Outemu Silent Yellow vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the TTC Yunhai emerge as two intriguing linear options, each catering to different user preferences. The Silent Yellow is designed for those who appreciate a quiet typing experience, while the Yunhai distinguishes itself with its light actuation force, providing a plush and effortless feel that many typists adore. The Silent Yellow maintains a smooth keystroke without the distraction of noise, making it suitable for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions, whereas the Yunhai's unique sound profile offers a satisfying auditory experience alongside its ultra-light touch, appealing to users who favor a quick, responsive typing style. Ultimately, each switch presents its own distinct advantages, but 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow and the TTC Yunhai, the distinction in housing materials is particularly pronounced in their top designs. The Outemu Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature. This rigidity lends a sharper and more resonant sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a clear and crisp auditory feedback while typing. This characteristic is amplified by its translucency, making it well-suited for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as the light diffusion through the polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai utilizes a nylon top housing, which significantly alters the sound dynamics. Nylon, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, resulting in a more muted and round auditory experience.
On the bottom housing front, both the Outemu Silent Yellow and TTC Yunhai share a commonality with their nylon material. This shared choice creates a consistent base sound signature, as nylon's characteristics lead to a duller and rounder sound profile. The bottom housing has pivotal importance in determining the bottom-out feel and sound when a key is pressed down. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect similar tactile feedback and sound dynamics during key presses. In essence, while the top housings diverge in material choice—polycarbonate for the Silent Yellow and nylon for the Yunhai—the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing means that both switches deliver a satisfactorily deeper and softer overall typing experience.
When evaluating the overall performance of the two switches, it becomes clear that the contrasting top housing materials serve to create differing auditory experiences while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a level of consistency in sound and feel during operation. The sharper accentuation of sounds from the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow versus the rounded qualities of the Yunhai’s nylon top creates distinct experiences tailored to the user's preference for auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches present the option for users to select based on which sound profile appeals more to them while maintaining a shared foundational experience due to the reliance on nylon in their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Yellow requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it in the light category. This means that for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Yunhai is more suitable, allowing for longer periods of typing or gaming without as much physical strain. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial and stronger push feel might gravitate towards the heavier Silent Yellow switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on personal preference regarding the weight and feedback of the switches during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Silent Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Outemu Silent Yellow provides a more traditional and deeper key press experience, which some users may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai, with its reduced travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker response times, often favored by gamers for rapid action and agility. In summary, the Silent Yellow's longer 4 mm travel distance may appeal to users looking for a more substantial feel, while the Yunhai's shorter 3.6 mm distance is suited for those seeking a streamlined and responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is notable for its quiet operation, which makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a subdued typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai exhibits a deeper, rounded sound profile that gives it a more pronounced auditory character despite its gentle actuation force. While both switches may provide a quiet environment when utilized in suitable setups, the Silent Yellow leans towards a more muted performance, whereas the Yunhai's sound offers a softer yet more textured auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Yellow's characteristics are less defined. However, the TTC Yunhai is praised for its incredibly light actuation force, allowing for an effortless typing experience. This lighter touch can be especially beneficial for typists who favor a smooth and delicate keystroke, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. That said, since there is limited information on the Silent Yellow's tactile feedback, it's challenging to provide a direct comparison on this front.
In summary, both the Outemu Silent Yellow and TTC Yunhai linear switches cater to specific preferences in sound and feel. The Silent Yellow excels in providing a quieter typing experience, while the Yunhai features a distinctive sound profile alongside a light actuation that promotes ease of use. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing comfort, either switch can potentially meet your needs; however, their unique qualities suggest that they will yield somewhat different experiences overall.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch largely depends on your individual preferences and typing style. If you tend to type vigorously or prefer a more substantial, controlled feel with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Silent Yellow may be more suitable for you. This switch will provide a balance between feedback and quick actuation without being too taxing on your fingers. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, the Yunhai would be the right choice. Its unique, deeper sound profile combined with a gentle, effortless actuation makes it ideal for those who enjoy a smooth and quiet typing experience. In summary, opt for the Silent Yellow if you value a firmer, more deliberate typing feel, and choose the Yunhai if you prefer a lighter, softer touch with minimal noise.
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