Outemu Silent Yellow vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options you may come across are the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HC Studio Roselle, both of which are linear switches. The Silent Yellow is favored for its whisper-quiet operation, making it a great choice for those looking for a noiseless typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its unique smoothness attributed to the material blend used in its construction, as well as its low-pitched sound signature when typing. While the Silent Yellow offers a silent typing experience, the Roselle provides a smooth and subtle sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Y3
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
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HC Studio Roselle, there are some clear differences to note. The Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Roselle's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches have a POM bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and pleasing sound profile. This means that while the top housings offer distinct differences in sound, the bottom housing provides a consistent experience between the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow allows for translucent properties, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Roselle may not offer the same level of translucency. When it comes to sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Roselle offers a similar deep and muted sound. This means that while the top housings vary in their material and sound profiles, the bottom housings yield comparable results in terms of sound quality.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HC Studio Roselle may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow will provide a sharper and clearer sound, ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Roselle will offer a deeper and more muted sound, catering to those who enjoy a quieter typing experience. However, both switches share a POM bottom housing, ensuring a consistent deep and pleasing sound profile that may appeal to a wide range of users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Yellow is the heavier option. The Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Roselle is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel, but the Silent Yellow offers a heavier typing experience compared to the lighter Roselle switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, the Silent Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Roselle has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Silent Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Roselle. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Silent Yellow falls within the traditional range, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the Roselle's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it ideal for those who prioritize fast response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 linear switch remains a bit of a mystery as there is no specific descriptor provided. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. This can provide a more immersive typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a subtle but distinct sound feedback while typing. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by surrounding factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch lacks a specific descriptor to guide us. However, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience. The switches are noted for their incredibly smooth and effortless key presses, reducing any sense of resistance or friction while typing. This can result in a fluid and comfortable typing experience, making the Roselle switches suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a gentle typing feel without any extreme characteristics.
In conclusion, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we find that they each offer unique experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Yellow switch may lack specific descriptors, the Roselle switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, as well as its frictionless and mild typing feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, both switches have their own strengths and can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on their choice of board, keycaps, and overall setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force at 80 grams and are looking for a quiet typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force at 52 grams and value a smooth and bassy typing experience with a subtle sound signature, the Roselle might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
