Outemu Silent Yellow vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches offering a smooth actuation without any tactile bump or audible click. The Silent Yellow is best known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches stand out for their delicate typing feel and the crisp sound profile they produce. The Yanyu switches are also categorized as having a neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. While both switches offer linear actuation, their key features cater to different preferences. 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
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu, the most noticeable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Silent Yellow utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Yanyu features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, offering a brighter sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the Yanyu's blend provides a pleasant and unique sound that is not particularly sharp.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing contributes to a pleasant and brighter sound profile. These differences in materials lead to distinct typing experiences, with the Silent Yellow offering a duller and rounder sound while the Yanyu provides a brighter sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Silent Yellow and the Yanyu each offer unique combinations of housing materials in their top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are split between them. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing primarily influences the sound upon key release. As a result, users can expect different typing experiences based on the housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in weight. The Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the contrary, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. The actuation force of the Yanyu is unknown, but the lighter bottom out force suggests that it may also have a lighter actuation force compared to the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, those who prefer a heavier push feel may opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow, while the SP-Star Yanyu is suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is both 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, allowing for smooth and precise keystrokes. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect similar results when using either switch, providing comfort and reliability in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is known for its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a unique crisp sound profile that is satisfying to the ears. The Yanyu switch also provides a thocky sound that is deep and rich, adding a level of satisfaction to each keystroke. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Silent Yellow switch's specific qualities are not known. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a variety of descriptors including mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. This means that the Yanyu switch provides a gentle typing experience with light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The polished finish of the Yanyu switch also offers smooth and refined key travel, further enhancing the typing experience.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that both the Outemu Silent Yellow and SP-Star Yanyu switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Yellow excels in providing a quiet typing experience, the Yanyu stands out with its crisp sound profile and gentle typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. However, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from both switches, providing a satisfying typing experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a crisp sound profile while typing for extended periods of time, the Yanyu switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. So, take into account your typing needs and style to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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