Outemu Black vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Black to the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both switches fall under the linear category, offering a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. The Black switch is best known for its consistency and reliability, making it a popular choice among gamers and typists who prioritize accuracy and precision. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch stands out for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, appealing to users who value speediness and responsiveness in their typing experience. 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
65g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Black and Outemu Yellow Silver switches, it is evident that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing materials of the Black and Yellow Silver switches suggest that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic qualities when typing on either of these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Outemu Black and Outemu Yellow Silver switches differ. The Black uses a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Despite the difference in bottom housing materials, both the Outemu Black and Outemu Yellow Silver switches maintain the classic feel associated with nylon housing, resulting in a satisfying typing experience.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Outemu Black and Outemu Yellow Silver switches allows for a balanced typing experience, with each housing material contributing unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the top housing impacts the sound when keys are released, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches provide a versatile typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the difference in bottom housing material adds a subtle variation to the overall typing experience, making each switch unique in its own way.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Black linear switch to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there is a significant difference between the two. The Outemu Black has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. The Black switch is better suited for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced push feel, while the Yellow Silver switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. It's essential to consider these differences in weight when choosing between the two, as it can significantly impact the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users can expect consistent results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. Whether using the Outemu Black or the Outemu Yellow Silver, the travel distance remains the same, providing a familiar typing experience regardless of the switch chosen.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Black comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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
The Outemu Black linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump or audible click, making it a popular choice for gamers who require swift key presses without any distraction from noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. The Yellow Silver switch provides a comfortable typing experience without being too loud, suitable for various environments whether it's for gaming or everyday typing tasks.
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Black switch does not have a distinct reputation in comparison to the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, which is known for its neutral sound profile. A neutral sound profile means that the switch produces a moderate sound level, making it versatile for different users and settings. The actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Regarding the feel of the switches, specific details about the Outemu Black and Yellow Silver switches are not provided in the information given. However, as both are linear switches, they are likely to offer a consistent and smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback. Users can expect a consistent feel across both switches, ensuring a uniform typing experience whether using the Outemu Black or Yellow Silver linear switches.
In summary, the Outemu Black linear switch is tailored for those seeking a silent and smooth keystroke experience ideal for gaming, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, suitable for both gaming and typing tasks. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for sound, actuation force, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, best known qualities, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a switch with no specific standout qualities, the Outemu Black may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, value the consistency of Outemu switches, and prioritize a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and intended use for the keyboard.
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