Outemu Silver vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and SP-Star Yanyu both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silver switch is categorized as smooth, and is best known for None. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch falls under categories such as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. The Yanyu switch is particularly favored by those seeking a delicate typing experience or for extended typing sessions, thanks to its crisp sound profile. While these general pointers may help you choose between the two switches, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will ultimately help you determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Silver Linear

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$3.10 per 10

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the SP-Star Yanyu, it is evident that both switches offer unique characteristics. The Silver's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, suitable for those who prefer a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant, bright sound without being overly sharp. While the Silver's top housing is stiffer and denser due to polycarbonate, the Yanyu's blend creates a softer and more absorbing sound profile.

When looking at the bottom housings of these switches, the differences become more apparent. The Silver's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer and more sound-absorbing qualities, while the Yanyu's blend bottom housing complements the top housing with a unique blend that results in a pleasant and brighter sound profile. The difference in materials between the bottom housings of these two switches adds to the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch.

Overall, while the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in composition and sound characteristics, they both offer an enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Silver's polycarbonate top housing or a pleasant, brighter sound with the Yanyu's unique blend top housing, both switches provide distinct qualities that enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.

Weight

The Outemu Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch both offer unique advantages when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Silver switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Yanyu switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Yanyu switch has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Silver switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Yanyu switch lighter overall, which may be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silver switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being better suited for long typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more pronounced typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key press feel and responsiveness, regardless of which switch they choose. Additionally, the identical travel distance of 4 mm for both switches indicates that there is no difference in key travel length between the Outemu Silver and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch is known for being neutral in terms of sound profile, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as having a thocky sound profile, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. When comparing the two switches, the Yanyu would provide a more pronounced and satisfying sound experience, while the Silver offers a more neutral sound suitable for various purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.

Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silver switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided, while the SP-Star Yanyu switch is described as offering a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. 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 also ensures smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. In comparison, the feel of the Silver switch may vary depending on individual preference since no specific descriptors are provided.

In conclusion, the Outemu Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Yanyu switch is known for its thocky sound profile and gentle, polished typing experience, making it ideal for those looking for a more delicate typing experience. On the other hand, the Silver switch has a neutral sound profile and an unspecified typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with the Yanyu providing a more pronounced and satisfying experience while the Silver offers a more neutral and versatile option.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy force, the Silver may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter force for a more delicate typing experience or for long typing sessions, the Yanyu switch with its light 43-gram bottom-out force would be more suitable. Additionally, consider the sound and feel profiles of each switch. The Yanyu switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, making it versatile and comfortable for various typing scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific use case for the keyboard switches.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more