Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the TTC Yunhai stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch, ideal for users who appreciate a noticeable bump during key presses, providing both feedback and a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai is a linear switch known for its smooth actuation and soft keystroke, offering a gentle and noise-free experience that many typists find appealing. These unique attributes cater to different preferences: the Dustproof Brown might be suited for gamers and typists looking for that tactile response, while the Yunhai could be perfect for those who favor a quieter and more seamless typing action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Dustproof Brown and the TTC Yunhai switches showcase distinct approaches to housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic characteristics. The Dustproof Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its rigidity. This rigid construction enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing, making it particularly appealing for users who prioritize a defined auditory feedback. Furthermore, polycarbonate's translucence allows for effective RGB lighting when used in keyboards, making it not only a functional but also an aesthetically pleasing choice. In stark contrast, the Yunhai switch utilizes a nylon top housing, celebrated for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials like polycarbonate, yielding a sound that's more muted but rich in depth.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which establishes a sonic connection between them. The bottom housing plays a critical role in determining the sound and feel during the keypress's bottom-out, as the nylon material contributes to a rounded and warm auditory experience. This shared housing material in the Dustproof Brown and Yunhai ensures that, despite their differences in top housing, users can expect a consistent deep and rich sound when fully engaging the switch. In effect, while the top housings of these switches yield contrasting sound profiles, the use of nylon in the bottoms helps unify their acoustic experience when keys are fully depressed.
When considering the overall typing experience, juxtaposing the Dustproof Brown and the Yunhai highlights how both switches leverage different materials for distinct results. While the polycarbonate top of the Dustproof Brown enhances sharpness and clarity, making it ideal for those seeking a crisp keystroke response, the Yunhai offers a pronounced warmth and depth with its nylon top. Nonetheless, the presence of nylon in both switches’ bottom housing ensures that users will experience a commonality in their typing sensations, particularly in how the switch feels as it bottoms out. This interplay between different top and bottom materials leads to a rich acoustic and tactile typing experience, illustrating the nuanced impact of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Dustproof Brown switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Yunhai switch is lighter, featuring an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which leans towards a light typing experience. As a result, those who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may prefer the TTC Yunhai for its lower actuation force and reduced bottom out pressure. Meanwhile, users who appreciate a more substantial push and tactile feedback might find the Outemu Dustproof Brown more satisfying, despite it being heavier. Overall, while both switches serve specific needs, the greater actuation and bottom out forces of the Dustproof Brown create a more forceful typing experience, compared to the lighter touch of the Yunhai switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it becomes evident that the Dustproof Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai measures at 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference may seem minor, but it can significantly affect the typing experience for users. The Outemu Dustproof Brown, with its traditional travel distance, offers a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users might prefer for a deeper feel when typing. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for fast-paced scenarios. Thus, if responsiveness is your priority, the Yunhai would be the better option, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience might gravitate toward the Dustproof Brown.
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 Brown 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, while the specifics of the Outemu Dustproof Brown's acoustic qualities are not clearly defined, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is praised for its deep, rounded sound profile. This sound can be especially appealing to those who appreciate a richer auditory experience when typing. However, it is important to note that the final sound produced by any switch can significantly vary based on the choice of keyboard build and keycap material, leading to a potential overlap in the overall auditory experience depending on how each switch is implemented within a keyboard.
Regarding feel, the Dustproof Brown lacks detailed descriptions, making it harder to assess its tactile feedback. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is characterized by an incredibly light actuation force that provides a gentle and effortless typing experience. This lightweight design makes the Yunhai particularly suitable for users who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile resistance found in other switch types. The tactile response of the Dustproof Brown is left unspecified, which limits the ability to draw direct comparisons in terms of feel.
In conclusion, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch stands out with its distinct auditory and tactile qualities, the Outemu Dustproof Brown does not provide sufficient information to gauge its performance in these areas. The Yunhai offers a refined typing experience with its soft actuation and rounded sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize these attributes. Meanwhile, without clearer characteristics for the Dustproof Brown, users may need to experiment with it themselves to understand its tactile and sonic qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more tactile feedback while typing and don't mind a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Dustproof Brown is a solid choice, especially if you enjoy that satisfying resistance during your keystrokes. It's ideal for typists who like to feel the actuation point distinctly, which can improve typing accuracy for those who are accustomed to more feedback in their switches. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, quieter experience with a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, the TTC Yunhai linear switch would be more suitable. This switch is excellent for those who appreciate a gentle, effortless typing sensation, making it a fantastic option for gamers or typists who spend long hours on their keyboards. Consider the sound profile and overall tactile experience you're after, as the Dustproof Brown may provide that tactile sound and feedback you desire, while the Yunhai offers a more subdued, rounded sound that complements its effortless feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs, whether you favor tactile feedback or a smooth, effortless typing experience.
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