Outemu Silent Grey vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Outemu Yellow Silver stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Silent Grey is a tactile switch known for its quiet operation and highly satisfying typing experience due to its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver is a linear switch with a light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists looking for speediness and responsiveness. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, but ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches are quite similar, both featuring polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that provides a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their nylon bottom housings. The Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing results in a similar effect, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, the Outemu Silent Grey and Outemu Yellow Silver switches both offer a unique typing experience. The combination of the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in each switch splits the qualities of the housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a dynamic typing experience that is both responsive and tactile.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Grey and Outemu Yellow Silver switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, they diverge in their nylon bottom housing materials. Both types of switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences, with the Silent Grey producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its nylon bottom housing, and the Yellow Silver offering a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in typing feel and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Yellow Silver is the lighter option. The Silent Grey has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Yellow Silver has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Yellow Silver, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Silent Grey due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing comfort and response.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, you will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. While one is a tactile switch and the other is a linear switch, their travel distances remain equal, providing a similar typing experience in terms of keypress depth. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and responsive feel, making them suitable options for those who prefer a moderate travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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 Silent Grey tactile switch is known for providing a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This makes them ideal for individuals looking for a satisfying yet silent switch option. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it a popular choice among gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. While the sound and feel of the switches may vary based on personal preferences and setup, both options offer distinct qualities that cater to different user needs. Ultimately, whether you choose the Silent Grey or Yellow Silver switch, you can expect a quality typing experience that aligns with your desired characteristics in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch or the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, then the Silent Grey would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, ideal for gaming and fast typing, then the Yellow Silver switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
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