Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two intriguing options stand out: the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Outemu Silent Yellow, a linear switch, is designed for those who prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for late-night gaming or work sessions without disturbing others. In contrast, the WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch, combines the best of both worlds with its bright, clacky sound profile and silky smooth keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy tactile feedback and a more dynamic auditory experience. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—one for silence and smoothness, the other for an engaging auditory flair—there are unique nuances that make each of them appealing to different keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Dash utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, suggesting that users will experience a consistent sharpness and clarity in sound profile upon keypresses. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the resonance and allows for a higher-pitched auditory experience, making the tactile feedback from both switches feel crisp and well-defined. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material is particularly advantageous for setups featuring RGB lighting, as it allows light to diffuse effectively, creating a visually appealing display customized by the user. Therefore, whether opting for the Silent Yellow or the WS Dash, users can expect similar sound qualities attributable to the polycarbonate top housing.
On the contrary, both switches differ in their bottom housing material, as the Silent Yellow employs nylon while the WS Dash also uses nylon for its bottom housing. This choice leads to a richer and fuller sound profile during typing, as nylon's softer properties help absorb sound waves effectively. This absorption contributes to a deeper tone when the key bottoms out. While the tactile and auditory experiences may not differ drastically between the two models, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in defining how the key feels when pressed fully down. As a result, users will find that both the Silent Yellow and WS Dash promise a softer, rounder sound during the bottom-out phase of the keystroke.
The dual housing composition of each switch emphasizes how top and bottom housings complement one another, merging their unique characteristics. In both the Silent Yellow and WS Dash, the interplay of the stiffer polycarbonate top housing and the softer nylon bottom housing delivers a balanced auditory experience that combines crispy, high-pitched notes with deep, resonant sounds. This synergy creates a cohesive typing experience that highlights both the action of pressing down the key and the release, merging the two distinct auditory signatures into a well-rounded typing experience. Thus, regardless of the differences in branding, users should expect a satisfying and synergistic performance from these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force highlight their suitability for different user preferences. The Silent Yellow features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight switch ideal for those who favor a balanced feel during typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. This lower force can lead to extended comfort during long sessions, appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch. Consequently, the Silent Yellow is the heavier option, offering a more substantial typing experience, while the WS Dash caters to those seeking a softer keystroke. Ultimately, users looking for a comfortable work or gaming environment with less fatigue may gravitate towards the WS Dash, while those desiring more feedback may favor the Silent Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in keyboard feel. The Outemu Silent Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with a more traditional depth that many users appreciate for its satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the WS Dash has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it more conducive to rapid key presses, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. As a result, if you prioritize a deeper, more substantial feel while typing, the Silent Yellow would be the preferable choice. However, if you prefer quicker actuation with less travel distance, the WS Dash will provide that responsiveness. Overall, the Silent Yellow's 4 mm travel distance offers a more pronounced typing experience, while the WS Dash's 3.5 mm distance delivers a swift interaction.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 tends to operate quietly, making it a popular choice among users looking for a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch produces a bright and clacky sound signature that stands out with its refined acoustics. While both switches provide unique auditory experiences, the overall sound delivery will ultimately depend on other factors like the keyboard construction, keycap material, and assembly quality.
Regarding tactile feel, the Silent Yellow linear switch is designed to deliver a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or feedback, which can be ideal for users who prefer a minimalist typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Dash switch is characterized by its silky smooth keystroke, lending itself to a comfortable and seamless typing experience. While both switches emphasize smooth action, the WS Dash may provide a slightly more gratifying sensation due to its unique hall effect design for enhanced precision during keystrokes.
In summary, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch offers a quieter operation and a smooth feel, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch stands out with its bright and clacky sound while maintaining a silky smooth keystroke experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, thus allowing users to choose based on whether they prioritize a quieter typing experience or a more vibrant auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a standard yet reliable typing experience with a moderate bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Silent Yellow is a solid option, particularly if you're looking for a linear switch that doesn't carry any distracting sounds, making it suitable for quieter environments or long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you crave a unique auditory experience with a tactile feel, the WS Dash switch, with its smooth keystroke and clacky sound profile, is designed to enhance your typing or gaming experience while also providing a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams. This option is particularly appealing if you enjoy a dynamic feedback and want to add a bit of character to your keyboard. Ultimately, both switches offer different advantages—choose the Silent Yellow for straightforward and quieter operation, or the WS Dash for a more engaging and expressive typing experience. Your personal preferences will guide you to the best fit for your typing style and usage scenarios.
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