Outemu Purple vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple 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 Purple, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silent Yellow, a linear switch. The Outemu Purple switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when the key is actuated. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. While the Purple switch offers a tactile typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch provides a smooth and linear keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Purple and Outemu Silent Yellow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Purple's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing also offers a rounder sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound effectively.
While the top housings of both switches share the same polycarbonate material, the contrasting nylon bottom housings showcase different sound qualities. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction allows for a unique typing experience with each switch, with the Purple offering a clearer sound profile and the Silent Yellow providing a softer, fuller sound.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Outemu Purple and the Outemu Silent Yellow ensures a consistent sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This translates to a clear and resonant sound experience for users, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. While the nylon bottom housing may influence the overall sound profile, the shared polycarbonate top housing ensures a similar level of sound clarity and aesthetics for both switches.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force of the Purple is lighter at 50 grams, while the Silent Yellow requires a heavier touch at 65 grams. The bottom out force of the Purple is unknown, in contrast to the Silent Yellow which has a substantial bottom out force of 80 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Outemu Purple would be the ideal choice as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more pronounced typing experience may opt for the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Silent Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a standard travel distance which can provide a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. The Outemu Purple and Outemu Silent Yellow switches are equal in this aspect, making them both suitable choices for those who prefer a consistent and predictable key travel distance.
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 Purple 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 Purple tactile switch is best known for its smooth and responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more tactile feel while typing. It produces a satisfying bump when pressed, resulting in a audible click that can be satisfying for typists who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is best known for its quiet operation, making it a great option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. The lack of tactile feedback in the Silent Yellow allows for a smooth keystroke without the audible click that can be disruptive in certain environments.
When it comes to sound, the Purple switch is known for its clicky sound that can be satisfying for some users, while the Silent Yellow switch is designed to minimize noise, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The feel of both switches also varies, with the Purple switch offering a tactile bump that provides feedback with each press, while the Silent Yellow switch delivers a smooth keystroke with no tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the decision between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a more tactile typing experience with audible feedback, the Purple switch may be the better option for you. However, if you value a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch may be the more suitable choice. Both switches offer high quality performance, so you can expect a reliable and enjoyable typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, the decision will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light touch and appreciate a tactile bump for feedback, the Outemu Purple switches would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier touch and prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches would be more suitable. Consider the bottom out force, sound, and feel characteristics mentioned earlier to determine which switch would best suit your needs. Overall, both switches offer unique benefits, so make sure to test them out and see which one feels best for you.
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