Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Silent Yellow, a linear switch, and the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch. The Silent Yellow is known for its quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for those who work in shared spaces or simply prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum stands out for its unique feel - while it may not have the same pronounced tactile bump as other tactile switches, it offers a satisfyingly hefty typing experience. The Plum also boasts a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. These differences in characteristics highlight the importance of considering your specific preferences and typing style when choosing a switch. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Kailh Plum, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, producing a resonant sound that is especially useful for switches intending to incorporate RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches ensures a more clear and defined sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Silent Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Plum also features a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the richness and depth of the sound produced when typing on switches utilizing this material.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and Kailh Plum switches may differ, the overall sound profile and typing experience is likely to be somewhat similar. The top housing's impact on the sound when releasing a key will be more pronounced due to the polycarbonate material, while the bottom housing's role in the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the nylon material. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles, making them unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch to the Kailh Plum tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that the Silent Yellow is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Plum's unknown actuation force. However, the Silent Yellow also has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams. The actuation force of a switch is crucial as it determines the force required to register a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force needed to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Yellow for longer typing sessions, while users looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Plum due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow. In terms of typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Plum switch may appeal to users looking for quicker response times, especially gamers. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Silent Yellow switch may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper, more pronounced feel when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding travel distance and the overall typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10, whereas the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25.
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 Yellow linear switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience with minimal noise. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes without being too loud or too soft. The sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have a specific description provided. In contrast, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is known for its unique tactile feedback, which is described as hefty without featuring a pronounced tactile bump. The switch falls into a middle ground in terms of tactility, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Plum switch is referred to as a stepped switch, meaning it offers a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and post-travel sensation.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Yellow provides a quiet typing experience, while the Plum switch delivers a unique tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile. If a user is looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be the better option. On the other hand, if they prefer a tactile switch with a weightier feel and moderate tactility, the Kailh Plum switch would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches have their distinct qualities that cater to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy linear switch with a silent operation, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch that offers a unique tactile experience without a huge bump, the Kailh Plum would be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and bottom out force. Consider what you prioritize in a switch and choose accordingly to enhance your typing experience.
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