Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ are both excellent linear options, each with its own unique appeal. The Outemu Silent Yellow is designed to provide a quieter typing experience, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued sound while working or gaming in shared spaces. On the other hand, the WS POM+ is renowned for its premium construction, offering a rich "thock" sound and a buttery-smooth keystroke that many typists find incredibly satisfying. While the Silent Yellow excels in its noise-reduction capabilities, the WS POM+ stands out for those who prioritize a tactile and acoustic feedback experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, the materials used in their top housings significantly influence their auditory characteristics. The Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound profile, making it particularly responsive to RGB lighting effects due to the translucency of polycarbonate. In contrast, the WS POM+ incorporates a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials are designed to enhance the overall acoustic experience, the polycarbonate top in the Silent Yellow is geared towards a bright and articulate sound, while the POM top of the WS POM+ offers a smooth and subdued auditory output.
The bottom housing of each switch further distinguishes their acoustic properties. The Silent Yellow employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material recognized for its ability to absorb sound prominently due to its softer texture. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a rounder acoustic experience upon key press. Conversely, the WS POM+ also features a POM bottom housing, which parallels the nylon’s ability to produce a muted sound profile. Here, both switches benefit from the POM material in the WS POM+, which aims for a pleasing sound that is consistently deeper, underscoring the unique character of each switch while still falling into somewhat similar auditory realms.
Ultimately, the combination of different housings in the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ leads to a varied sound portrayal when these switches are engaged. While the Silent Yellow leverages polycarbonate and nylon to create a unique juxtaposition of crispness and depth, the WS POM+ harmonizes the resonant properties of POM in both its top and bottom housings to yield a seamless and muted sound. Users can expect to experience different nuances in feedback and sound upon pressing the switches due to the distinct characteristics impelled by their materials, illustrating how the interplay between the top and bottom housings can shape one’s typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch offer a comparable actuation force, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, which allows for a similar typing experience in terms of initial responsiveness. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Silent Yellow having a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it heavier, compared to the WS POM+'s 55 grams, which is classified as medium-light. This difference means that while both switches provide a light actuation pressure, the Silent Yellow will require a bit more effort to press down completely, offering a more substantial feel that some users may appreciate for tactile feedback. Conversely, the lighter bottom out force of the WS POM+ may be more conducive to prolonged typing or gaming sessions, appealing to those who prefer less finger fatigue. Overall, if you're looking for a heavier but still moderate option, the Silent Yellow would be the choice, while the WS POM+ offers a lighter alternative for extended use.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Silent Yellow the better option for those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress, offering a depth that some users find satisfying and easier to control. In contrast, the WS POM+ switch, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel, caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, making it ideal for fast-paced situations. If you prioritize a more responsive feel, the WS POM+ would suit you better; however, if you prefer the traditional depth associated with the longer travel distance, the Silent Yellow would be the preferable choice.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is known for its muted acoustics, which helps to create a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for shared workspaces or environments where noise can be a distraction. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ offers a deeper, more satisfying "thock" sound that many users find enjoyable and enhances the overall typing experience. The sound profile of both switches can vary depending on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, but while the Silent Yellow emphasizes silence, the WS POM+ prioritizes a pronounced acoustic feedback.
When examining the feel of the switches, the Silent Yellow is designed for smooth linear actuation, aiming to provide a consistently uniform keypress without any tactile bump, which makes it appealing for those who favor fluid motion without distractions. On the other hand, the WS POM+ switch boasts a buttery-smooth keystroke that enhances ease of use and promotes a comfortable typing experience, making it particularly attractive to users who seek an effortless and satisfying feel as they type.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Yellow prioritizes a quiet operation with smooth linear travel, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ caters to those who appreciate a deeper sound and an exceptionally smooth keystroke. Both switches provide different experiences, catering to diverse user preferences. Choose the Silent Yellow for a subtle, silent experience and the WS POM+ for an engaging typing sensation with richer auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 60 grams and are looking for a more subdued typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be the better option for you. It's particularly suitable in environments where noise can be an issue, as its design helps reduce sound. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 55 grams and are drawn to a more pronounced sound signature with a pleasurable "thock," the WS POM+ might be your ideal choice. The buttery-smooth keystroke of the WS POM+ makes it great for extended typing sessions, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that can enhance your overall experience. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and the type of environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard to make the best choice for yourself.
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