Outemu Silent White vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and the TTC Yunhai both present appealing options for users who prefer linear switches. The Silent White, while lacking specific standout features, is appreciated for its smooth keypress and the absence of tactile feedback, which caters to those seeking a minimalist and streamlined typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai offers a unique typing experience with its deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, making it ideal for typists who prefer a gentle and effortless feel. While the Silent White might appeal to users looking for simplicity and functionality, the Yunhai really shines for those who value auditory feedback and minimal resistance during typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the TTC Yunhai switches, a significant difference can be observed in the top housing composition. The Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a more clear and resonant output. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai incorporates a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for producing a fuller and deeper sound profile. The softer properties of nylon absorb sound rather than amplifying it, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while one switch emphasizes clarity and brightness, the other prioritizes depth and warmth, showcasing the distinct sonic qualities each material brings to a user’s typing experience.
Both switches share their bottom housing material, which is made of nylon, leading to similarities in the sound profile they create during key presses. With both utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent, deep, and full sound when bottoming out, as nylon continues to absorb sound effectively. The acknowledgment of this shared material indicates that the tactile feel and audible feedback when the key is pressed down will be similar, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials. This similarity serves to create a balanced interaction, where the deeper sounds from the nylon can resonate together with the differing qualities of the top housings.
In summary, while the Silent White and Yunhai switches diverge in the material of their top housings—polycarbonate for a brighter sound in the Silent White and nylon for a rounder sound in the Yunhai—the bottom housings unite them in producing a similar auditory experience when the keys are fully pressed. This interplay between stiff and soft plastics allows for a multifaceted typing experience, where the keypress dynamics vary upon descent and ascent, providing an overall cohesive feeling and sound. Thus, users can appreciate a blend of sharpness or depth, depending on which switch they choose, while enjoying consistent performance at the bottom of each key press.
Weight
The Outemu Silent White linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch present a noteworthy comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent White features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as medium in weight. In contrast, the Yunhai has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Yunhai switch may be better suited for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less effort. Conversely, the Silent White, being heavier, caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you are looking for a lighter switch, the TTC Yunhai would be the better choice, while the Outemu Silent White offers a firmer feel for those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Silent White has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Yunhai measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Silent White the shorter option, catering to those who prefer quicker response times, which is especially beneficial for gamers looking for efficiency in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Yunhai’s longer travel distance offers a more traditional feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feedback with greater depth in each keystroke. Thus, depending on whether one values responsiveness or a more pronounced typing experience, the choice between these two switches could greatly influence overall satisfaction in their keyboard use.
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 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
The Outemu Silent White linear switch is characterized by its incredibly quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a minimalistic sound profile in their typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a deep, rounded sound profile that stands out for its richness. This distinction in sound would make the Yunhai preferable for typists who appreciate a more substantial auditory feedback, while the Silent White suits those who prefer a nearly silent environment. However, it's essential to note that the perceived sound of both switches can be affected by various factors like the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Silent White switch is designed to provide a smooth typing experience, facilitating a quiet engagement that helps reduce distractions. The TTC Yunhai linear switch, contrastingly, features an incredibly light actuation force, which contributes to an effortless typing sensation that many typists find appealing. This smoothness and lightness make the Yunhai an excellent option for those who enjoy a gentle and responsive typing action. While the Silent White might cater to those seeking a more muted experience, the Yunhai offers an enjoyable blend of lightness and fluidity.
Overall, while both switches offer unique attributes catering to different preferences, they both emphasize qualities that enhance the typing experience in their own ways. The Outemu Silent White excels in silence and smoothness, ideal for quiet environments, whereas the TTC Yunhai captivates with its richer sound and gentle actuation, making it suitable for those who want a more dynamic auditory experience. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to whether one prioritizes the silence of the Silent White or the engaging characteristics of the Yunhai.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Silent White and the TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you’re looking for a switch that requires a bit more force—60 grams at bottom out—and offers a more stable feel suitable for deliberate and controlled typing, the Silent White is your go-to option. This makes it a solid choice if you're in a shared space or an office where you might need to minimize disturbance while still enjoying a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter touch and a unique typing experience characterized by a gentle, effortless actuation force of just 50 grams, the Yunhai switch would be ideal for you. This switch is especially great for long typing sessions or if you're someone who values a smoother and more fluid keypress that exudes an airy sound profile. Ultimately, consider your typing style, desired feedback, and environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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