Bsun Olive vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Olive and the Outemu Yellow Silver are two popular options to consider. The Bsun Olive switch is praised for its all-POM housings, which produce a resonant and deep sound that stands out from the rest. With a medium weight and pronounced tactile feedback, the Olive switch offers a satisfying typing experience with a crisp bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. While the Olive switch is characterized as "Accented", "Invigorating", "Sharp", and "Snappy", the Yellow Silver switch falls under the category of "Neutral". Both switches have their unique advantages, but diving deeper into their specific features and characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
One major difference between the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Outemu Yellow Silver is the material used in the top housing. The Olive utilizes POM, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Yellow Silver uses polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This means that typing on the Olive switches may produce a more subtle and soothing sound, while typing on the Yellow Silver switches may lead to a more crisp and clear typing experience, especially if RGB lighting is involved.
Another point of comparison lies in the material of the bottom housing. The Olive features a POM bottom housing, which, similar to the top housing, contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver includes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a fuller and rounder sound. This means that typing on the Olive switches may feel softer and less impactful, while typing on the Yellow Silver switches may provide a more solid and robust typing experience due to the absorption of sound by nylon.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches can greatly impact the typing experience. While the Bsun Olive and the Outemu Yellow Silver both offer unique sound profiles, the POM and polycarbonate materials used in their housing play a significant role in shaping these profiles. Whether you prefer a deeper and more soothing typing experience or a sharper and crisper one, understanding the differences between these materials can help you select the switch that best suits your preferences. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch determines how it feels and sounds when typing, making it essential to consider all aspects of the switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Olive requires a heavier bottom out force at 65 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 55 grams, making the Olive the heavier of the two switches. However, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a similar initial key press experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Yellow Silver may be more suitable, as its bottom out force is lighter. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Olive with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the weight of the switches plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we can see that the Olive has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4mm. This means that the Yellow Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Olive tactile switch. The Olive switch may provide a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, which could be preferred by gamers looking for quick reactions. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Yellow Silver switch may offer a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Therefore, if you prioritize a quick response, the Olive switch would be the better option, but if you prefer a more substantial key press, the Yellow Silver switch would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 BSUN Olive tactile switch is known for delivering a resonant, deep sound due to its all-POM housings. This creates a unique auditory experience that stands out among mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various uses without being too loud or too quiet. While the Olive switch provides a distinct and satisfying sound, the Yellow Silver switch offers a more neutral and versatile sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Olive tactile switch is characterized by its pronounced tactile feedback, creating a tactile and immersive typing sensation. With its long pole stem design, the Olive switch ensures a sharp bottom-out and a crisp tactile bump with each keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch does not have specific descriptors for its feel, but it is known for its light actuation force and speediness, making it suitable for gamers and typists who prefer a responsive typing experience. While the Olive switch offers a range of tactile sensations, the Yellow Silver switch focuses on providing a smooth and quick typing experience.
Overall, the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Olive switch provides a unique and resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback, creating a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile and a light actuation force for a quick and responsive typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the type of experience you are seeking. If you enjoy a medium-heaviness with a deep sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the Olive switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile that offers speediness and responsiveness, the Yellow Silver switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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