Everglide Sunset Yellow vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Sunset Yellow and TTC Yunhai both offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences, despite being linear switches. The Sunset Yellow switches, renowned for their captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, deliver a rich and bassy experience that elevates the act of typing to an indulgent affair. Their medium weight makes them versatile, catering to a broad range of users while the unique Ly stem and proprietary factory lube provide a frictionless gliding feel, enhancing responsiveness with every keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches provide a distinctly lighter actuation force, resulting in a gentle and effortless typing experience that appeals to those who favor a less forceful touch. While the Yunhai's deep, rounded tonal quality contributes to its charm, the Sunset Yellow stands out for its polished and thocky sound. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—whether you crave a satisfying thock or a soft, breezy keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Sunset Yellow and the TTC Yunhai switches exhibit notable similarities and differences that significantly influence their overall acoustic properties. The Sunset Yellow employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, while the Yunhai utilizes nylon for its housings. While POM is known for creating a unique and pleasing sound profile characterized by deeper and more muted tones, nylon is recognized for its classic usage in switch housings and also provides a deeper, fuller sound. Both materials contribute to a sound that leans toward the softer side, likely resulting in a subdued auditory experience for the user.
When examining the bottom housings specifically, both the POM in the Sunset Yellow and nylon in the Yunhai work towards achieving a similar acoustic effect. This is due to the inherent softness of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a less prominent bottom-out sound that aligns with the goals of both switch designs. For the Sunset Yellow, POM achieves a similar absorption quality, allowing for a deeper and muted sound that may resonate well with users who value a non-intrusive typing experience. Regardless of the difference in materials, users can expect a subdued response when bottoming out on these switches.
The impact of the top housing becomes especially significant when considering how each switch sounds upon release. While the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow will carry its characteristic deep and muted sound, the nylon top housing of the Yunhai will likely deliver a similar, albeit slightly different sonic experience due to its own material properties. As a result, despite the distinct materials used, the acoustic outcomes can be harmoniously aligned, making both switches suitable for users who appreciate a more rounded and softer sound profile throughout the entire typing experience. With their combined design philosophies, it's apparent that both switches cater to preferences for sound quality that leans toward the deeper end of the auditory spectrum, while offering users an engaging and pleasurable typing environment.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch to the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Sunset Yellow has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Yunhai boasts a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it firmly in the light category. This difference suggests that typists who prefer a lighter touch might find the Yunhai switch more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, for those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing, the Sunset Yellow's heavier forces could provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, while both switches are close in specifications, the Sunset Yellow offers a medium-light feel compared to the lighter Yunhai, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, their travel distances reveal distinct preferences for key feel and responsiveness. The Sunset Yellow features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Yunhai has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Sunset Yellow the shorter option, catering to those who appreciate quicker response times, especially popular among gamers. In contrast, the Yunhai's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a deeper key press and a less abrupt typing experience. Therefore, your choice between the two switches will hinge on whether you prioritize speed or a more traditional tactile 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 sound profile of the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches is characterized by a captivating and rich bassy resonance, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. This adds a unique auditory experience to typing, creating a deep and thocky sound that many enthusiasts find incredibly satisfying. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch does not have a specific sound profile described, but it is known to provide an effortless typing experience, which may imply a much quieter operation. Given that the sound of a switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, users may notice a more subdued sound in Yunhai switches compared to the rich audio tapestry of the Sunset Yellow.
Regarding their tactile feel, the Sunset Yellow switches excel with their creamy, frictionless, and polished sensation. Users can expect a smooth, buttery experience that feels incredibly fluid, allowing fingers to glide seamlessly over the keys. This luxurious glide, enhanced by the unique Ly stem and proprietary factory lube, results in highly responsive keystrokes. Unfortunately, no specific qualitative descriptions are available for the feel of the Yunhai switches, making direct comparisons challenging. It’s possible that the Yunhai focuses on lightness in actuation, offering a different kind of experience, potentially geared towards a gentler touch rather than a richly textured one.
In conclusion, if you're in search of a mechanical switch that provides a richly rewarding auditory experience alongside a smooth and polished tactile feel, the Everglide Sunset Yellow might be the better choice. It boasts a distinctive sound and a luxurious typing feel due to its meticulous design and lube method. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai, while lighter in actuation and lacking specific sound and feel descriptors, might appeal to those who prioritize an effortless typing experience. Ultimately, both switches will cater to distinct preferences, and trying out both could lead to finding the perfect fit for your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch will largely depend on your typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a rich auditory experience, the Sunset Yellow is the way to go with its captivating, bassy sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles, coupled with a medium-light actuation force that provides a balanced feel suitable for a wide range of users. This makes it an ideal option for both casual typing and gaming, offering a sharp and responsive experience along with its creamy and frictionless feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless typing experience, the Yunhai switch might be your best bet. With its light bottom-out force, it is perfect for those who want to minimize fatigue during long typing sessions, delivering a unique, deep, and rounded sound profile that adds to the overall enjoyment. In summary, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a rich auditory and tactile experience with the Sunset Yellow or an ultra-light and gentle keystroke experience with the Yunhai.