Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The silent yellow is a linear switch known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who value a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the tourmaline blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing an immersive and satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the tourmaline blue features a lengthened single-stage spring that gives it a bouncy feel with each keystroke, appealing to users looking for a tactile response. While the silent yellow is categorized as a particular type of switch, the tourmaline blue falls under specific descriptors. However, let's dive 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
59g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, one noticeable similarity is the use of polycarbonate in their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design of the switch. Despite this similarity, the Silent Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing.
However, the differences in bottom housing material between the Silent Yellow and the Tourmaline Blue result in distinct typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow absorbs more sound than the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue, creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material impacts the overall sound profile and feel of typing on each switch. While the polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a sharp and crisp sound, it is the bottom housing that influences the bottom-out sound and feel when key presses are made. The contrasting qualities of the bottom housing materials highlight the importance of considering all components of a switch when assessing its performance.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow and Everglide Tourmaline Blue housing materials will depend on the desired typing experience and sound profile. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in the top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound and feel of a switch is essential for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience. Whether opting for a duller and rounder sound with nylon or a sharper and crisper sound with polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Yellow is heavier in both aspects. The Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow requires a stronger push to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Tourmaline Blue. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue may be the better choice, as it has lighter actuation and bottom out forces. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Silent Yellow would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces should be taken into consideration based on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is the same. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience a consistent level of keypress feel and response when using either switch. Whether you choose the Outemu Silent Yellow or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is known for its lack of noise compared to traditional mechanical switches, providing a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying and immersive typing experience. While the Silent Yellow may be preferred for its silent operation in quiet environments, the Tourmaline Blue is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke experience, ensuring a reliable typing performance. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is known for its buttery and easy-to-press feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switch falls under the category of mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Silent Yellow may be favored for its simplicity and consistency, while the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its fluid and comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Yellow is best suited for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience with its silent operation, while the Tourmaline Blue appeals to users who enjoy a more immersive and tactile typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience on a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are not specifically looking for a unique sound or feel, the Silent Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, a thocky sound profile, and a buttery, easy-to-press typing experience, you may find the Tourmaline Blue to be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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