Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and Outemu Tom are two popular options to consider. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch, known for its smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump or click sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch, providing feedback with a slight bump upon actuation. While the Silent Yellow is preferred for its silent operation, the Tom is favored for its tactile feedback, making it ideal for typists who enjoy the sensation of keypresses. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and Outemu Tom switches, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, both switches also feature nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing.
While the top housings of the Outemu Silent Yellow and Outemu Tom switches are made of the same material, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of both switches brings a unique sound profile that is deeper and fuller, emphasizing the impact sound when typing. The split between the top and bottom housings means that the qualities of each material are distributed accordingly - with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow and Outemu Tom switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Silent Yellow's stiffer polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper and higher-pitched sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound experience. On the other hand, the Tom switch offers a similar experience with its nylon bottom housing but with a consistent sound profile throughout the key press due to the polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow is heavier than the Tom. The Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Tom has an actuation force of 55 grams. The bottom out force of the Tom is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Tom may be more suitable due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. Both switches provide different levels of tactile feedback, with the Silent Yellow being a linear switch and the Tom being a tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Silent Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Tom. The Silent Yellow offers more depth to the keystroke, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Tom's shorter travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it popular among gamers who require fast input speeds. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Silent Yellow offering a longer travel distance and the Tom offering a shorter one for those seeking different typing experiences.
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 Tom.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is also known for its quiet operation, providing a pleasant typing sound without being too loud or distracting. The sound produced by both switches is further influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke, offering a linear typing experience with no tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch offers a tactile bump when pressed, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Silent Yellow. Both switches are known for their durability and reliability, ensuring a consistent typing experience over time.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Yellow and Outemu Tom switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feedback, both switches provide a reliable and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a quieter linear switch or a more tactile typing experience, both switches are excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should choose the Silent Yellow if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the Tom tactile switch if you enjoy a switch with no bottom out force and are seeking a more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and force required to actuate the keys. Consider these factors carefully to ensure you select the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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