Aflion Panda vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Panda and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique features. The Panda stands out with its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it a top choice for those who value extreme tactility and a rich, resonant audio feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switches from Outemu offer a quiet typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, thanks to their factory-lubed, translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. While both switches provide tactile feedback, the Panda leans towards a more accentuated and invigorating typing experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter and smoother typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Panda differs in its use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Panda's top housing makes it ideal for users who prioritize a clear and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting for an aesthetically pleasing effect. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience.
While the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, the top housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch. The split in housing materials between the Panda and the Silent Yellow Jade results in a unique combination of qualities for each switch. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the typing experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall user experience, from the sound of key presses to the feel of typing on the switch.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Aflion Panda and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer users the opportunity to choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel. Whether opting for the sharper and crisper sound of the Panda's polycarbonate top housing or the deeper and fuller sound of the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing, each switch provides a distinct typing experience. While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the contrasting top housing materials demonstrate how subtle variations can result in significant differences in sound and feel, catering to a wide range of preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly lighter compared to the Silent Yellow Jade, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. The Panda provides a medium feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a medium-heavy feel. As weight is a personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Panda for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the heavier feel of the Silent Yellow Jade for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer similar actuation force results, with the main difference lying in the bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Silent Yellow Jade is the shorter option compared to the Panda. The Panda's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional and provides a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed and precision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for either a deeper key press or a quicker response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Panda has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Panda for $3.56.
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade 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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that both switches share a similar "thocky" sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. The Panda offers a resonant and hyper-tactile sensation, providing a deep and immersive auditory experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade delivers a satisfying sound with a punchy tactile bump. Both switches are great options for those seeking a quiet typing experience with a unique sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Panda offers an accented and invigorating typing experience, providing a medium tactile feel with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive sensation. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Silent Yellow Jade switch is not available in the provided details. However, given Outemu's reputation for producing tactile switches, it is safe to assume that the Silent Yellow Jade switch will offer a tactile typing experience that many users enjoy.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a distinct "thocky" sound profile and a hyper-tactile feel, the Aflion Panda switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider what characteristics are most important to you when selecting a switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and an unparalleled hyper-tactile sensation, as well as a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch would be your best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a quiet, tactile typing experience and a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is the way to go. Consider your preferences for tactility, sound profile, and actuation force when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects of typing experience matter most to you.
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