Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow, a linear switch, to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, a tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Silent Yellow is best known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility, providing a satisfying bump when pressing the keys. If you prefer a softer touch and a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow may be the way to go. However, if you enjoy a more bouncy and tactile feel with a deep sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch could be the perfect fit for you. As always, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine which will best suit your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more resonant sound and is especially useful if RGB lighting is a feature you plan to incorporate. However, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Silent Yellow's use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall feel of the switch. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, maintaining clarity and resonance in each keypress. Depending on personal preference, these differences in housing materials can significantly impact the typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches comes down to individual preferences in sound profile and typing feel. While both switches offer a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound quality. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound, emphasizing clarity and resonance with each keystroke. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profile and typing feel is crucial in selecting the right switch for your keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow switch is heavier than the Shadow (Ink) switch. The Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a substantial and heavy switch to type on. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) switch has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a lighter and more medium-light typing experience. The difference in weight between the two switches is significant, with the Silent Yellow offering a more robust typing experience compared to the lighter Shadow (Ink) switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences - those who prefer a heavier and more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow, while those looking for a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aflion Shadow (Ink) switch.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel when pressed down. However, despite their equal travel distances, the Silent Yellow is a linear switch, meaning it has a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a tactile switch, providing a slight bump when activated. This difference in feel may impact the overall typing experience for individuals who prefer linear or tactile switches. Overall, both switches offer a consistent travel distance but differ in key feel and feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for $3.57.
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 linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is praised for its deep and thocky sound profile, adding a satisfying auditory element to typing sessions. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is typically described as smooth and consistent, providing a seamless typing experience with minimal tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, giving users a more pronounced feedback sensation when typing. The bouncy nature of these switches provides a spring-like or elastic feel, adding a unique tactile dimension to each keystroke.
Overall, if you are looking for a quieter and more linear typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches would be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium level of tactility and a satisfying sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switches would be a great choice. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Remember that experimenting with different switches on various boards can also help you find the perfect combination for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet linear switch with a heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a bouncy feel, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for switch characteristics such as tactility, sound, and actuation force. Consider how you like your keyboard to feel and sound when making your choice between these two switches.
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