Outemu Blue vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and SP-Star Yanyu offer unique typing experiences for users. The Outemu Blue is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying tactile feedback and audible click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is a linear switch that provides a smoother keystroke with no audible feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a more delicate typing experience or need to type for long periods of time. While the Outemu Blue is great for those who enjoy the audible feedback of a clicky switch, the Yanyu's material blend gives it a crisp sound profile without the distraction of a click. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the SP-Star Yanyu, one key difference is the material used for the top housing. The Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound, especially when using RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Yanyu utilizes a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, offering a sound profile that is described as pleasant and bright. While both materials provide distinct sound profiles, the Yanyu's blend may appeal to those who prefer a softer and less sharp sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the Blue switches use nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for the bottom housing offers a unique sound profile that is pleasant and bright. This difference in bottom housing materials impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with the nylon of the Blue providing a deeper typing experience compared to the Yanyu's blend.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Blue and the SP-Star Yanyu ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Blue offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Yanyu provides a more unique and pleasant sound profile with its blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both the top and bottom housings. Whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound or a brighter, more pleasant sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Yanyu switch is lighter at 43 grams, while the bottom out force of the Blue switch is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may be more inclined to choose the Yanyu switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Blue switch with its higher actuation force. In terms of weight, the Yanyu switch is the lighter option compared to the Outemu Blue switch. Both switches offer different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with the opportunity to choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a total of 4mm from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of both switches is equal, ensuring a consistent typing experience no matter which switch is used. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, making them equally suitable for users looking for a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
The Outemu Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is best known for its loud and tactile clicky sound, which is satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is known for its more subtle and crisp sound profile, making it suitable for those looking for a quieter typing experience, especially in shared spaces. The Yanyu's sound is described as neutral or thocky, depending on the specific variation, offering a versatile option for different preferences. However, as mentioned, the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is typically known for its tactile bump and audible click, providing a pronounced typing experience that is preferred by some users for gaming or typing feedback. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as offering a more gentle and lighter typing experience, with descriptors such as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. This indicates that the Yanyu switch provides a smoother key press with less resistance, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions, whether for work or gaming.
Overall, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue switch is loud, tactile, and suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience, the Yanyu switch provides a quieter, smoother, and more gentle typing experience that is ideal for extended periods of use. Choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference, with the Blue offering a more tactile and audible experience, while the Yanyu provides a softer and more subtle typing feel. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results, but with different characteristics to cater to varying preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prioritize a tactile feedback with a clicky sound and none bottom out force, then the Outemu Blue switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, a gentle typing experience, and a thocky sound profile, then the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing style, so choose the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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