Gateron Oil King vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Silent Yellow both offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Gateron Oil King is a linear switch that stands out for its buttery smoothness and rich sound profile reminiscent of dark chocolate snapping. With descriptors like 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Bassy', it provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is also a linear switch, but its standout feature is its silent operation. While categorized as silent, it offers a blank canvas for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and suitability for different users, 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Silent Yellow both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Oil King's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The bottom housings also differ, with the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offering a higher-pitched and clacky sound, compared to the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches utilize their housing materials to impact the overall typing experience.
In terms of sound profiles, the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Silent Yellow showcase how different housing materials can influence the acoustics of a switch. The Oil King's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, in contrast to the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing which results in a clearer and more resonant sound. This showcases how softer plastics like nylon can absorb more sound, while stiffer plastics like polycarbonate provide a sharper sound profile. Additionally, the bottom housing materials also play a role in shaping the overall typing experience, with the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing offering a pointed and clacky sound compared to the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing contributing to a deeper and fuller sound.
While the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Silent Yellow have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through unique sound profiles. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a balance of qualities, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when you release a key. Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Oil King or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Silent Yellow, the choice of housing material can significantly alter the overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch reveals some key differences between the two. The Gateron Oil King has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow features a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, offering a heavier and more substantial typing feel. The difference in weights between the two switches caters to individuals with different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Oil King, while those who enjoy a heavier push feel may opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow. Both switches provide unique typing experiences, and choosing between them ultimately boils down to personal preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of key travel. Both switches offer a consistent feel and performance in terms of travel distance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron Oil King or the Outemu Silent Yellow, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance. Overall, the travel distance of both these switches is equal, making them both great options for those looking for a linear switch with a 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Oil King comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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 Gateron Oil King linear switch stands out with its low-pitched and bassy characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptions available. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, characterized by smoothness, ease, and uniformity in keystrokes. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is not provided. With both switches being linear and silent, it can be expected that the Outemu Silent Yellow may offer a similar buttery and smooth typing experience akin to the Gateron Oil King.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Oil King linear switch shines with its delightful sound profile and smooth typing experience, making it a favorite among linear switch enthusiasts. While details on the Outemu Silent Yellow may be lacking, the similarities in being silent linear switches indicate that it could potentially offer a comparable level of smoothness and quiet operation. Ultimately, personal preference and typing feel will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for individual users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with a creamy, silky, buttery, or polished typing feel, then the Gateron Oil King switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and prioritize a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
