Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow. The Dustproof Brown switch is a tactile switch, providing a noticeable bump when pressed, making it ideal for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile feedback, perfect for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience. While the Dustproof Brown switch is known for its tactile feedback, and the Silent Yellow switch is praised for its silence, both switches have their own unique qualities that may suit different preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow lies in their top housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Visually, polycarbonate is a translucent material, making it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, when it comes to sound and aesthetics, both switches offer similar qualities due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material sets the two switches apart. The Dustproof Brown features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the typing experience, with the Dustproof Brown offering a more substantial and impactful feel when typing.
Overall, the combination of materials in the top and bottom housing of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. While both the Outemu Dustproof Brown and Outemu Silent Yellow share a polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, the distinction in the nylon bottom housing sets them apart. The Dustproof Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, making it ideal for those looking for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing results in a duller and rounder sound profile, catering to a different preference in typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dustproof Brown. The Dustproof Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, categorizing it as a heavy switch. While some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dustproof Brown for extended typing or gaming sessions, others may lean towards the heavier feel of the Silent Yellow for a more sturdy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either of these switches, the user will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. While the Dustproof Brown provides a tactile bump sensation during the key press, the Silent Yellow offers a smooth and quiet linear action. Both switches have the same travel distance, so regardless of which one is chosen, users can expect to have a similar typing experience in terms of the travel distance of the keys.
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 Dustproof 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
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is known for providing a satisfying tactile feedback without the loud clicking sound often associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is designed to be silent, making it ideal for environments where noise may be a concern. The Dustproof Brown switch may have a slightly more pronounced tactile bump compared to the smooth linear action of the Silent Yellow switch.
When it comes to sound, the Dustproof Brown switch produces a subtle noise with the tactile bump, giving a satisfying typing experience without being too loud. In contrast, the Silent Yellow switch is nearly silent, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Brown switch offers a tactile feedback that is noticeable without being overly pronounced, providing a pleasant typing sensation for those who enjoy tactile switches. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch provides a smooth and consistent linear feel, which some users may find more comfortable for longer typing sessions. Both switches are designed to be durable and long-lasting, ensuring a reliable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch offer distinct typing experiences based on their sound and feel characteristics. The Dustproof Brown switch is ideal for those who prefer a tactile bump without a loud noise, while the Silent Yellow switch is perfect for users who value a silent typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy the tactile feedback provided by the Dustproof Brown, it may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and value a smooth, silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual preferences for typing feel and sound.
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