Outemu Silent White vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and the SP-Star Yanyu both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The silent white is a linear switch that is best known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu is also a linear switch, but it stands out for its delicate typing experience and crisp sound profile, especially appealing to those who type for long periods of time. The Silent White is categorized as 'Neutral', while the Yanyu falls under categories such as 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and qualities that make them suitable for different typing preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and SP-Star Yanyu, it is evident that both switches offer unique characteristics. The Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile suitable for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yanyu utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a pleasant and brighter sound without being overly sharp. While both materials contribute to a clear sound profile, they differ in the level of sharpness and brightness they provide.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent White employs a nylon material, known for eliciting a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Yanyu incorporates a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing, resulting in a unique sound profile that is pleasant and bright. While both materials absorb sound to create a rounder sound, the Yanyu's blend offers a different tonality compared to the Silent White's nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in each switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and feel. The qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the two parts of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Whether it be the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing or the Yanyu's blend top housing, each switch offers a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Silent White switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Yanyu, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Yanyu is lighter with 43 grams, while the Silent White requires 60 grams to bottom out. This means that the Yanyu switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch. On the other hand, the Silent White switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch. This means that the Silent White offers a slightly shorter keypress distance compared to the Yanyu. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Silent White due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keypress experience may lean towards the Yanyu with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different keypress experiences, with the Silent White providing a shorter travel distance for quicker inputs, while the Yanyu offers a longer travel distance for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
The Outemu Silent White 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 White linear switch is best known for its quiet operation, making it a great choice for those seeking a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a crisp sound profile with a thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. The choice of sound between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Silent White offering a quieter operation while the Yanyu provides a more distinct and audible typing feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's specific characteristics are not known. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a variety of descriptors that indicate a gentle and light typing experience. With attributes like being mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, the Yanyu switch provides a smooth and comfortable typing feel that minimizes finger fatigue and strain. This makes the Yanyu switch a favorable choice for prolonged typing sessions, whether for gaming, work, or school purposes.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silent White excels in providing a quiet typing experience, ideal for those looking to minimize noise output. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch stands out for its crisp sound profile and gentle typing feel, making it a great option for users seeking a more satisfying and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both switches offer reliable performance and quality that will deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent White linear switch would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a better option. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider what factors are most important to you in a switch and choose accordingly.
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