Outemu Silver vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing style, both the Outemu Silver and the TTC Yunhai linear switches provide distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silver is often favored for its quick actuation, making it an appealing option for gamers seeking rapid response times, while its smooth keystrokes enhance the gaming experience. In comparison, the TTC Yunhai stands out with its unique typing experience characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, perfect for typists who enjoy a gentle, effortless feel while typing. Both switches serve their purposes well—whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness with the Silver or a soft and satisfying typing experience with the Yunhai. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Outemu Silver and TTC Yunhai switches demonstrate distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which heavily influence their sound profiles. The Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is famed for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This results in a resonant audio experience, particularly beneficial when the switch is combined with RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for more vibrant illumination. Conversely, the Yunhai features a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer quality that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon’s ability to absorb sound creates a muted, rounder auditory experience, showcasing a stark contrast in the overall acoustic output between the two switches.
When we turn to the bottom housings of both switches, we observe that both the Outemu Silver and TTC Yunhai incorporate nylon. This choice results in a similar auditory experience upon bottoming out the switch. The deeper and fuller sound produced by the nylon material contributes to a satisfying tactile sensation when keys are pressed down. Since both switches share the same bottom housing material, they will exhibit comparable sound characteristics in that respect. However, the nuances in the sound profile are primarily due to the differing top housing materials, creating a unique blend of audio experiences when pressing each switch.
In summary, while the Outemu Silver and TTC Yunhai switches differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing allows for parallel auditory traits when keys reach their lowest point. This duality illustrates how the combination of different materials can affect the user experience in distinctive ways. The Silver’s sharper sound on release juxtaposed with the Yunhai’s muted feedback creates an engaging comparison for typists, showcasing how specific housing materials can produce tailored auditory outcomes while still maintaining some similarities in tactile feedback.
Weight
The Outemu Silver linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch present a distinct contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silver switch boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, making it suitable for users who prefer a firmer feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Yunhai switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch for extended typing sessions or casual use. Consequently, the Outemu Silver is the heavier option, while the TTC Yunhai is the lighter choice, providing an overall different typing experience. For anyone looking to balance both preferences, the two switches emphasize distinct user needs, with the Silver offering a more substantial feel and the Yunhai promoting ease and comfort during long-term use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the two switches exhibit a clear difference. The Outemu Silver has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it one of the more traditional options that provides a hearty depth when pressed. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which caters to gamers looking for faster response times. This shorter travel distance may feel more abrupt to some users, but it can enhance quick actions in gaming scenarios. Overall, if you prefer a deeper keypress, the Outemu Silver with its longer travel distance will suit your needs, while the TTC Yunhai offers a snappier experience with its shorter travel distance.
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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a specific highlight, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat undefined in comparison to the TTC Yunhai, which is celebrated for its deep, rounded sound profile. This richer sound can create a more immersive typing experience, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while they type. However, it's crucial to recognize that the overall sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps employed, meaning even a switch with less defined sound characteristics like the Silver might still perform well when paired appropriately.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a clear description to reference, whereas the TTC Yunhai is renowned for its incredibly light actuation force, providing a gentle and effortless typing experience. This lightweight feel can cater to typists who prefer a more delicate touch, allowing for quicker and less tiring typing sessions. If the Silver were to possess a similar gentle touch, one could anticipate a comparable experience in terms of user comfort and fatigue levels over long usage periods.
In summary, while the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks standout characteristics in both sound and feel, the TTC Yunhai excels with its deep sound and lightweight actuation. If you're looking for a switch experience that emphasizes auditory richness and an effortless typing feel, the Yunhai is the better choice. Should the Silver exhibit qualities that mimic the Yunhai in terms of a gentle touch, you may still achieve a satisfactory typing experience, though the rich sound profile of the Yunhai is likely to stand out more prominently.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a firmer, more pronounced key press with a substantial bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Silver may suit you well, especially if you enjoy a tactile feedback that can minimize accidental key presses during intense typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, the TTC Yunhai is likely the right switch for you. Its gentle actuation and deep, rounded sound profile provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience, particularly for those who prioritize comfort and ease during extended typing sessions. In summary, choose the Silver switch for a medium-heavy feel and tactile feedback, while the Yunhai switch is the way to go for a lightweight, effortless experience.
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