Outemu Dustproof Black vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Black and the TTC Yunhai offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists. The Dustproof Black switch, while lacking standout features, is often appreciated for its robust design, making it a durable choice for those who seek reliability in their keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai excels with its light actuation force and a unique deep, rounded sound profile, providing a typing experience that feels both effortless and satisfying, ideal for users who enjoy a gentle touch. While the Dustproof Black may appeal to those prioritizing longevity and consistency, the Yunhai is tailored for individuals who favor a smooth and enjoyable 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
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Black and the TTC Yunhai, one notable distinction exists in their top housing materials. The Dustproof Black features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer properties of polycarbonate. This characteristic makes it particularly effective in enhancing the clarity of sound, making the switch appealing for users who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Yunhai utilizes a nylon top housing; this material is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The softer plastic of nylon tends to create a more muted sound profile, offering a softer feedback that might be preferable for those who find a heavier typing experience more comfortable.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which eliminates some of the discrepancies when considering overall sound performance. Both the Dustproof Black and Yunhai offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out due to the use of nylon in the lower housing. The nylon's softer characteristics contribute to a rounded acoustic profile, providing a more cohesive typing experience with a deeper thock sound. Therefore, while the top housing materials bring about distinct sound qualities, the shared nylon bottom housing aligns their acoustic responses when the switches are fully pressed.
Ultimately, the combined features of the top and bottom housings result in a hybrid sound profile for both the Outemu Dustproof Black and the TTC Yunhai. The polycarbonate top of the Dustproof Black excels at emitting a bright clarity during release, while the nylon bottom rounds out the overall acoustic experience with a strong thud during key presses. Conversely, the Yunhai's nylon top leads to a more subdued release sound, complemented by its own nylon bottom, ensuring a consistently deeper impact when pressed. Thus, while users may have different preferences regarding sound characteristics due to the top housing materials, the similarities in the nylon bottoms help deliver a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch present noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varied user preferences. The Dustproof Black features a robust actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier option ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Yunhai switch offers a much lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it preferable for users who might favor longer typing sessions without fatigue. Those looking for lighter switches more suitable for prolonged use or gaming should lean towards the Yunhai, while users seeking a firmer feedback might prefer the heft of the Dustproof Black. Overall, the Outemu switch is clearly the heavier option, while the TTC Yunhai offers a lighter feel, with no shared values in actuation or bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Outemu Dustproof Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Dustproof Black offers a deeper key press, which some users might prefer for a more pronounced tactile experience, whereas the Yunhai's shorter distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. While both switches cater to different preferences, those who favor a more responsive feel may lean towards the Yunhai, whereas individuals who value a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might choose the Dustproof Black. Overall, the Dustproof Black has the longer travel distance, making it more suited for users who enjoy a more traditional typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
The Outemu Dustproof Black 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Black does not have a specific auditory profile that stands out, which suggests it may be fairly neutral or similar to other linear switches without prominent characteristics. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai boasts a unique deep, rounded sound profile, enhancing the auditory pleasure during typing. This distinct sound experience, combined with its gentle actuation force, can create a soothing and satisfying audio environment while typing. However, it’s essential to remember that sound is influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard build and keycap material, so both switches could potentially sound different when mounted on different boards or with various keycap profiles.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Dustproof Black lacks a defined description, leaving its tactile response somewhat ambiguous. This could mean it provides a standard linear feel, which tends to be smooth but may not offer any unique engagement feedback. On the other hand, the Yunhai switch is known for its incredibly light actuation force, delivering a gentle and effortless typing experience. This makes the Yunhai particularly appealing for typists who favor a lighter touch and fluid movements, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue.
In summary, the Outemu Dustproof Black presents a more neutral option both in sound and tactile feedback, while the TTC Yunhai offers a richer auditory profile and a uniquely light and effortless feel that could cater to those who enjoy a softer typing experience. If you seek a balanced Linear switch, the Dustproof Black may suffice, but for a more immersive and graceful typing experience, the Yunhai is likely to be the preferred choice between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use case. If you gravitate towards a firmer typing experience and prefer a heavier actuation force—ideal for gaming or situations where you want to minimize accidental key presses—the Outemu Dustproof Black, with its 80-gram bottom-out force, may be the better fit. This switch provides a more substantial feedback, which can help prevent unintentional keystrokes during intense gaming sessions. Conversely, if you favor a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai, with its 50-gram actuation force, is an excellent choice. Its unique deep, rounded sound profile complements its gentle feel, making it perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and ease of use are paramount. Overall, your decision should reflect your personal typing style: opt for the Dustproof Black if you desire a robust feel and heightened control, or select the Yunhai if you seek a smooth, relaxed experience.
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