Outemu Red vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red and TTC Yunhai offer two distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Outemu Red stands out with its smooth keystroke and lack of tactile feedback, making it a solid choice for gamers who prioritize speed and fluidity in their gameplay. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches provide a unique typing experience characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, appealing to typists who desire a gentle and effortless feel while typing. While both switches cater to users looking for a quiet and linear input, their different characteristics may sway a user's preference depending on whether they prioritize gaming performance or typing comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Red Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$3.10 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Red and TTC Yunhai switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Outemu Red features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its sharper, crisper sound qualities. This stiffer material amplifies higher-pitched frequencies, resulting in a sound that is both clear and resonant. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the effect of RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option for those who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai employs a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon dampens the acoustic properties, yielding a sound that is rounder and more subdued. This significant difference in top housing materials directly affects the audible experience of each switch.

Both the Outemu Red and the TTC Yunhai share a common ground when it comes to their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon. This congruence means that both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience when it comes to bottoming out. The nylon material in this context is effective for reducing unwanted noise and promoting a more refined, mellow sound profile that is pleasant to the ear. Regardless of the differing top housings, the comprehensive bottom housing design means that users will encounter a consistent tactile feedback and deeper acoustic qualities resulting from the nylon’s ability to absorb sound.

Ultimately, the combined effects of the housing materials determine the overall performance of each switch. While the Outemu Red’s polycarbonate top contributes a bright, clear sound upon release, paired with a nylon bottom that adds depth during bottoming out, the TTC Yunhai's entirely nylon configuration creates a more uniform, rounded sound throughout both phases of the keypress. Consequently, those who appreciate the nuanced differences each material brings will have distinct preferences based on their desired sound profiles; however, users seeking a fuller sound feel may find both switches satisfactory, albeit for different reasons tied to the unique impact of their top and bottom housing materials.

Weight

The Outemu Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch differ in both actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their feel and suitability for various users. The Outemu Red features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Yunhai switch is easier to press down and less taxing on the fingers, which can be advantageous for long typing sessions or extended gaming. The heavier Outemu Red, on the other hand, provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger resistance when typing. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch for comfort will likely gravitate towards the TTC Yunhai, while those who appreciate a firmer response may choose the Outemu Red.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the distinctions are clear. The Outemu Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai measures at 3.6 mm. This means that the Outemu Red offers a longer travel distance, providing a deeper keystroke that some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai's shorter travel distance can cater to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation during gameplay. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the TTC Yunhai would be the ideal choice, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the Outemu Red.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Red linear switch is relatively quiet, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more discreet typing experience, especially in shared environments. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is known for its deep, rounded sound profile, adding a more pronounced auditory signature to keystrokes. This unique sound can enhance the typing experience, providing a satisfying feedback that some users might prefer. It’s essential to note that sound is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, which can affect the overall acoustics.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Red switches are characterized by their smooth linear action, offering consistent resistance throughout the keypress; however, they don’t have specific standout qualities noted in the provided information. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches are celebrated for their incredibly light actuation force, which provides a gentle and effortless typing experience. This lower resistance can allow for quicker typing and less finger fatigue during extended use, appealing to those looking for an easy-going feel while typing.

In summary, while the Outemu Red switch offers a quiet experience with a smooth feel, the TTC Yunhai switch provides a notable auditory quality combined with a lighter touch for effortless typing. Both switches have their own merits, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the subtlety of the Outemu Reds or the highlighted characteristics of the Yunhai switches, you can find satisfaction in either choice depending on your priorities in typographic sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Red linear and the TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you prioritize in a keyboard experience. If you prefer a balance between resistance and tactile feedback, the Outemu Red, with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, may be the better option, especially if you enjoy a firmer typing experience that can enhance your accuracy and control during intense gaming sessions or prolonged typing tasks. On the other hand, if you find yourself drawn to a lighter, more effortless typing feel, the TTC Yunhai switches, with their light 50-gram actuation force, would be ideal. These switches are particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a satisfying, gentle keystroke with a unique deep and rounded sound profile. Therefore, if you're looking for an easier typing experience with fast actuation and less finger fatigue, the Yunhai may be your best pick. Ultimately, it’s about matching the switch to your personal style—whether that’s the steadiness of the Outemu Red or the softness of the TTC Yunhai—ensuring your keyboard feels just right for you.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more