Outemu Silent Grey vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Outemu Silent Yellow offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Silent Grey is highly praised for its quiet and tactile typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced bump and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow offers a linear feel without any tactile feedback. While both switches have their own merits, it ultimately comes down to 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 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 main difference between the Outemu Silent Grey and Outemu Silent Yellow switches lies in their top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer properties. This means that both switches will produce a similar sound profile when typing, making them ideal for users looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is translucent, making it perfect for switches that utilize RGB lighting for added aesthetics.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material, which is nylon for both switches. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, while the top housing of both switches contributes to a similar sound profile, the bottom housing material will play a role in determining the overall typing experience and sound quality of the switches.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Grey and Outemu Silent Yellow switches share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, their bottom housing material of nylon sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Silent Grey will offer a sharper and crisper sound due to the polycarbonate top housing, while the Silent Yellow will provide a deeper and fuller sound thanks to the nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch with an actuation force of 65 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Grey requires 65 grams, while the Silent Yellow needs 80 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow switch is heavier both in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Silent Grey for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those desiring a more substantial typing experience may choose the Silent Yellow for a stronger push feel. Both switches provide a silent operation, so regardless of which one you choose, you can expect similar quiet results.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. While the tactile and linear switches may have different mechanisms in terms of how they feel when pressed, the travel distance remains consistent between the two. This allows for a similar typing experience regardless of whether you are using the Silent Grey or Silent Yellow switch. In conclusion, both switches offer the same travel distance, providing consistent results for users.
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 Silent Grey 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
Overall, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying yet quiet keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have much information available regarding its sound and feel qualities. However, it can be presumed that the Silent Yellow switch offers a silent linear typing experience. If you are looking for a similar quiet typing experience but prefer a linear switch, the Silent Yellow switch may also be a good option to consider. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for either tactile or linear switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, you should choose the Outemu Silent Grey switches. These switches are perfect for those seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a linear typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches would be a better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider these factors carefully before making your decision to ensure you choose the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
