Outemu Gold vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and the SP-Star Yanyu offer distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Gold is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible sound when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is a linear switch, perfect for users seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience. The Yanyu's material blend provides a crisp sound profile, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. While the Outemu Gold is categorized as a clicky switch, the Yanyu falls into categories such as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Gold and the SP-Star Yanyu, it is clear that they have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Gold's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which leans towards a brighter sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Gold switch creates a more resonant and clear sound, while the unique blend in the Yanyu switch provides a pleasant and slightly brighter sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Gold's nylon bottom housing generates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing offers a unique sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter. The difference in material composition between the two switches results in distinctive sound qualities that cater to individual preferences. While the Gold switch may provide a duller and rounder sound due to the nylon bottom housing, the Yanyu switch produces a sound that is not particularly sharp but brighter overall.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Gold and the SP-Star Yanyu ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Gold switch's use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound, while the Yanyu switch's unique blend in both the top and bottom housings offers a pleasant and slightly brighter sound experience. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, making them ideal options for different preferences in typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams compared to the Gold's 60 grams. The actuation force of the Gold switch provides a more substantial typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Yanyu switch allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for extended periods of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing experience and weight preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of key travel distance when pressed. The 4 mm travel distance allows for a comfortable typing experience for users of both switches. Overall, whether you choose the Outemu Gold clicky switch or the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, you can expect to receive similar results in terms of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
The Outemu Gold 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
The Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for its unique clicky sound profile, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is favored for its crisp sound profile, making it perfect for those seeking a delicate typing experience. The Gold switch offers a distinct clicking sound while typing, adding a tactile and auditory dimension to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch provides a neutral and thocky sound, offering a deep and satisfying typing experience suitable for various purposes, whether at home or work. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Gold switch leaning towards a more tactile and clicky sound, and the Yanyu switch offering a smoother and deeper typing sound.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Outemu Gold switch information is unavailable. Conversely, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle and light typing experience ideal for extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switch offers a middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users, with a light actuation force reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for long typing sessions. The polished finish of the Yanyu switch ensures smooth key travel with reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Gold clicky switch stands out for its unique clicky sound profile that adds a tactile dimension to typing, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch impresses with its crisp sound profile and gentle typing feel. Both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Depending on your preference for either a clicky or linear switch and your desired typing experience, you can choose between the Outemu Gold and SP-Star Yanyu switches to achieve the desired results.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a more tactile and clicky typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience, especially for extended typing sessions, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch could be a better fit. Additionally, if you value a gentle typing feel with a subtle sound profile, the Yanyu switch offers a more neutral and polished typing experience compared to the Gold switch. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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