Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Gateron Weightlessness provide distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Silent Yellow is celebrated for its smooth linear action, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quiet, uninterrupted key press without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, delivering a satisfying resistance that enhances typing accuracy while maintaining a balanced sound profile—ideal for those who appreciate feedback while typing. While the Silent Yellow excels in providing a serene, fluid typing experience, the Weightlessness caters to users seeking a tactile experience without the noise typically associated with traditional tactile switches. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, a notable distinction arises in their top housing construction. The Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This results in a clearer and more resonant auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Weightlessness uses a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties, producing a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound. The differences in material not only affect the acoustic qualities of the switches but also cater to varying user preferences—those seeking a brighter sound may lean toward the Silent Yellow, while users preferring a warmer audio characteristic might gravitate towards the Weightlessness.
Both switches share a common trait in their bottom housing, as both the Silent Yellow and Weightlessness utilize nylon. This shared material leads to similarities in the typing experience, as nylon’s sound-absorbing properties create a duller and rounder sound profile, regardless of the top housing differences. Since both switches promote a deeper sound when bottoming out, users can expect a consistent auditory feedback from this aspect of their typing experience. This alignment in the bottom housing reveals a foundational similarity, hinting that the overall auditory experience of the two switches can be somewhat balanced in terms of sound profile.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials result in a variation in the auditory experience when the keys are pressed and released, while the similar nylon bottom housings assure a full-bodied sound when the switches engage. The unique interplay of materials means that the characteristics perceived when typing on each switch will vary significantly upon release due to the differing top housings. Therefore, while users might find the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound similar, the transition sounds and overall auditory experience will be distinctly influenced by the choice of material in the top housing, highlighting the nuanced design considerations that affect typing dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Silent Yellow requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and more suitable for users who prefer a softer typing experience that allows for longer periods of use without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. The Silent Yellow's bottom out force is 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch remains unknown, leaving an incomplete comparison in that aspect. Overall, the Silent Yellow is the lighter option, while the Weightlessness is heavier, which may cater to different user preferences depending on their typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offer distinct travel distances that cater to varying preferences among users. The Silent Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard and offers a more substantial feel during key presses, making it ideal for those who enjoy a hearty depth. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, appealing to gamers and users who value quicker response times due to the reduced distance required to actuate the switch. Consequently, the Silent Yellow provides a longer travel distance, whereas the Weightlessness features a shorter one. Users will experience a different tactile feedback based on their choice, with the Silent Yellow offering a more pronounced depth and the Weightlessness delivering a snappier, more immediate actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 considering the sound characteristics, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is engineered to be quiet, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a discreet typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch exhibits a subtle to moderate tactile sound, which strikes a balance between offering feedback and maintaining a relatively quiet profile. Although the exact quantitative sound levels for both switches may vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap materials, the Silent Yellow's design inherently supports a more muted auditory output.
Regarding the feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch emphasizes a smooth, linear experience devoid of tactile bumps. This allows for uninterrupted keystrokes, making it particularly appealing for users who value fluid typing, especially in gaming or programming scenarios. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switch provides a tactile bump that offers satisfying feedback during presses, allowing users to feel when a key has been actuated without the slight resistance typical of clicky switches. This tactile sensation can enhance typing accuracy and comfort, though it may not deliver the same seamless glide as the Silent Yellow.
In summary, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch cater to different preferences, particularly in the realms of sound and feel. While the Silent Yellow is designed for a quieter, smoother experience, the Weightlessness offers a tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy with a balanced sound profile. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a smooth and silent typing experience or a tactile and slightly more responsive feel.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value a smooth, quiet experience that allows for uninterrupted focus, the Silent Yellow is an excellent choice with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions without the noise that often accompanies other switches. This switch is perfect for environments where sound levels need to be kept to a minimum, whether you’re in a shared workspace or simply preferring a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feel that provides feedback without being overly loud, the Gateron Weightlessness could be your go-to. Its subtle to moderate tactile response offers a satisfying sensation that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy the tactile bump that notifies you of actuation without the clicky sound. Therefore, consider what you prioritize in your typing experience—quietness and smoothness with the Silent Yellow, or tactile feedback with the Weightlessness—as each switch serves distinct needs in the mechanical keyboard world.
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