Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as intriguing options. The Silent Yellow, a linear switch, is characterized by its silent operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch from the up-and-coming brand Aflion, offers a satisfying tactile bump without being too heavy, striking a balance between tactility and smoothness. While the Silent Yellow is best suited for those looking for a noiseless typing experience, the Thunder Shadow is perfect for users who enjoy a tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound profile from both switches due to the polycarbonate top housing.
However, the differences arise when looking at the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow and the Thunder Shadow. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the material properties of nylon result in distinct sound profiles. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic and sound-absorbing qualities. This means that users may experience a slightly different typing experience between the Silent Yellow and the Thunder Shadow due to the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow provides a unique typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials result in a balanced sound profile when using these switches. Users can enjoy a mix of sharp, crisp sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and deep, full sounds from the nylon bottom housing, creating a versatile typing experience for both switches.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a higher actuation force at 65 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Thunder Shadow has a lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams while the Silent Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Thunder Shadow may provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches have their own strengths, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Silent Yellow offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing or gaming compared to the Thunder Shadow. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Thunder Shadow, as it allows for quick key presses. However, those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, the individual preference for travel distance will determine which switch is the better choice. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Silent Yellow providing a slightly longer travel distance and the Thunder Shadow offering a slightly shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, allowing for a peaceful typing experience without the loud clacking noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, striking a balance that makes it suitable for a variety of users and environments. Ultimately, the sound of these switches will also be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycaps they are paired with.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have a specific description provided, but typically linear switches offer a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is described as invigorating, providing a pronounced tactile bump and a firm actuation force that creates a satisfying and responsive typing experience. This tactile feedback can be especially appealing to those who enjoy a more engaging feel while typing.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Yellow provides a quiet typing experience, while the Thunder Shadow offers a balance of tactile feedback and a moderate sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is seeking. However, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience and provide quality performance.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a heavy linear switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a pronounced tactile bump, the Aflion Thunder Shadow would be the ideal option. Consider your preference for weight, tactile feedback, and sound signature when deciding between these two switches, as they each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow and Aflion Thunder Shadow will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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