Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch. The Silent Yellow switch is known for its smooth linear actuation, offering a quiet typing experience ideal for those who prefer a more discreet keyboard. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch stands out for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying response with a buttery downstroke that is not too loud. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura lies in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches meant to be used with RGB lighting. However, the Silent Yellow and Purple Sakura also differ in their bottom housing material. The Silent Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura also uses a nylon bottom housing, showcasing similar qualities in sound profile.
While the top housing of both the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is made of polycarbonate, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique qualities to the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, making the typing experience more satisfying with a rounder sound. Similarly, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deep and full sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with a duller but equally satisfying sound. This showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall feel and sound of a switch, even when the top housing material remains constant.
In essence, while the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura share similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, their unique bottom housing materials provide distinct qualities to their sound profiles. The Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound, while the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing contributes to a similarly satisfying sound profile. Understanding how the interaction between top and bottom housing materials can affect the overall typing experience is essential for enthusiasts looking to fine-tune their keyboard setup for optimal sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch differ significantly. The Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's lighter 50 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Silent Yellow is 80 grams, which is heavier than the Purple Sakura's 60 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow switch will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required, while the Purple Sakura switch will offer a lighter typing feel. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Yellow, while those who prefer a lighter touch may choose the Purple Sakura. Overall, the weight of the switch is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a keyboard switch that meets your preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Purple Sakura the shorter option compared to the Silent Yellow. The Silent Yellow's 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper press while typing, which some may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura's 3.2 mm travel distance is shallower and preferred by gamers for its faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference: if you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker typing speeds, opt for the Purple Sakura, but if you prefer a deeper press with more tactile feedback, go for the Silent Yellow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 providing a quiet typing experience due to its silent design. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a neutral sound profile, which is moderate and suitable for various typing environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch's tactile feedback is not specified, but it is likely to offer a smooth and linear typing experience. The Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch, on the other hand, is described as having a buttery and mild feel, providing a smooth and gentle typing sensation with a snappy response. This combination of characteristics offers a comfortable and responsive typing experience that can cater to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Yellow and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Yellow switch stands out for its quiet operation, while the Purple Sakura switch impresses with its buttery and snappy tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference and typing style, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch or the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams and are not as concerned about sound or tactility, the Silent Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 60 grams and value a snappy, buttery downstroke with a neutral sound profile, the Purple Sakura could be the ideal option. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your individual preferences and typing needs.
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