Cherry Nixie vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Cherry Nixie, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Yellow, also a linear switch. The Cherry Nixies are revered classics within the keyboard community, known for their substantial heft and textured typing experience. Incorporating the updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update, these switches blend tradition with modern innovation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches are known for their silent operation and smooth keystrokes. While the Nixie offers a textured and thocky typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Silent Yellow provides a quiet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
63.5g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is evident that the Nixie utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a dull and round sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate used in the Silent Yellow's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile with its stiffer properties leading to a more clear and resonant sound. While both switches have nylon bottom housings, the Silent Yellow's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a unique sound experience compared to the Nixie's consistent use of nylon.
The difference in housing materials between the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent Yellow also impacts the aesthetics of the switches. The Nixie's nylon top and bottom housing provide a classic look and feel, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing, known for its translucency, makes it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting as it allows for a more vibrant and illuminated look. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Silent Yellow creates a visually appealing switch that complements its unique sound characteristics.
When considering how the housing materials affect the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are distributed differently within the switches. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This means that the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Silent Yellow offers a nuanced typing experience with a balance of sharpness and fullness in sound, while the Nixie's consistent use of nylon provides a consistent, deep sound profile throughout the keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it can be seen that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 80 grams. However, the Cherry Nixie has a slightly lighter actuation force of 63.5 grams compared to the 65 grams required for the Outemu Silent Yellow. This means that the Cherry Nixie may provide a slightly lighter typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Cherry Nixie may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Silent Yellow may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial push feel for their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from top to bottom. In terms of comparing and contrasting their travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches as they offer identical results in this aspect. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience with either switch when it comes to the distance traveled when pressing down on keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 it comes to sound, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch's sound profile is not available. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a textured typing experience, which means that users will feel noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users appreciate this tactile feedback, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is not provided.
In conclusion, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is praised for its substantial heft, deep thocky sound, and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation thanks to Cherry's updated materials and springs. While details on the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch are lacking, if you are looking for a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel to the Cherry Nixie, you may want to explore other switches that offer a thocky sound profile and a textured feel. Remember to consider your personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup when choosing the right switch for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for a heavier bottom out force and a more traditional typing experience with a textured feel. If you enjoy a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, along with a switch that combines classic design with modern materials and springs, the Cherry Nixie may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience and are not concerned with a specific sound or feel profile, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch could be more suitable for your needs. Remember to take into account your personal preferences and typing style when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your individual preferences and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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