for speed and quiet operation. Depending on your typing style and intended use, you can expect different yet satisfying experiences from each, with clear distinctions in both auditory and tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch largely depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you are someone who enjoys a tactile experience while typing or gaming—where you appreciate feeling that slight bump during actuation—the Cherry MX Purple RGB may be more suitable for you. This switch is designed for those who favor a refined, tactile feedback that can enhance your typing rhythm, and it’s particularly beneficial if you engage in typing-intensive tasks where accuracy is critical. On the other hand, if you're a gamer or a typist who prioritizes speed and smooth keystrokes without the distraction of tactile feedback, then the Outemu Yellow Silver is the way to go. This switch features a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming sessions or environments where minimal noise is preferable. Ultimately, your selection should align with whether you value tactile feedback or smooth responsiveness; both switches have their strengths, so consider your own typing style and what activities you'll primarily use your keyboard for.
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