Outemu Gold vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Outemu Silent Yellow 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 Gold, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Silent Yellow, a linear switch. The Gold switch is known for its audible click sound and tactile feedback, making each keystroke satisfying and responsive. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch provides a smooth and quiet typing experience without the loud clicky sound, perfect for those who prefer a more discreet typing option. While the Gold switch may be preferred for its tactile feedback and audible click, the Silent Yellow switch offers a quieter and more seamless 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
The Outemu Gold and Outemu Silent Yellow switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, making these switches visually appealing. However, the differences lie in their bottom housings, with the Gold featuring a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Yellow also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the materials used in the bottom housing contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Despite the similarities in the top housings of the Outemu Gold and Outemu Silent Yellow switches, their bottom housings play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This allows for a quieter typing experience, ideal for those looking for a more subtle sound while typing. The split between the top and bottom housing materials ensures a balanced typing experience, with each component contributing different qualities to the overall feel of the switches.
When comparing the Outemu Gold and Outemu Silent Yellow switches, it is evident that their housing materials significantly impact the sound profile and tactile feel of the switches. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in their bottom housings, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Gold or a quieter typing experience with the Silent Yellow, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. This means that the Gold switch will be easier to trigger a keystroke with a lighter touch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Yellow switch has a bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow switch will require a bit more force to fully press down the key. In terms of weight, the Gold switch falls more on the lighter side, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch is heavier, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that they both provide a consistent distance for users to press down on the key. The user experience in terms of travel distance will be similar for both switches, ensuring that users will get the same results regardless of which switch they choose to use. This similarity in travel distance between the two switches makes them equally suitable for different typing preferences, whether you prefer the clicky feedback of the Gold switch or the smooth linear feel of the Silent Yellow switch.
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 Gold 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 Gold clicky switch is well-known for its crisp and pronounced click sound, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is favored for its quiet operation, providing a smooth keystroke without the disruptive noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. When it comes to sound, the Gold switch will deliver a clicky and tactile experience, while the Silent Yellow switch will offer a silent and linear typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is praised for its tactile bump and satisfying click feedback, providing a tactile typing experience that some find more engaging and responsive. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer a more fluid typing experience without any interruptions. When it comes to feel, the Gold switch will offer a tactile and clicky response, while the Silent Yellow switch will provide a smooth and linear keystroke.
Overall, if you prefer a loud and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Gold clicky switch will be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch would be more suitable. Both switches have their strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you choose the Gold or Silent Yellow switch, you can expect reliable performance from both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider the characteristics that suit your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy the satisfying clicky sound of the Gold switch, then it would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and value a smooth and silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing force. Keep these factors in mind when selecting the switch that aligns best with your preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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