Outemu Dustproof Blue vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the TTC Yunhai. The Outemu Dustproof Blue switch is a clicky switch known for its tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it a favored choice for typists who enjoy a more pronounced response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch offers a contrasting linear experience, celebrated for its smooth action and light actuation force, which allows for quick and effortless typing, perfect for those who value speed and fluidity in their input. Each switch has its unique advantages; the Dustproof Blue caters to those who appreciate auditory feedback and a more tactile interaction, while the Yunhai appeals to users seeking a more seamless and gentle keystroke. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
The Outemu Dustproof Blue and TTC Yunhai switches exhibit a fascinating contrast when it comes to their top housing materials. The Dustproof Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic not only enhances clarity but also creates a more resonant auditory experience, particularly favorable for RGB lighting enthusiasts due to the plastic's translucency. In contrast, the Yunhai employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for providing a deeper, fuller sound. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder audio profile. This distinct difference in material choice directly influences the auditory qualities of each switch, making the Dustproof Blue more suited for bright, vivid lighting setups, while the Yunhai leans towards a warm, muted acoustic ambiance.
Comparing the bottom housings reveals some similarities between the two switches, as both the Dustproof Blue and Yunhai utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the switch's acoustic character during key presses. This shared material ensures that both switches provide a consistent experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and overall feel — a hallmark of nylon’s impact on keyboard acoustics. Therefore, while the top housings create differing sound profiles, the deep and rounded acoustics provided by the nylon bottom housing can lead to a more coherent pallete when typing on both switches.
Ultimately, when considering the overall impact of their materials, the combination of the contrasting top housings with the shared nylon bottom housing means that users will experience distinct sound profiles during various stages of key engagement. The sharper sound of the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate top contrasts with the rounder tones produced by the Yunhai's nylon top, yet both bottom housings deliver a rich depth that grounds the typing experience. Users seeking brightness and clarity may gravitate toward the Dustproof Blue, while those favoring warmth and fullness might prefer the Yunhai, yet the shared nylon in the lower sections of both switches ensures that they maintain a consistent quality in key bottoming out, appealing to a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact the typing experience. The Dustproof Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Yunhai switch is distinctly lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions would favor the Yunhai, while users seeking a more substantial feel might lean towards the Dustproof Blue. Overall, the Dustproof Blue is the heavier of the two options, providing a firmer tactile feedback compared to the lighter sensation of the Yunhai, which could lead to reduced strain during prolonged use for those who prioritize comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Dustproof Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the longer side and caters to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. In contrast, the Yunhai features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option. This difference can significantly affect user experience; gamers often gravitate towards switches with shorter travel distances for quicker response times, while others may appreciate the deeper feel of a longer travel. Therefore, if you desire a more responsive feel, the TTC Yunhai linear switch would be the better choice, whereas those who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes would lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Blue.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch is characterized by its distinctive auditory feedback, typical of clicky switches, which provides a pronounced and satisfying click with each keystroke. This results in an engaging typing experience that many typists find appealing, especially for those who enjoy the nostalgia of classic typewriters. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a much quieter operation, producing a deep, rounded sound that is subtle and unobtrusive. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a more muted acoustic environment, allowing for a stealthier typing experience without sacrificing enjoyment.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Blue is known for its tactile feedback defined by a noticeable bump at the actuation point, catering to typists who enjoy a more pronounced response with every key press. This tactile response contributes to an engaging typing experience that many find satisfying, particularly for touch typists. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch provides an incredibly light actuation force that allows for smooth and effortless key presses. This quality makes the Yunhai suitable for users who favor a fluid and fast typing experience without the distraction of tactile bumps or clicks, appealing to gamers and fast typists alike.
In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch delivers a loud and tactile experience that enhances the joy of typing, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a gentle and quiet alternative that caters to those who prefer a smoother and lighter touch. Each switch provides a unique typing experience, and your ultimate preference will likely depend on whether you value auditory feedback and tactile feedback or seek a seamless, low-resistance experience. Whichever you choose, both switches can create enjoyable typing atmospheres, so it’s essential to consider your personal priorities in sound and feel when making a decision.
Conclusion
In summary, selecting between the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback and the satisfying "click" sound that accompanies it, the Dustproof Blue may be the right choice for you, especially given its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, which can provide a more pronounced and deliberate typing experience. This makes it particularly suited for those who appreciate a responsive feel, especially in environments where audible feedback is beneficial for typing accuracy. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother, quieter typing experience with a lighter touch, the TTC Yunhai linear switch should be your go-to option. Its 50-gram bottom out force allows for effortless keystrokes, which can be especially appealing for extended typing sessions or gaming. The deep, rounded sound profile of the Yunhai switches contributes to a soothing atmosphere, making them ideal for minimalist setups or shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards tactile feedback and audible cues or prefer a smooth and effortless keystroke.
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