Outemu Purple vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various switch types, and two popular options are the Outemu Purple and the TTC Yunhai. The Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that provides distinct feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a pronounced response when typing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai, classified as a linear switch, delivers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience characterized by a gentle actuation force, which appeals to users who prefer a quieter and effortlessly fluid typing feel. While the Purple is favored for its tactile sensation, the Yunhai shines with its soft touch and subtle sound profile. These contrasting attributes cater to different typing preferences, emphasizing either tactile feedback or linear smoothness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Purple switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly influences their sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate amplifies the clarity of each keystroke, creating a sharper and higher-pitched auditory experience. This characteristic makes the Outemu Purple particularly appealing to gamers and typists who appreciate the articulated feedback provided by each keypress. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate enhances the visibility of RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic element that complements its audio performance. As a result, the combination of polycarbonate for the top housing effectively balances sound clarity with visual appeal.
In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches feature a nylon top housing, introducing a different auditory experience. Nylon, known for its softer and more absorbent properties, generates a deeper and more full-bodied sound when typing. This material dampens the sharpness associated with harder plastics, producing a rounder sound that may be favored by users looking for a more immersive typing experience. While the polycarbonate of the Outemu Purple excels at producing a brighter sound, the nylon of the Yunhai emphasizes warmth and fullness. This distinction illustrates how the choice of top housing material can significantly alter the acoustic character of a switch.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Outemu Purple and TTC Yunhai switches employ nylon. This shared choice of material ensures that both switches deliver a depth of sound and a rounded feel when typing, regardless of the differences presented by their top housings. The nylon bottom housing absorbs impact and reduces harshness, fostering a consistent, deeper sound profile when bottoming out. Consequently, while the top housings of the Outemu Purple and TTC Yunhai create contrasting results in sound clarity and pitch, their similar nylon bottom housings create a foundation of comparable auditory experiences that users can expect when either switch is engaged. Ultimately, whether through the clearer tones of polycarbonate or the richness of nylon, each switch material ultimately contributes to a unique typing experience that reflects user preference.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Purple is unknown. The Outemu Purple requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the lighter 42 grams of the Yunhai switch. This means that the Purple switch may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai, with its lower actuation force, allows for easier keystrokes, making it suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. The Yunhai switch also has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires more effort to fully depress the key, aligning with the Purple’s heavier actuation. Consequently, for those who favor a lighter typing experience, the TTC Yunhai is the better option, while the Outemu Purple caters to users seeking more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it’s evident that they cater to different preferences in feel and responsiveness. The Outemu Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional and provides a fuller keypress experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers. This variance in travel distance indicates that the Purple switch offers a more substantial depth, while the Yunhai allows for faster actuation, which some may find preferable for rapid input. Ultimately, those who seek a rich tactile feedback may lean towards the Outemu Purple, whereas users prioritizing speed and responsiveness may prefer the TTC Yunhai due to its shorter travel distance.
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 Purple 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 Purple tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile noted, which leaves its acoustic characteristics open to interpretation. However, tactile switches are generally known for providing a satisfying feedback sound when bottomed out or when the tactile bump is engaged. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a deep, rounded sound profile that is distinctively pleasing, making each keystroke feel more satisfying without the harshness often associated with clicks. The overall sound experience can vary greatly depending on the keyboard layout, the type of keycaps used, and even the material of the plate, so both switches can yield unique auditory experiences based on individual setups.
When it comes to feel, the Purple switch's specific tactile sensation isn't mentioned, which makes it hard to compare directly, but tactile switches typically offer a noticeable bump at the actuation point that provides feedback to the typist. On the other hand, the Yunhai switch is characterized by its incredibly light actuation force, which allows for a smooth and effortless keystroke. This feature appeals to users who prefer a gentler touch, making the Yunhai ideal for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. The differences in tactile feedback may greatly influence user preference depending on what one values in a typing experience.
In summary, while the Outemu Purple lacks specific descriptors for its sound and feel, the TTC Yunhai linear switch stands out with its deep sound and very light actuation force, providing a unique typing experience. If you're looking for a tactile bump or a more defined click, the Purple may still offer a satisfactory option, while the Yunhai presents an effortless linear experience. For those prioritizing sound and a smooth keystroke, the Yunhai is the clear choice. Both switches can provide enjoyable experiences, but understanding your personal preferences will guide you toward the right one for you.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you find yourself leaning towards a tactile experience that offers noticeable feedback without requiring much force, the Outemu Purple might be your best option. However, since the specifics of its tactile feel and sound are not available, you might want to consider it if you're specifically looking for a switch that provides some level of feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth, linear feel and prefer a lighter actuation, the TTC Yunhai is an excellent choice. It offers an effortless typing experience with a low actuation force, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without any fatigue. Additionally, the deep and rounded sound profile adds a satisfying audio dimension to your typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and whether you prioritize tactility or a smooth, effortless keystroke.
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