Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying bump and audible feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible noise. The Brown switch is favored by typists who enjoy a tactile response, while the Silent Yellow switch is preferred by those who prefer a quieter 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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 Brown and Outemu Silent Yellow, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that prioritize clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches designed for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual aesthetic of the keyboard while providing a unique sound experience. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and performance when using switches with polycarbonate top housings, regardless of whether they opt for the Outemu Brown or Silent Yellow.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Outemu Brown and Outemu Silent Yellow differ as the Brown features a nylon bottom housing while the Silent Yellow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the nylon material providing a distinct acoustic quality that complements the overall typing experience.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials in switches are divided between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the choice between the Outemu Brown and Outemu Silent Yellow will depend on the user's preference for either a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with polycarbonate top housing or a deeper, fuller sound profile with nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Brown is lighter in both aspects. The Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow is heavier with an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. The lighter actuation force of the Brown switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing periods or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier forces of the Silent Yellow switch are suited for users who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
While both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, there are notable differences between the two. The Brown switch provides a tactile bump feedback during actuation, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more pronounced keypress feel. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch offers a smoother keystroke with minimal noise, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Despite their differences in tactile feedback and noise level, both switches offer the same travel distance, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of keypress distance regardless of their preference in switch type.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Brown and Silent Yellow.
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 Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its moderate noise level with a satisfying click when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is designed to significantly reduce the sound produced during typing, providing a quieter experience overall. Please keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard casing and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback when the key is actuated, giving typists a tactile response to every keystroke. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without the tactile bump, allowing for a quieter and more linear typing experience. Both switches offer different feels that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a tactile response or a smoother keystroke.
Considering the information provided, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can choose between the Outemu Brown tactile switch for a tactile and clicky typing experience, or the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch for a quiet and smooth typing experience. It is important to experiment and try out different switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences, as the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Regardless of which switch you choose, both the Outemu Brown and Silent Yellow switches offer quality and durability that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy the tactile feedback of a switch, the Outemu Brown would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and want a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preference and the environment in which you plan to use your mechanical keyboard.
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