Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Outemu Silver both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch, known for its smooth and quiet keypresses, making it ideal for those who value a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Silver is also a linear switch but is known for its shorter actuation distance and faster response times, appealing to gamers and fast typists. Both switches have their own advantages and reasons why you might want to choose them, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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 Outemu Silent Yellow and Outemu Silver switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housing makes the sound more clear and resonant due to its relatively stiff nature. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows for the light to shine through. Although both switches share this top housing material, the Silent Yellow and Silver may still have subtle differences in sound due to other factors such as the stem or the bottom housing.
On the other hand, the Silent Yellow and Silver switches have different bottom housings made of nylon. Nylon is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the Silent Yellow and Silver switches may still exhibit slight variations in sound and feel based on other design factors.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Silent Yellow and Silver switches respectively offers a unique typing experience. The top and bottom housings contribute different qualities to the overall sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While both switches may share similar characteristics due to their housing materials, the subtle differences in sound and feel can still be distinct based on the overall design and construction of each switch.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch reveals some key differences. The Silent Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a more demanding switch to press. On the other hand, the Silver switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a smoother and easier typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Silver switch more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier Silent Yellow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Silent Yellow or Silver switch, you can expect a consistent feel in terms of travel distance. This similarity allows for a uniform typing experience regardless of the specific switch chosen, making them both reliable options for those looking for a consistent travel distance in a linear switch.
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 Yellow and Silver.
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 Yellow linear switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience due to its silent design. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch is known for its smooth and responsive typing feel. When it comes to sound, the Silent Yellow switch produces a muted sound compared to the Silver switch, which may have a more audible typing noise. As for feel, the Silent Yellow switch offers a light and linear keystroke, while the Silver switch provides a smooth and consistent actuation. Overall, the Silent Yellow switch is preferred for its quiet operation, while the Silver switch is favored for its smooth typing feel. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should keep in mind the differences in bottom out force. If you prefer a heavier typing feel, the Silent Yellow with 80 grams of bottom out force may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter typing experience, the Silver with 65 grams of bottom out force might suit you better. Additionally, consider the sound and feel of each switch to help make your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience.
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