TTC Neptune vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique advantages for different types of users. The TTC Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure, providing a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a springy resistance reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi. This switch offers a matte feel that enhances every keystroke, ensuring swift and effortless typing with a refined and muted sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches both offer unique sound profiles and characteristics. The Neptune's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetic, the polycarbonate material is more likely found in switches with clear housings, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing and the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing provide different sound profiles, with nylon producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties.
While the Neptune and Yellow Silver switches both utilize polycarbonate materials for their top housing, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom affects the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. The top housing, on the other hand, impacts the sound when the key is released. This division of housing materials enhances the overall typing experience by providing a balance of sound qualities.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Neptune's POM top housing offers a unique and pleasing sound profile, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound characteristics, with polycarbonate offering a clear and resonant profile, and nylon producing a fuller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preference for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the actuation force of the Neptune is lighter at 41 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 45 grams. This means that the Neptune will require less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Neptune is again lighter at 50 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 55 grams. This indicates that the Neptune will give a less substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Neptune would be the ideal choice. However, for users who prefer a stronger push feel, the Yellow Silver may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Neptune linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is 4 mm. This means that the Yellow Silver switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Neptune switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Neptune being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Neptune switch for its shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times during gameplay. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may gravitate towards the Yellow Silver switch with its longer travel distance. 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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune linear switch is known for its low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound profile, offering a refined typing experience with a soft and quiet auditory ambiance. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced typists and gamers. While the Neptune provides a unique "matte" feel with its buttery, gummy, and frictionless characteristics, the information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is unknown. However, based on the available details, it can be inferred that the Yellow Silver switch likely offers a smooth and effortless typing experience similar to the Neptune switch but without the specific "matte" feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Neptune linear switch stands out for its innovative internal structure, providing a harmonious balance of smoothness and tactile feedback, resulting in a textured pleasure with every keystroke. With its ultralight build and muted sound signature, the Neptune offers a typing experience that is swift, effortless, and refined. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, favoring gamers and typists looking for speediness and responsiveness. While the Neptune excels in providing a unique feel and sound experience, the Yellow Silver switch is likely to offer a similar smooth typing experience with its neutral characteristics, making both switches appealing options for different preferences and needs in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, in choosing between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter actuation force for swift and effortless typing, along with a unique matte feel and muted sound signature, the TTC Neptune may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a light actuation force, a neutral sound profile suitable for both gaming and typing, and a smooth and responsive typing experience, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force.
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