Outemu Tom vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Tom and the TTC Yunhai provide distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Tom is a tactile switch, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a noticeable bump when pressing a key, enhancing the typing experience with feedback that can improve typing accuracy. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai is a linear switch renowned for its smooth keystrokes and light actuation force, offering a gentle, almost effortless feel that appeals to those who favor rapid typing or gaming. While the Tom enhances tactile feedback for precise input, the Yunhai focuses on a seamless and quiet experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Tom Tactile

TTC Yunhai Linear

$3.10 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Tom and TTC Yunhai differ significantly in the materials used for their top housings, which directly impacts their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Tom features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. This material allows for a clear and resonant sound profile that enhances the typing experience, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, as polycarbonate's translucency makes the colors more vibrant. In contrast, the Yunhai's top housing utilizes nylon, a softer plastic that results in a deeper and fuller sound. The inherent properties of nylon absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience, indicative of a softer typing feel. This fundamental difference in material construction shapes how these two switches perform during use.

On the other hand, both the Outemu Tom and TTC Yunhai feature nylon for their bottom housings, meaning they share some similarities in terms of sound profile in this regard. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, effectively dampening noise with its absorptive qualities. This consistent use of nylon translates into a familiar bottom-out sound and feel for both switches, providing users with a satisfying tactile response regardless of the contrasting top housing materials. As the bottom housing has a more substantial influence on the sound produced when a key is pressed down, this commonality ensures that both switches deliver a cohesive typing experience in terms of bottom-out impact.

Ultimately, the differences between the Outemu Tom and TTC Yunhai lie primarily in their top housing materials, with polycarbonate leading to a brighter sound in the Tom while nylon provides a warmer experience in the Yunhai. However, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain that deeper sound profile when a user types. Therefore, while the performance characteristics of the upper housings contribute distinctively to the sound when releasing a key, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing creates a consistent foundation, leading to an enjoyable experience across both switches. Users can expect a combination of sharpness from the Tom combined with the warmth of the Yunhai, allowing for a rich and dynamic typing experience irrespective of their individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in terms of actuation force. The Tom switch requires a force of 55 grams to actuate, while the Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Yunhai more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially during extended sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger each keystroke. Conversely, the heavier actuation force of the Tom switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel in their typing experience. However, the bottom out force of the Tom switch remains unknown, making it challenging to compare directly in that regard with the Yunhai's bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. Thus, while the Yunhai offers both a lighter actuation and a quantifiable bottom out force, the Tom's unknown bottom out force leaves some ambiguity in its overall tactile experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there's a notable difference in travel distance. The Outemu Tom has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Yunhai measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Tom provides a shallower feel, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times, while the Yunhai's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. If you lean towards an experience that emphasizes depth and tactile feedback, the Yunhai is the better choice. Conversely, if you're after responsiveness and quicker actuation, the Tom's shorter travel distance will suit your needs better.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of these switches, the Outemu Tom lacks significant notoriety in this area, leaving its acoustic qualities largely unknown. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch is celebrated for its distinctive sound, characterized by a deep, rounded tone that enhances the auditory experience while typing. This pairing of sound and typing action can create an enjoyable environment for users who appreciate auditory feedback, though the ultimate sound experience will still be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard build and the specific keycaps used.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Tom does not have notable descriptions available, making it difficult to gauge its tactile characteristics. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch is known for its exceptionally light actuation force, resulting in a typing experience that is gentle and effortless. This softness makes the Yunhai particularly appealing to typists who desire a less physical strain while typing, allowing for longer, more comfortable sessions without fatigue.

In summary, the Outemu Tom remains an enigma in both sound and feel, while the TTC Yunhai offers a unique advantage with its deep sound profile and lightweight actuation feel. For newcomers, exploring the Yunhai switch would yield a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, while the Tom’s unknown qualities present an opportunity for discovery, should one become available. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preferences, especially if sound and tactile feedback are the primary considerations.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you are someone who values a tactile feedback that gives you a satisfying 'bump' with each keystroke, the Tom switch might not be the best fit, as it lacks specific detailing on its tactile feel. However, if you're after a switch that allows for a smooth typing experience without much resistance, and perhaps you prefer a quieter operation, the Tom has the flexibility to potentially suit your needs, especially if you enjoy a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you're looking for a vibrant typing experience that combines a light actuation force with depth in sound, the TTC Yunhai is an excellent choice. Its design caters to typists who appreciate a gentle touch and the satisfying auditory feedback that comes with each key pressed. In essence, if you are focused on a gentle, effortless typing experience for long hours of use, the Yunhai will likely be your best pick. Ultimately, assess what feels most comfortable and productive for you to create an ideal typing environment.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more