Outemu Yellow Silver vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Yellow Silver and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Yellow Silver and the TTC Yunhai both present compelling choices for users prioritizing a linear switch experience, but each brings its own unique characteristics to the table. The Yellow Silver by Outemu is celebrated for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it an excellent option for gamers and typists alike who desire speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches offer a distinct typing experience characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, ideal for those who appreciate a gentle, effortless feel while typing. While the Yellow Silver leans towards a more versatile performance that suits both gaming and typing, the Yunhai provides a specialized experience that may appeal more to dedicated typists seeking a softer touch. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
When analyzing the housing materials of the Outemu Yellow Silver and the TTC Yunhai, notable differences arise from their top housing compositions. The Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its stiffness and translucency, which enhance the switch's acoustic properties. This stiffness contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in clearer and more resonant sounds, particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Yunhai features a nylon top housing that absorbs sound due to its softer composition. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a rounder and duller acoustic signature compared to the Yellow Silver's crisper characteristics. Therefore, users seeking a bright and vibrant typing experience may prefer the Yellow Silver, while those inclined towards a warmer sound may gravitate towards the Yunhai.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Yellow Silver and Yunhai share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality influences the acoustic properties of each switch, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches when bottomed out. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing means that typing on either switch will yield a satisfying and rich sound, irrespective of the differing top housings. Consequently, while the top housing determines the sharper or rounder tonal characteristics, the nylon bottom in both switches guarantees a consistent, foundational sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
The interaction between the top and bottom housings in both switches demonstrates how each material contributes distinctly to the typing experience. With the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top delivering clarity during key releases, and the Yunhai's nylon top providing a deeper, muted response, the choice ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound texture. However, both switches benefit from the mediating effects of their nylon bottoms, which help create a robust typing feel and rich auditory feedback. Thus, while the contrasting top housing materials lead to different sound profiles, the nylon bottom ensures that players can expect superior sound filling for both switches, presenting a balanced option that reflects individual tastes in tactile and acoustic qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom-out forces of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in weight and feel. The Outemu Yellow Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, which places it firmly in the light category. As a result, the Yunhai switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a stronger push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you seek a lighter option for less fatigue during long usage, the TTC Yunhai switch is the more favorable choice, while the Outemu Yellow Silver provides a bit more resistance that some might find satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences that may influence user preference. The Yellow Silver switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with the more traditional travel distance favored by many typists and gamers seeking a deeper key press. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to a modern trend where shorter distances can offer quicker response times, a quality particularly appreciated by gamers. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel during gameplay, the Yunhai's 3.6 mm distance would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Yellow Silver's 4 mm distance might be more satisfying. Ultimately, the Yellow Silver switch offers a longer travel distance, while the Yunhai provides a shorter option.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch features a neutral sound profile. This neutrality means that it offers a versatile auditory experience that can comfortably suit a variety of environments—whether at home, in an office, or during gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch is characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile, which can provide a more pronounced acoustic feedback. The choice between these two switches for sound will largely depend on personal preference; the Yellow Silver caters to those who seek a balanced demeanor, while the Yunhai may appeal to users looking for more warmth in the typing experience. Both sound experiences may also be influenced by the type of keyboard case and keycaps used.
Regarding the feel, the Yellow Silver switch is notably recognized for its light actuation force but lacks specific descriptive qualities in the provided information. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch is identified as having a feathery feel, providing an effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. This effortless sensation is particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions, as users can touch type or game with ease. If the Yellow Silver's feel aligns closely with lightness, it may offer a comparable yet less defined tactile experience compared to the more specialized sensations of the Yunhai switch.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Yellow Silver and TTC Yunhai linear switches deliver unique qualities tailored for different user preferences. While the Yellow Silver’s neutral sound profile offers versatility, the Yunhai switch provides a deeper acoustic experience. In terms of feel, the Yunhai’s feathery lightness offers distinct advantages for long-term usage, while the Yellow Silver remains an excellent choice for those who appreciate a lighter actuation force. Ultimately, both switches can yield satisfying results, ensuring that users can find a switch that aligns with their typing or gaming style based on these qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Yellow Silver and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, your decision should hinge on your specific preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a slightly more substantial typing feel with a balanced actuation force, the Yellow Silver switch is an excellent choice. Its medium-light force of 55 grams makes it suitable for both gaming and typing, allowing for speedy keystrokes without feeling overly taxing on your fingers. This neutrality in sound and actuation makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, if you're looking for an exceptionally effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended sessions, the TTC Yunhai switch is the way to go. With its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, it is ideal for those who crave a gentle, almost feathery touch while typing. This switch is particularly suited for typists who spend long hours at the keyboard and enjoy a deeper, rounded sound profile that enhances the tactile experience. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches should reflect how you intend to use your keyboard and what typing experience you value most.
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