Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch best known for its silent operation. On the other hand, the Sea Glass from Durock stands out for its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend that provides a distinct typing experience with a dry and airy feel. The Silent Yellow may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience, while the Sea Glass switches cater to users who appreciate a unique feel and 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Durock Sea Glass switches both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a more pleasant, brighter sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's bottom housing, which is also made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, offers a unique sound profile that balances sharpness and brightness. This difference in bottom housing materials contributes to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
While the housing materials of the Silent Yellow and the Sea Glass switches may differ, the impact each material has on the sound and feel of the switch is significant. Whether it's the sharper, crisper sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing in the Silent Yellow or the unique sound profile of the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing in the Sea Glass, both switches offer distinct typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see clear differences that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Sea Glass, while individuals seeking a more tactile and forceful typing experience may lean towards the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying keypress for some users. Both switches offer a good balance between travel distance and actuation force, so you can expect similar results in terms of performance and feel from both options. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Silent Yellow switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a great choice for those looking for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. Both switches may sound different due to factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, but overall, they provide enjoyable auditory feedback.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Silent Yellow switch offers a smooth typing experience with a linear feel that is consistent from key to key. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, providing an effortless and fluid typing experience. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is noted for its mild and easy-to-press characteristics, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Sea Glass switch may appeal more to those who prefer a lighter keypress.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow switch excels in providing a quiet typing experience, while the Sea Glass switch stands out for its frictionless and light feel. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy and silent linear switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be a suitable choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a bottom out force of 62 grams that offers a unique typing experience characterized by a frictionless and feathery feel, as well as a captivating sound signature, then the Durock Sea Glass linear switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision may come down to personal preference in terms of weight, feel, and sound when selecting between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Durock Sea Glass.
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