Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Durock Piano mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note that they are both linear switches. The Silent Yellow is known for being a silent switch with no additional noise, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches are praised for their unique blend of materials, providing a smooth and pleasant typing experience with a deep and creamy sound signature. While the Silent Yellow may be preferred for its noiseless operation, the Durock Piano stands out for its smooth and silky feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Durock Piano, we see that the Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing while the Piano boasts a proprietary POM blend top housing. Both materials offer unique sound profiles, with polycarbonate providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound while POM blend offers a satisfying and deep sound. While polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and clear translucency, POM blend is celebrated for its deep and rich sound qualities. Despite these differences, both materials excel in enhancing the overall typing experience by contributing to the acoustics of the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Silent Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, offering a similarly deep and satisfying sound profile. While the exact details of the POM blend are unknown, it is evident that both nylon and POM blend contribute to creating a more rounded and duller sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
When considering how the top and bottom housings impact the typing experience, it becomes clear that the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in material between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Durock Piano, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience with their unique housing materials. Whether it be the sharp and crisp sound profile of polycarbonate or the deep and satisfying sound of POM blend, users can expect high-quality acoustics from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Yellow is the heavier option. The Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavy switch. In contrast, the Durock Piano has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy. The actuation force of the Silent Yellow provides users with a tactile feel when typing, while the Piano offers a smoother typing experience due to a lighter actuation force. Overall, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Yellow, while users looking for a lighter switch may choose the Durock Piano for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer different levels of force that cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance. The travel distance of these switches is relatively short compared to other switches on the market, making them ideal for fast typists or gamers who require quick response times. They both offer a smooth linear feel with no tactile bump, providing a consistent typing or gaming experience. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is the same, allowing users to achieve similar results regardless of which one they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is known for producing a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its deep and bassy sound profile, providing a rich auditory experience during key presses. While the Silent Yellow focuses on silence, the Piano delivers a more pronounced and satisfying sound that may appeal to users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience.
As for the feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch's tactile feedback is not specifically highlighted in the provided information, but it is commonly known for its smooth and linear actuation, offering a consistent typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is described as frictionless and silky, emphasizing an incredibly smooth and effortless typing sensation that minimizes resistance and enhances the overall smoothness of keystrokes. If you prefer a switch with a more fluid and easy typing feel, the Durock Piano may be the better option for you.
Overall, choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow and Durock Piano linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, the Silent Yellow would be a suitable choice, while the Durock Piano may be more appealing if you prefer a switch with a deep, rich sound profile and a silky, frictionless feel. Keep in mind that the overall typing experience can also be influenced by factors such as keycap material and keyboard construction, so it's worth experimenting to find the perfect combination that suits your typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering which switch to choose, you should opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are not particularly concerned with sound or feel characteristics. On the other hand, you should go for the Durock Piano linear switch if you value a smoother typing experience with a lower bottom out force and appreciate a deep, creamy sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and priorities in terms of typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Happy typing!
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