Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte both present appealing options for enthusiasts who prefer linear switches. The Outemu Silent Yellow, with its design aimed at minimizing noise, is ideal for users who want a quieter typing experience, making it a suitable choice for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte excels in providing a smooth and fluid keystroke feeling, thanks to its cutting-edge mold design, which enhances tactile performance while maintaining a balanced sound profile—not too quiet, yet not overly loud. While both switches cater to a linear feel that eliminates tactile bumps for a seamless press, they do provide distinct auditory experiences and overall sensations. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, we find a notable contrast in their top housing compositions. The Silent Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is lauded for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness allows for a clear and resonant auditory output, enhancing the overall sound experience, particularly when RGB lighting is used due to its translucency. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs POK material for its top housing, which, although also capable of producing a pleasant auditory profile, focuses more on providing smoothness and durability. The POK material offers a slightly different tactile experience characterized by its unique properties while still achieving satisfactory clackiness, albeit in a less defined manner than the crispness of polycarbonate.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housings of both switches, both the Silent Yellow and the Strawberry Latte use nylon, a classic material known for absorbing sound and contributing to a deeper, fuller auditory profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it naturally dampens noise, creating a rounded sound when the key is bottomed out. This similarity in bottom housing material emphasizes a shared characteristic between both switches, as they will likely produce similar auditory outcomes when pressed down. The plush sound generated by the nylon bottom housing is effective in both switches, helping to create a satisfying typing experience regardless of the differences in their top housing materials.
In summary, while the Outemu Silent Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte switches differ significantly in their top housing materials—one using polycarbonate for a crisper sound and the other using POK for smoothness—their shared nylon bottom housing brings them closer together in terms of auditory output. The contrasting characteristics of the top housings suggest a divergence in sound profile during key release, while the similar nylon base ensures that both switches deliver a deep and plush bottoming sound. This combination of materials allows users to experience distinct typing sensations while also enjoying a hearty sound profile that resonates well with traditional switch enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Silent Yellow features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lower force can facilitate longer typing sessions and quicker keystrokes, appealing to those who prefer a lighter feel. As a result, users seeking a more tactile and heavier experience should opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow, while those who favor a lighter touch for extended use should consider the Huano Strawberry Latte. Overall, the Silent Yellow is heavier both in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, indicating a firmer typing experience compared to the lighter Strawberry Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Silent Yellow boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it more substantial and suitable for those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to users who prefer a more responsive feel in their keystrokes. This shorter distance can be advantageous for gamers looking for quicker response times, though some may find it a touch too abrupt. Ultimately, if you value a hearty depth, the Outemu Silent Yellow is the preferable choice, while the Huano Strawberry Latte caters to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have a specific sound profile highlighted, indicating that it may be relatively neutral in this regard. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile, which strikes a pleasing midpoint—neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This makes the Strawberry Latte more versatile for different environments, as it produces a sound that is not intrusive, yet still provides audible feedback that can enhance the typing experience. Additionally, one should keep in mind that sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning both switches could sound different depending on the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Silent Yellow switch lacks a defined description, leaving its tactile feedback and smoothness unclear. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte switch is characterized by its super smooth operation, a product of Huano's latest molds, contributing to a seamless typing experience. The smoothness of the Strawberry Latte is likely to offer greater satisfaction, especially during long typing sessions, while the Silent Yellow's feel remains a mystery without additional information.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte switches present different characteristics, particularly in sound and feel. The Silent Yellow's sound profile is not defined, while the Strawberry Latte boasts a balanced sound that's pleasing yet not overwhelming. When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte shines with its smoothness, a quality that the Silent Yellow doesn’t specify. For newcomers, choosing between these switches will largely depend on personal preferences for sound and tactile experience, but if a quiet typing experience is desired without investing in excessive noise dampening, the choices may lead to similar results in some scenarios, particularly with regard to board and keycap pairings.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force that offers a bit more resistance during your typing sessions, the Silent Yellow might be right for you, particularly if you enjoy that tactile engagement with each keystroke. However, this switch lacks notable sound dampening characteristics, making it sound slightly louder compared to options like the Strawberry Latte. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a 45-gram bottom-out force that requires less effort while typing, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent choice. This switch not only provides a super smooth keystroke experience but also strikes a balanced sound profile—it's not too loud, and the resonance is kept in check, making it suitable for quieter environments. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a comfortable, softer typing experience without sacrificing smoothness, go for the Strawberry Latte. But if you appreciate a more tactile response with a medium force, the Silent Yellow might be the way to go.
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