Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Yellow Silver are both top contenders. The MX Speed Silver is renowned for its lightning-fast response time and linear action, making it ideal for gamers looking for maximum speed and precision in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, catering to both gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. While both switches have their strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches showcase nylon in their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. This shared characteristic results in a similar typing experience for both switches, with a notable emphasis on creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the top housing material sets the two switches apart as the MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, while the Yellow Silver boasts a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu switch delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, in contrast to the Cherry MX's more subdued sound profile. This difference in top housing material suggests that users may experience a unique typing sensation and sound when using these switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the overall appearance of switches. The MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing offers a classic and timeless look, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing provides a modern and translucent design that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. The contrasting visual appeal of the two switches demonstrates how the material composition of the housing can impact not only the typing experience but also the overall style and customization options available to users. Whether users prefer a more traditional look or a contemporary design with RGB lighting, the housing materials of these switches cater to different preferences and needs.
Although both switches share similar bottom housing materials, the difference in their top housing materials highlights the diverse sound profiles and aesthetics that each switch offers. The Cherry MX Speed Silver with its nylon top housing delivers a softer and more muted sound, while the Outemu Yellow Silver with its polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and brighter sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound profiles, typing feel, and visual appearance, as each housing material contributes unique characteristics to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The MX Speed Silver has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the MX Speed Silver's force is unknown, while the Yellow Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier actuation force of the Yellow Silver for a more solid keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Speed Silver with its shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Yellow Silver with its longer travel distance could appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the MX Speed Silver providing a quicker and more responsive feel, while the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a more deliberate and pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the MX Speed Silver switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, providing a deep and satisfying sound profile that is favored by many enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various settings without being too distracting. Both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, with the MX Speed Silver leaning towards a deeper tone while the Yellow Silver remains more neutral.
Moving on to feel, the MX Speed Silver switch is characterized by a textured feel, providing users with tactile feedback that some find enjoyable while typing or gaming. The Outemu Yellow Silver switch's feel is not specifically described, so we can assume it offers a smooth and consistent keystroke experience without noticeable friction. Despite this difference in texture, both switches offer a linear actuation that is preferred by gamers and typists who value quick response times.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Outemu Yellow Silver switches both offer unique qualities that cater to the needs of different users. The MX Speed Silver excels in providing a thocky sound and textured feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a neutral sound profile and a smooth keystroke, making it a versatile option for users who prioritize consistency and responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches will provide similar results in terms of speed and responsiveness, with the choice between them coming down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch or the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for actuation force and sound profile. If you prioritize speed and quick response times, especially for gaming where milliseconds matter, the MX Speed Silver with its non-existent bottom out force and thocky, low-pitched sound profile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force and a neutral sound profile that suits both typing and gaming needs, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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