Outemu Blue vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and TTC Yunhai present distinct options for typists seeking different tactile experiences. The Outemu Blue is characterized by its signature clicky feedback, providing an audible and tactile response that many users find satisfying and engaging during typing sessions. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switches are linear, offering a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with little resistance, making them ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch and a quieter typing experience. While the Blue switch appeals to those who enjoy a pronounced sound and feel, the Yunhai is well-suited for individuals looking for a seamless, effortless typing motion. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that complements your personal typing style.

By the numbers

Outemu Blue Clicky

TTC Yunhai Linear

$3.10 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the TTC Yunhai, a clear distinction arises in their top housing compositions. The Outemu Blue utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and clarity, while the TTC Yunhai employs nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively. This fundamental difference in material creates contrasting auditory experiences for users. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound profile, making it particularly suitable for environments where a bright and vibrant typing sound is desired. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Yunhai results in a deeper, fuller sound, which might appeal to those preferring a more muted acoustic feedback during typing sessions.

In examining the bottom housings, both switches feature nylon, which introduces a level of consistency in the lower portion of their designs. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel when a key is bottomed out. In this case, both switches would exhibit similar sound profiles due to their shared material. The nylon's softer qualities contribute to a rounded and warm typing experience, ensuring that while the tops of the switches may provide contrasting sounds, the bottoms create a uniform depth that enhances the overall auditory feedback. Thus, when users press down on either switch, they will experience a similar level of sound absorption that nylon provides, leading to an analogous typing experience regarding the lower housing.

Ultimately, the overall experience of using these two switches is shaped by the interactions of their different housing materials. With the Outemu Blue, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing leads to a distinct auditory contrast where the top offers brightness and the bottom provides warmth. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai maintains its character mainly through its nylon top and bottom, producing a consistently deeper sound profile throughout. Although users may experience a pronounced difference when the keys are released, the consistent nylon bottom housing allows for a shared depth of sound that ties both switches together. This interplay between the materials can result in varied tactile and auditory feedback, providing each switch with its unique flavor, while also highlighting how the different materials impact the typing experience in different ways.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Outemu Blue requires a force of 50 grams to actuate a keystroke, while the TTC Yunhai has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Yunhai switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is unavailable, which prevents a direct comparison in that aspect. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a consistent feel when fully pressed down. Overall, the Outemu Blue is heavier in terms of actuation force, likely appealing to users who favor a more substantial push feel, while the TTC Yunhai is lighter and may be better suited for those who type or game for longer durations.

Travel distance

The Outemu Blue clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Outemu Blue offers a more pronounced keypress, which some users might prefer for a tactile and satisfying feel, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai, with its shorter travel distance, may cater better to gamers seeking quicker response times and faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference, with the Outemu Blue being the longer option and the TTC Yunhai the shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Blue switches are known for their distinct clicky sound, producing a sharp, tactile click with each keystroke that provides an audible feedback that many typists find satisfying. This click sound is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more traditional typewriter-like experience when typing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches offer a deep, rounded sound profile that is far less pronounced than the Outemu Blue. The sound generated by the Yunhai is subtle, focusing on a smooth and soft auditory signature that complements the light actuation without the sharpness of a click, perfect for users who prefer a quieter and less disruptive typing environment.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switches deliver a tactile bump that creates a noticeable resistance at the actuation point, providing typists with tangible feedback that helps in recognizing keystrokes. This tactile feel, combined with the click, offers a sense of engagement that many find enjoyable. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches are designed for a gentle and effortless typing experience, with a very light actuation force that makes them suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue. The smooth linear action of the Yunhai switches provides a different typing sensation, emphasizing fluidity over resistance.

In summary, the Outemu Blue and TTC Yunhai switches present contrasting experiences. The Blue is characterized by its clicky sound and tactile feel, catering to users who appreciate auditory feedback and a more engaged typing experience. Meanwhile, the Yunhai's deep sound profile and exceptionally light actuation make it ideal for those seeking a quieter and smoother typing journey. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on your personal preferences, whether you gravitate toward the auditory engagement of a click or the seamless ease of a linear switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and distinct clicky sound that enhances your typing experience, the Outemu Blue is a fantastic choice, especially for typing-intensive work where auditory feedback keeps you engaged. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a gentle keystroke, the TTC Yunhai will serve you well, particularly for gaming or extended typing sessions as its lighter actuation force and rounded sound profile provide comfort and require less effort. Consider your environment as well; if you work in a shared space, you might opt for the Yunhai to maintain a quieter atmosphere. Therefore, whether you lean towards the satisfying click of the Blue or the seamless glide of the Yunhai, your decision should reflect not only how you type but also the context in which you use your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more