TTC Bluish White vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Silent Yellow. The Bluish White is a tactile switch that emphasizes a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. It is described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow is a linear switch that offers a smooth and quiet typing experience. While the Bluish White provides a tactile feedback, the Silent Yellow focuses on a seamless keystroke without any tactile bump. Both switches have their unique qualities, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, they differ in their bottom housing material, with the Bluish White using nylon and the Silent Yellow also utilizing nylon. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches contributes to a more immersive typing experience. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a more satisfying typing sensation. Both switches benefit from the unique qualities of nylon in their bottom housing, enhancing the overall sound and feel of the typing experience.
While the top housing of a switch typically has a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. In the case of the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches, the qualities of their top and bottom housing materials complement each other to deliver a well-rounded typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, while nylon in the bottom housing enhances the depth and fullness of the sound. Overall, both switches offer a unique blend of housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The TTC Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. The lighter actuation force of the Bluish White allows for longer typing periods, perfect for work or gaming sessions, while the heavier forces of the Silent Yellow offer a more pronounced tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Yellow has a longer travel distance compared to the Bluish White. A 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the overall feel of the switch. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Bluish White with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your typing or gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.18.
The Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10 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 Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing sessions. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Bluish White switch is often described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It also has mild characteristics, providing a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Additionally, these switches have a stepped design, offering a two-stage tactile feel that is subtle and polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch.
In conclusion, while the Bluish White tactile switch offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile and a buttery, stepped feel, the information on the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is limited. If you enjoy the qualities of the Bluish White switch, you may find similar results with the Silent Yellow switch, but it is recommended to try them out personally to determine which one best suits your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you desire a light typing feel with a satisfyingly poppy sound profile, the Bluish White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom-out force and a quieter typing experience, the Silent Yellow could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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