Outemu Silent Yellow vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch, stand out. The Outemu Silent Yellow is known for its quiet operation and is categorized as a linear switch. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is distinguished by its pronounced tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While the Silent Yellow offers a smooth typing experience, the Polaris Purple delivers a satisfying tactile feedback. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when compared to other housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for translucency, making it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the Silent Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. In contrast, the Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the qualities of its top housing for a consistent overall sound profile.
When examining the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the differences in top and bottom housing materials become apparent. The bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing of the Silent Yellow creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple. On the other hand, the top housing material, primarily polycarbonate in both switches, influences the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the significance of each housing material in contributing to the overall sound and feel of typing on a switch.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Silent Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple feature polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. These differences showcase how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience, from the sound produced when pressing down on a key to when releasing it. Ultimately, understanding the qualities of each housing material can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we see a clear difference in weight. The Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more robust typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, with an unknown actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Polaris Purple may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Silent Yellow would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience, with heavier forces offering a more tactile and responsive feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. Both switches offer a smooth actuation and quick response time due to their similar travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Outemu Silent Yellow or the SP-Star Polaris Purple, you can expect a similar key feel and performance as they both have the same travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
The Outemu Silent Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is known for its quiet operation, providing a typing experience with minimal noise. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offers a snappy sound profile, giving a satisfying auditory feedback with each keypress. While the Silent Yellow switch is preferred for its silent operation, the Polaris Purple switch appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard type and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch lacks a specific descriptor, making it difficult to determine the exact typing experience it offers. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as providing a tactile typing experience with a big tactile bump, offering a satisfying feedback with each keypress. Additionally, the Polaris Purple switch is noted for its mild and polished characteristics, ensuring a gentle and smooth typing experience. Overall, while the exact feel of the Silent Yellow switch remains unknown, the Polaris Purple switch is favored for its tactile and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is best known for its silent operation, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch stands out for its tactile feedback and snappy sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Silent Yellow providing a quiet operation and the Polaris Purple delivering a tactile and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience with a heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be a better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Choose the switch that best fits your typing style and experience level.
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