Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Outemu Phoenix 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 Phoenix offer distinct options to consider. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch that is best known for its quiet operation and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Phoenix is a clicky switch that stands out with its under-skirt click mechanism, providing a unique and satisfying tactile feedback. While the Silent Yellow is perfect for those looking for a silent typing experience, the Phoenix appeals to users who enjoy a crunchy and polished typing feel. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Yellow and Outemu Phoenix both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is ideal for switches meant to be used with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. However, the Silent Yellow stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon material's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow and Phoenix provide similar benefits, such as clear and resonant sound profiles. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow offers a distinct typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the overall sound profile by contributing to a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in bottom housing material creates a varied feel when pressing down on the switches, with the Silent Yellow offering a more impactful bottom-out sound compared to the Phoenix.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow and Outemu Phoenix ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound profile, the Silent Yellow sets itself apart with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on whether you prioritize a sharper sound profile with the Phoenix or a more impactful bottom-out sound with the Silent Yellow, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing needs.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch. The Silent Yellow requires 65 grams of actuation force and 80 grams of bottom out force, making it a heavier option. On the other hand, the Phoenix has a lighter actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Phoenix switch, which has a lighter actuation and bottom out force. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Silent Yellow switch due to its heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Phoenix's 3.3 mm. The Silent Yellow provides a more deep and deliberate feeling when pressing down on the key, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Phoenix offers a shorter and swifter travel distance, catering to gamers and individuals seeking faster response times. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Silent Yellow offering a more deliberate typing experience while the Phoenix provides a quicker and more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Phoenix comes in at $4.15.
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 switch is known for its lack of noise, providing a silent typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a unique crunchy sound profile due to its under-skirt click mechanism, resembling the sound of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. While the Silent Yellow offers a quiet typing experience, the Phoenix switch adds an audible click with each key press, providing a more traditional and satisfying typing sound for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch lacks a specific known descriptor, leaving its tactile experience up to personal preference. However, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished feel is achieved through the materials used in the switch or factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on the Phoenix switch may feel slicker compared to the Silent Yellow switch, which might appeal to those who prefer a smoother typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to consider. The Silent Yellow provides a silent typing experience without the audible click, while the Phoenix clicky switch offers a unique crunchy sound with each key press. The feel of the Silent Yellow is subjective without a specific descriptor, while the Phoenix switch is known for its polished feel with smooth key travel. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Silent Yellow catering to those who prefer a quieter keyboard and the Phoenix appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a heavy and silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch with its 80-gram bottom out force might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a unique and clicky typing sound, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch with its under-skirt click mechanism and crystalline feel might be more suitable for you. Consider your typing preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches to ensure you have the best mechanical keyboard experience.
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