Outemu Phoenix vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Phoenix and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Phoenix and Everglide Sunset Yellow are two options worth considering. The Phoenix is a clicky switch that stands out for its under-skirt click mechanism, making it one of the most unique clicky switches available today. With a crystalline and sparkling type feel and sound profile, it provides a satisfying and tactile experience for typists. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow is a linear switch with a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. Its rich, bassy, and decadent sound adds indulgence to every keystroke. The medium-weight of the Sunset Yellow makes it suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the combination of a POM stem and proprietary factory lube method gives it a distinct gliding feel, while the shorter travel distance and long-pole stem ensure sharp responsiveness. Both switches have their unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Phoenix and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in terms of the top and bottom housings. The Phoenix features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, POM housings produce a deeper and more muted sound. This highlights a notable contrast in their sound profiles, with the Phoenix offering a more clear and resonant sound, while the Sunset Yellow delivers a unique and pleasing deeper tone.
Similarly, in terms of the bottom housings, the Phoenix incorporates polycarbonate, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. Meanwhile, the Sunset Yellow utilizes POM in its bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and more muted sound. Comparing the two, the Phoenix's bottom housing adds to the overall impact and bottom-out sound when pressing down a key, whereas the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing offers a distinct and softer feel to the switch.
It is worth noting that if a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom. The bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Phoenix and Sunset Yellow switches offer their unique sound profiles, the specific qualities of the top and bottom housings influence the overall sound and feel experienced when using these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are some distinct differences. The actuation force of the Phoenix is unavailable, making it difficult to make a direct comparison with the Sunset Yellow's actuation force of 43 grams. However, when looking at the bottom out force, the Phoenix has a heavier force of 62 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 51 grams, making the Phoenix the heavier option in this aspect.
Considering weight as a factor, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer periods of typing without strain, which is beneficial for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, others seek a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel. In such cases, heavier actuation and bottom out forces are favored.
While the actuation force of the Phoenix is unknown, it is important to note that the bottom out force of both switches falls within the medium range. As a result, individuals seeking a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out could potentially achieve comparable results with either switch.
Overall, when comparing the two switches, the Sunset Yellow offers a lighter actuation force than the Phoenix. However, the Phoenix has a heavier bottom out force. This distinction in force may appeal to different preferences, with the Phoenix providing a more substantial typing experience and the Sunset Yellow offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is 3.3 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Phoenix offers a bit more depth with its 3.3 mm travel distance, providing a more satisfying and robust feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow's 3.2 mm travel distance may feel slightly more abrupt for those who prefer a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference - if you value responsiveness, the shorter option should be your choice, while if you prefer a more substantial depth, the switch with the longer travel distance would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Phoenix comes in at $4.15, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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 Phoenix clicky switch offers a unique and distinctive experience. With its under-skirt click mechanism, it produces a sound similar to stepping on crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This gives a satisfying and tactile feedback to each key press. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It has a rich and bassy sound, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch has a "thocky" sound, producing a deep and satisfying thud or knock when pressed and released. Overall, while the Phoenix clicky switch offers a crunchy sound, the Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is described as polished. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to a satisfying and fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is described as creamy and frictionless. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used make typing on these switches feel like effortlessly gliding across the keys. The frictionless nature of these switches minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing a fluid and effortless typing experience. Additionally, similar to the Phoenix switch, the Sunset Yellow switch is also described as polished, further enhancing the smoothness and sleekness of the typing experience. Overall, while the Phoenix switch offers a polished and refined feel, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a creamy and frictionless sensation.
Based on the available information, it is clear that both the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Phoenix switch provides a crunchy sound profile and a polished feel, creating a tactile and sleek typing experience. The Sunset Yellow switch, on the other hand, offers a bassy and thocky sound profile with a creamy and frictionless feel, resulting in a rich and smooth typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. Whether you prefer the crisp and crunchy sensation of the Phoenix switch or the indulgent and smooth experience of the Sunset Yellow switch, both switches provide satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a unique clicky switch that offers a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile, then the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. With its under-skirt click mechanism, it provides a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a captivating sound profile resembling mahjong tiles colliding, along with a rich and bassy sound during key presses, then the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is the perfect option. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow offers a distinct gliding feel and highly responsive typing experience, thanks to its POM stem and factory lube method. Both switches have their own advantages and suit different preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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