Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Dareu Snow both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch that is best known for its silent typing experience, making it ideal for those who need a quieter keyboard in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow, also a linear switch, stands out for its innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature while typing. Its 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy' characteristics make it appealing to those who prefer a more tactile and responsive typing experience. 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
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Dareu Snow, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While both switches share the same material for the bottom housing, they differ in their top housings. The Silent Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Snow features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and clacky sound. Each top housing material brings its unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Silent Yellow creates a clear and resonant sound profile, particularly suitable for those who enjoy RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the POK material in the Snow's top housing offers exceptional durability, smoothness, and strong wear resistance, contributing to a clacky sound. While both materials provide distinct benefits, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing in both switches further enhances the typing experience by bringing a deeper and fuller sound compared to harder plastics, showcasing the classic qualities of nylon in switch housings.
When considering the overall typing experience, the impact of the housing materials is split between the top and bottom housings of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed, while the top housing affects the release sound when the key is let go. As such, the combination of nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate or POK top housing in the Silent Yellow and Dareu Snow respectively offers a balanced sound profile with a mix of sharpness, clarity, smoothness, durability, and clacky feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a higher actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Yellow switch also has a higher force of 80 grams compared to the Snow switch's 60 grams. This indicates that the Silent Yellow switch also requires more force to press all the way down. Therefore, the Silent Yellow switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Snow switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Snow switch would be the better option, as it has lower actuation and bottom out forces. Conversely, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a heavier switch, the Silent Yellow would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Snow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Silent Yellow falls within the more traditional range, providing a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Snow's 3.3 mm travel distance is on the shallower end, offering a quicker response time favored by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - if you value faster response times, the Snow may be the better option, while those seeking a more substantial key press experience may prefer the Silent Yellow. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, so it is important to consider how the travel distance aligns with individual preferences in keyboard feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 its quiet operation, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch offers a unique thocky sound profile thanks to its POK material construction, giving users a deeper and more satisfying typing experience. The Silent Yellow switch provides a more neutral sound, while the Snow switch leans towards a low-pitched tone, ensuring that both switches cater to different preferences in auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch's tactile experience is not specified. However, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, providing users with a responsive and springy feedback when typing. This bouncy sensation can contribute to a more dynamic typing experience, allowing for faster and more comfortable typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow and Dareu Snow switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Yellow provides a quiet operation and a neutral sound profile, the Snow switch stands out with its thocky sound and bouncy feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a switch that best suits their needs. Whether you prefer a quiet and neutral typing experience or a deeper and more responsive one, you can achieve similar results with either switch depending on your specific preferences and typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should choose the Silent Yellow if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a unique POK material construction for a deeper sound profile, the Snow switch would be the better option for you. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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