Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that is best known for its None. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is a linear switch that Outemu has consistently produced some of our favorite switches. The Yellow Silver switch features a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. While the Brown switch offers a tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience, the Yellow Silver switch provides a smooth keystroke for quick and precise inputs. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Both the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Yellow Silver feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it a popular choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in other aspects such as the bottom housing material.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, allowing for a more tactile typing experience. Despite any differences between the top housings of the switches, they both offer a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Yellow Silver contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and translucent aesthetics for RGB lighting, they utilize nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller typing experience. The differences in the top and bottom housing materials allocate various qualities to different aspects of typing, allowing for a diverse and tactile typing experience with each switch.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch. The Brown switch requires 53 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter choice overall. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Brown switch, while those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Yellow Silver switch. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Brown tactile 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 of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. Despite having different characteristics in terms of tactility (Brown) and linearity (Yellow Silver), their travel distance remains identical. As a result, the typing experience with both switches will yield similar results in terms of keypress feel and overall actuation distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate sound level that is versatile for various users and environments. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer different auditory experiences tailored to individual preferences.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch provides a tactile bump during actuation, giving users a physical sensation when typing or gaming. This feedback can help improve typing accuracy and overall typing experience. However, the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch remains unknown, leaving its tactile characteristics up for exploration and discovery. Despite this, the linear nature of the Yellow Silver switch suggests a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump, catering to users who prefer a straight keypress with minimal resistance.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer distinct sound and potentially feel experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Brown switch excels in providing a quiet typing environment with tactile feedback, the Yellow Silver switch presents a neutral sound profile with a smooth keystroke suited for quick and responsive input. Depending on user preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, both switches from Outemu cater to different needs and are part of a diverse range of options available in the mechanical keyboard market. Ultimately, whether opting for the Brown tactile switch or the Yellow Silver linear switch, users can expect reliable performance and quality from Outemu switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, best use cases, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch for various tasks, the Brown tactile switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value speediness and responsiveness, especially for gaming or typing, the Yellow Silver linear switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and intended usage.
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