TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and Outemu Silent Yellow both offer a linear typing experience, making them popular choices for those who prefer a smoother keystroke without tactile feedback. The Flame Red stands out for its vibrant light diffuser, which makes it ideal for those with backlit RGB keyboards. Known for its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, it falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow lacks any standout features but provides a silent typing experience. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the nuances of each switch will ultimately help you determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and Outemu Silent Yellow switches lies in their top housing. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material leads to varying acoustic experiences for users, with the Flame Red offering a duller and rounder sound, while the Silent Yellow produces a more clear and resonant sound.
On the other hand, both the Flame Red and Silent Yellow switches share a nylon bottom housing. This material is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom housing. Despite having different top housing materials, users can expect a consistent deep and full sound when pressing down on keys with either the Flame Red or Silent Yellow switches.
Overall, the choice between the Flame Red and Silent Yellow switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Flame Red's nylon top housing offers a mellower and more rounded sound, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper and more resonant sound. Depending on whether you prefer a softer, deeper sound or a sharper, clearer sound, you can select the switch that best suits your typing experience and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it becomes evident that the Flame Red is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, which is considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch is heavier, requiring an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. The Flame Red offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Silent Yellow provides a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier keystroke. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from top to bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the typing experience with both switches will be consistent in terms of keypress feel. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is identical, so you can expect similar results when using either the Flame Red or the Silent Yellow linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is not provided. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Flame Red linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a gentle yet refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. As for the Outemu Silent Yellow switch, details about its specific feel are unknown.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the TTC Flame Red linear switch stands out for its neutral sound profile and mild, polished feel. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch remain unknown, it's safe to assume that the Flame Red switch would provide a balanced and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of sound and feel based on their linear design, but for those seeking a visually stunning option with a polished feel and neutral sound profile, the Flame Red switch may be the more appealing choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize visual aesthetics and enjoy a medium-light typing experience with a smooth and clacky sound profile, the Flame Red may be the better choice for you, especially if you have a backlit, RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a bottom out force of 80 grams, the Silent Yellow might be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and visual appeal.
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