Outemu Silent Grey vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Grey and the TTC Yunhai present two distinct options tailored to specific typing preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey is revered for its quiet operation and tactile feedback, delivering a satisfying typing experience with its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals or gamers who require a noiseless yet responsive switch, allowing them to type with confidence without disturbing those around them. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai stands out with its linear design, featuring a gentle actuation force and a unique, deep sound profile that creates a luxurious typing sensation. Ideal for those who favor a smoother keypress, these switches offer an effortless feel, making them suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Silent Grey and the TTC Yunhai exhibit distinct characteristics primarily due to their differing top housing materials. The Silent Grey uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality enables it to offer a more resonant auditory experience, especially beneficial for those who favor a brighter and more articulate typing sensation. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and presents a deeper, fuller sound profile. This material's ability to absorb more sound results in a more muted, rounder typing experience. Consequently, while both switches are designed to facilitate enjoyable typing sessions, they cater to different auditory preferences, with the Silent Grey emphasizing clarity and brightness, and the Yunhai focusing on warmth and depth.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches align in their use of nylon, which further unifies the typing experience across the two models. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, regardless of whether it is housed by the Silent Grey or the Yunhai. This consistency means that users can expect similar auditory qualities from the base of both switches, focusing on the impactful bottom-out sound and overall feel when the key is pressed down. The shared utilization of nylon for the bottom housing reinforces the idea that users will have a similar tactile experience, even if the auditory nuances might differ due to their contrasting top materials.
The combination of these materials results in a nuanced balance of sound profiles for each switch. With the Silent Grey featuring a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom, it offers a unique blend where the sharpness from the top contrasts harmoniously with the fullness from the bottom. On the other hand, the Yunhai, with a uniform nylon composition for both top and bottom housings, tends to provide a consistently rounded and subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, both keyboards serve unique user needs—be those looking for any balance of sound or a specific tonal quality—while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will benefit from the same underlying depth and richness, regardless of the top housing material used.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that appeals to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Yunhai switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, aligning it with the lighter preference for extended use during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. This means that users favoring a softer touch and less finger fatigue may find the Yunhai more comfortable, while those who enjoy a firmer key feel might opt for the Silent Grey. Thus, the Outemu Silent Grey is the heavier switch, while the TTC Yunhai is the lighter option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the differences are clear. The Silent Grey features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional and hearty tactile feel that some users prefer. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who favor quicker key presses, often preferred by gamers for faster response times. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides a deeper and more substantial press, the Silent Grey is the better choice, while the Yunhai offers a more responsive experience with 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 Silent Grey 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Grey switch excels in providing a quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise could be a distraction. Its design minimizes any audible feedback while still offering a tactile response, allowing for a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch offers a deeper, rounded sound profile that creates a more pronounced auditory experience. This switch emits a gentle yet noticeable sound, striking a balance between a pleasing acoustic quality and a softer typing experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback without it being overly loud.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Grey switch is characterized by its highly tactile experience, featuring a pronounced bump that provides physical feedback upon actuation. This tactile nature delivers a sense of satisfaction, especially for users who enjoy the feeling of a defined point during typing. Conversely, the Yunhai switch stands out with its incredibly light actuation force, making it feel effortless to type on. The lack of a tactile bump lends to a smoother keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a more fluid and less resistive typing experience.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Grey and TTC Yunhai switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they provide distinct yet satisfying typing experiences. If you desire a quiet, tactile response, the Silent Grey is a fantastic choice, whereas the Yunhai appeals to those seeking a softer touch and deeper acoustics. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a tactile sensation and silence or a smooth, effortless action with a deeper sound profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for both sound and feel in your typing experience. If you prioritize a more tactile response with noticeable feedback, along with a silent operation suitable for shared workspaces or quiet settings, the Silent Grey will serve you well due to its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams and highly tactile nature. This switch is particularly favored by those who enjoy the satisfaction of a pronounced bump without the disruptive sound of a click. On the other hand, if you prefer a more fluid, gentle typing experience characterized by a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, the Yunhai switches will likely appeal to you. With their deep, rounded sound profile, these switches create a unique experience for those who enjoy typing without the strain of heavier keystrokes. In summary, choose the Silent Grey for a satisfying tactile feedback and quiet operation, and select the Yunhai for a light, smooth, and effortless typing experience.
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