Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Outemu Red Panda mechanical keyboard switches, one key difference stands out immediately - the type of feedback they provide. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch, providing a light-medium amount of tactility along with distinctive bottom-out and top-out sounds, giving typists a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. While the Silent Yellow is categorized as silent, the Red Panda falls into the 'Thocky' and 'Mild' categories. 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
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The main difference between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Outemu Red Panda lies in their bottom housing materials. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Red Panda. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the typing experience on the Silent Yellow will offer a more muted and satisfying sound, while the Red Panda will provide a clearer and more resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature clear polycarbonate top housing which is especially useful for RGB lighting effects. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more vibrant and illuminated appearance when paired with RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate adds a modern and sleek look to the switches, making them visually appealing for users who prioritize aesthetics in their setups. However, the silent Yellow and Red Panda differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Silent Yellow offering a deeper sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Red Panda presents a sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Outemu Red Panda ultimately boils down to personal preference. If you prefer a typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Silent Yellow with its nylon bottom housing may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Red Panda with its polycarbonate bottom housing might be more suitable. Both switches offer unique sound profiles and aesthetics, so it's important to consider your preferences and priorities when selecting the right switch for your keyboard setup.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch both have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Silent Yellow being heavier than the Red Panda. The Silent Yellow requires 65 grams of force to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, making it a relatively heavy switch. In comparison, the Red Panda only needs 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, creating a lighter typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Red Panda, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Silent Yellow for a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing force and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Silent Yellow linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it a bit more traditional in terms of key press depth. On the other hand, the Red Panda tactile switch provides a shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for a quicker response time. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Silent Yellow providing a more substantial key press feel, while the Red Panda offers a faster response for those who prefer it. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 linear switch 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 Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as having a "thocky" sound, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying noise when pressed. This difference in sound can significantly impact the overall typing experience, as the Silent Yellow offers a more subtle sound while the Red Panda provides a more distinct auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch lacks the tactile bump found in the Red Panda switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke. This can result in a seamless typing experience that some users may find preferable. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch provides a mild tactile bump, giving users a gentle typing experience with a satisfying feel. The differences in feel between these two switches can greatly impact typing speed and accuracy, as well as overall comfort during extended typing sessions.
Considering the information provided, it is evident that the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Yellow is best suited for those looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Red Panda provides a more tactile and satisfying feel with a unique "thocky" sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style, but both switches offer quality performance for different needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy linear switch with a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactile switch with a unique sound profile and a gentle typing feel, then the Outemu Red Panda would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize typing sound, typing feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard switch selection. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider what matters most to you when making your decision.
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