Bsun Akashi vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a multitude of options to consider, each offering a unique typing experience. The Bsun Akashi, a linear switch, is renowned for its smoothness and distinct design featuring a UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom, resulting in a crisp bottom-out sound with deep acoustics. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch, provides a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump. While the Akashi is known for its clacky and snappy feel, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience. Both switches have their own set of advantages, but ultimately the choice between them depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akashi and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This commonality in bottom housing material suggests that users of both switches can expect a similar acoustic experience in terms of the sound produced while typing.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The Akashi features a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which also elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile but with a slightly different tonal quality. The choice of top housing material can influence the sound when a key is released, adding another dimension to the overall typing experience of each switch.
The split between the top and bottom housing in a switch impacts both the feel and sound of typing on the keyboard. The qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound produced when a key is released. This means that the choice of housing material for each component of a switch can result in a nuanced and tailored typing experience for users, with differences in material impacting the overall feel and sound of the switch.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch with a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Akashi requiring 43 grams and the Silent Yellow Jade needing 65 grams. The Akashi is perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial typing feel. The actuation force of 37 grams for the Akashi allows for quicker keystrokes, while the heavier 50-gram actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Akashi has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. For those who prefer a bit more depth and resistance when typing or gaming, the Akashi may be the better option. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prefer speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Akashi has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Akashi for $3.70.
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 it comes to sound, the BSUN Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky and percussive sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is described as providing a quieter typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Akashi emphasizing a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, while the Silent Yellow Jade focuses on a quieter yet tactile typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the BSUN Akashi is praised for its creamy and polished typing sensation, offering a smooth and refined keystroke that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch is also described as frictionless and silky, providing a comfortable typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is not explicitly described in the provided information. However, as a silent tactile switch, it likely offers a smooth and tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback.
In conclusion, the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles for users to choose from. While the Akashi provides a clacky and resonant typing experience with a smooth and polished feel, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you value a unique, resonant sound with each keystroke and enjoy a smooth, creamy, and easy-to-press feel, then the Akashi may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump, then the Silent Yellow Jade switch could be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style, whether you prioritize sound or feel, and weigh the bottom out force differences of 43 grams for the Akashi and 65 grams for the Silent Yellow Jade to make an informed decision on the mechanical keyboard switch that best fits your needs.
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