Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Silent Yellow, a linear switch, and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), a tactile switch. The Silent Yellow is known for its quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is lauded for its maximum tactility, providing a punchy and satisfying typing feel with a clean clack sound. While the Silent Yellow offers a smooth and consistent typing experience, the POM T1 (Sunflower) boasts sharp tactility and an invigorating response. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on whether you prioritize quietness or tactility in your typing experience. 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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, thanks to its stiffness and resonant qualities. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different auditory experience. However, despite their differences in sound, both materials excel in creating aesthetically pleasing switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to their translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, given nylon's ability to absorb more sound and create a rounder tone. Similarly, the POM T1 (Sunflower)'s POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, aligning it with the qualities of the nylon housing. While the top and bottom housings of these switches may differ in material, they both serve to enhance the overall typing experience by bringing unique sound characteristics to the table.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Yellow and Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) may have differences in their housing materials, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience. Whether it be the sharp and clear sound of the Silent Yellow or the deep and muted sound of the POM T1 (Sunflower), users are sure to enjoy a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound profiles and overall user satisfaction, demonstrating the significance of material choice in mechanical keyboard components.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a higher actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Silent Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 67 grams. The Silent Yellow switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you'll feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance is equal for both switches, providing a consistent feel in terms of key press depth. This allows for a similar typing experience between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches, as the travel distance remains constant for both.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is known for its quiet operation, ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a resonant and clean sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. The choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a silent typing experience or a more engaging auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have specific descriptors provided, suggesting a more subtle tactile experience. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a range of tactile feedback options including sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating, making it a versatile option for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response. The decision between the two switches would therefore depend on the user's preference for tactile feedback intensity.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is a reliable choice for those seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch caters to users who appreciate a strong tactile feedback accompanied by a resonant sound profile. Depending on whether your priority lies in sound, feel, or both, each switch offers distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance, and if you are looking for similar characteristics in sound and feel, either option can deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow is a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you are seeking maximum tactility with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) is the switch for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and clean clack sound, the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
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