Gateron Weightlessness vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Weightlessness and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Weightlessness and the Outemu Yellow Silver present two distinctive options catering to different typing preferences. The Weightlessness switches are recognized for their subtle to moderate tactile feedback, which provides a satisfying experience without being overwhelming, making them appealing for users who value a balanced feel while typing or gaming. Their sound profile complements this tactile quality, creating a harmonious acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switches stand out with their light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making them ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. While the tactile nature of the Weightlessness caters to those who enjoy feedback during their typing sessions, the smoothness of the Yellow Silver is geared towards users who need quick, efficient keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, tailored to different user experiences. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Weightlessness and the Outemu Yellow Silver, a key difference lies in the choice of materials for the top housing. The Weightlessness features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer composition. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and less resonant auditory experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver’s top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that provides a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. The nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for those who prefer a more precise auditory feedback, especially in setups where RGB lighting is integrated, as its translucency allows for better light diffusion.
While the top housings of the two switches contrast in terms of material properties and resultant sound profiles, their bottom housings are both constructed from nylon. This shared material choice ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel are consistent between the two switches. By absorbing sound more effectively, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory experience regardless of the top housing's material. It indicates that when the switch is bottomed out, both the Gateron Weightlessness and the Outemu Yellow Silver will evoke a similar deep sound impression, unifying their performance in this regard.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—create distinct sound profiles when the key is released, marking a unique experience for users of the Gateron Weightlessness compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver. However, since both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, they share a common auditory characteristic during the key press itself, resulting in a harmonious, rounded sound upon bottoming out. This combination highlights how the interplay between different materials in mechanical switches can lead to varied user experiences while allowing for some shared qualities that enhance the overall performance of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Weightlessness features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Yellow Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making the Yellow Silver the easier option to press down. However, the Weightlessness's bottom out force is currently unknown, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect with the Yellow Silver's bottom out force of 55 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. This suggests that the Yellow Silver provides a more substantial feedback when bottomed out, appealing to those who prefer a heavier typing experience. For users who value a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Outemu Yellow Silver would be the preferable choice, while the Weightlessness, with its heavier actuation force and unknown bottom out characteristic, might cater more to those who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the differences are notable. The Gateron Weightlessness has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Weightlessness switch the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can facilitate faster actuation. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's 4 mm distance aligns with more traditional preferences, offering a greater depth that some users might find more satisfying. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Gateron Weightlessness would be the better choice, whereas those who favor a more pronounced keypress might prefer the Outemu Yellow Silver.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
The Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch features a balanced sound profile that complements its subtle to moderate tactile feel, making it a pleasant choice for those who appreciate a satisfying acoustic response without being overly intrusive. The Outemu Yellow Silver switch, on the other hand, is noted for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound that is versatile enough for various uses, whether at home or in the workplace. Both switches deliver a sound that is unobtrusive, making them suitable for a wide range of environments, although the Weightlessness may provide slightly more auditory feedback due to its tactile nature.
When it comes to feel, the Weightlessness tactile switch is characterized by its subtle to moderate tactile bump, providing users with a clear indication of actuation without overwhelming resistance. This gives it a balanced experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. Conversely, the Yellow Silver switch has a light actuation force, favoring speediness and responsiveness. While the tactile feedback of the Weightlessness may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced actuation, the Yellow Silver offers a smoother experience that can enhance rapid key presses, which is particularly advantageous for gamers.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer distinct yet complementary qualities. The Weightlessness provides a more pronounced tactile experience with a balanced sound profile, while the Yellow Silver emphasizes a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound, appealing to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Depending on your preferences, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing or gaming experience, combining their respective qualities to meet a variety of user needs. Ultimately, your choice will dictate the amount of tactile feedback and sound experience you prefer in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience without being overly pronounced, the Weightlessness is an excellent fit. This switch is ideal for typical office environments or home use where a balanced sound profile and a lightweight feel can keep your typing comfortable for long sessions. Alternatively, if you are a gamer or a typist who values speed, responsiveness, and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver is the way to go. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams makes it suitable for quick actions, ensuring that you can execute multiple key presses rapidly without exhausting your fingers. Therefore, consider your primary activities—whether you prioritize a tactile feel with balanced acoustics or a speedy, linear response—and choose the switch that best aligns with your needs.
Mentioned in this article
