Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, a tactile switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The Silent Yellow is known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile stands out for its smoothness, tactile bump, and neutral sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. While the Silent Yellow is ideal for those who prefer a quiet typing experience, the WS Light Tactile is well-suited for users who enjoy a tactile feedback while typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it is evident that they both use polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. As a result, the sound and aesthetic qualities of these switches are quite similar due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, when considering the bottom housing material, the Silent Yellow utilizes nylon while the WS Light Tactile also employs nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastics for the bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches maintain a consistent quality in sound production with their choice of nylon for the bottom housing, despite any potential differences in their top housings.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile lie mainly in their top housings, as they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. While the top housing material (polycarbonate) may have a more noticeable impact on the sound when pressing down and letting go of a key, the bottom housing material (nylon) plays a significant role in the overall sound profile when typing on these switches. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities in sound production due to their choice of housing materials, contributing to a unique typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow is heavier while the WS Light Tactile is lighter. The actuation force of the Silent Yellow is 65 grams, compared to the WS Light Tactile's lighter 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Silent Yellow is 80 grams, heavier than the WS Light Tactile's 50 grams. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Silent Yellow would be the ideal choice with its heavier forces. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter feel to type for longer periods of time may find the WS Light Tactile more comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a consistent travel distance. The equal travel distance ensures a similar typing experience between the two switches, making it difficult to distinguish which one is shorter or longer. As a result, users can expect a consistent feel regardless of which switch they choose, allowing for a familiar typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 lack of an audible click, providing a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is renowned for its neutral sound signature, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for various environments and users. The choice of keycaps and keyboard case material can also impact the sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a stepped tactile bump, giving users a noticeable feedback during key presses. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, which can enhance typing comfort and reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
Overall, if you prefer a quiet typing experience with no tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile bump during key presses and prefer switches that are easy to press, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch would be a great option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a heavy switch with a linear feel and silent operation, the Outemu Silent Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a tactile feel that provides a snappy bump and neutral sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch would be more suitable. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure that you find the best option that aligns with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing needs.
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