Outemu Silent Yellow vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and SP-Star Duck offer unique typing experiences worth exploring. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and silent operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck is a tactile switch that provides a subtle tactility while typing, resulting in a clean and crispy sound profile. The Duck switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', offering a variety of tactile sensations for users to enjoy. If you value silence and smoothness, the Silent Yellow may be the switch for you. However, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, the SP-Star Duck could be the perfect choice. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Yes
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the SP-Star Duck, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. However, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using this material.
While both the Silent Yellow and the Duck use polycarbonate for their top housing, the Silent Yellow sets itself apart with the unique nylon bottom housing. This difference in material leads to a variation in sound profile, with the Silent Yellow offering a deeper and fuller typing experience compared to the Duck. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. This split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials contributes to the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile, feel, and overall typing experience. While both the Outemu Silent Yellow and the SP-Star Duck feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, the Silent Yellow stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The differences in housing materials between the two switches provide a unique typing experience, showcasing the importance of material selection in achieving desired sound characteristics.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Duck's unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Duck has a lighter bottom out force of 58 grams whereas the Silent Yellow has a heavier 80 grams. The difference in weight between the two switches can greatly impact the typing experience. The heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Silent Yellow may provide a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter weight of the Duck could allow for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of key travel. This similarity in travel distance may result in similar typing experiences for, with both switches providing a consistent and smooth keypress. Whether you prefer the linear action of the Silent Yellow or the tactile bump of the Duck, you can expect to get a reliable typing experience with either switch due to their equal travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 best known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Both switches offer a pleasant typing sound that won't be too distracting, but the Silent Yellow may have a slight edge in terms of overall noise reduction.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch's tactile characteristics are not specified, but it is likely to offer a smooth and linear typing experience given its designation as a silent linear switch. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck switch is described as providing a mild and buttery typing feel, with a polished finish that contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience. This suggests that the Duck switch may offer a more tactile and satisfying typing experience compared to the Silent Yellow switch.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Silent Yellow and SP-Star Duck switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both aim to provide a pleasant and comfortable typing experience. If you're looking for a quieter typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch may be the better choice, while the Duck switch offers a more tactile and refined feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy linear switch with a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more moderate tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck tactile switches would be the better option. Ultimately, your choice between the Silent Yellow and Duck switches will depend on whether you prioritize a heavier or medium bottom out force, as well as your preference for a silent linear switch or a tactile switch with a subtle tactile feel. Consider these factors to determine which switch suits your typing style and preferences best.
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