Dareu Aqua vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct qualities for different preferences. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. While the Dareu Aqua is easy-to-press and feathery, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade delivers a more subtle tactile feedback. 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
N/A
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Aqua stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting.
While the bottom housing of both the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade share the same material in nylon, their top housings differ significantly. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing provides a unique sound experience, offering a more defined and resonant sound compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing. The Aqua's use of polycarbonate creates a sharper sound profile, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in top housing materials results in distinct auditory experiences for users of the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. The use of polycarbonate in the Aqua's top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the RGB lighting experience for users. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon housing, both top and bottom, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, albeit with a duller and rounder tone. Whether the goal is for a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller one, the housing materials of these switches cater to different auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there is a significant difference in weight. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but the Silent Yellow Jade is described as medium-heavy in this regard. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Aqua for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Yellow Jade for its heavier actuation force. In terms of actuation force, the Aqua provides a lighter touch, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a heavier feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we can see that the Aqua has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Aqua's 4 mm travel distance is a bit on the longer side, offering a more substantial key press feel, which can be preferred by some users for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers or users looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a longer travel distance for a more deliberate key press, the Dareu Aqua may be the better option for you. However, if you prioritize a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade could be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
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 Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, giving it a distinctive acoustic profile that sets it apart from other switches. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, on the other hand, provides a quieter typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed design and punchy tactile bump. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences, so the choice between them would depend on whether you prefer a more unique and crisp sound like the Aqua or a quieter and more tactile sound like the Silent Yellow Jade.
In terms of feel, the Aqua's super light 37g actuation force makes it easy to press and feathery, requiring minimal effort from your fingers. This light touch enhances typing comfort and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch, with its tactile bump and factory-lubed design, provides a tactile typing experience that is satisfying and responsive. While the specific feel of the Silent Yellow Jade switch is not explicitly described in the provided information, it can be inferred that its tactile feedback offers a different typing feel compared to the light and effortless typing experience of the Aqua.
Overall, when considering the sound and feel of both switches, it is clear that the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Aqua excels in providing a unique sound profile with its chirpy and clacky sounds, while also offering an easy-to-press and feathery feel. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch delivers a quieter and tactile typing experience with its "thocky" sound and punchy tactile bump. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, you can make an informed decision between these two switches to suit your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a quiet tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, and a punchy tactile bump, then the Silent Yellow Jade switch would be the better option for you. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and actuation force preference to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what typing experience you value the most.
Mentioned in this article
