Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider their unique features and characteristics. The Black Lotus is a linear switch known for its silky smooth feel, reduced wobble, and in-switch lighting. With a 55g actuation weight, it offers a substantial typing experience without feeling too heavy. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that provides a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. Featuring a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, these factory-lubed switches offer a distinct tactile feedback. Each switch has its own appeal and advantages, but ultimately the best choice will depend on your personal preferences 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches both utilize nylon in their construction, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing due to the material's ability to absorb sound. However, the Black Lotus also incorporates a modified PC and UPE blend in its top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel that sets it apart from the Silent Yellow Jade. This blend may offer a different typing experience compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's all-nylon housing.
In terms of sound production, both switches are likely to provide a duller and rounder sound due to the nylon material used in their housing. This characteristic creates a more muted typing experience compared to switches with harder plastics. However, the Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing may introduce additional nuances to the sound profile, potentially yielding a slightly different typing experience than the Silent Yellow Jade. Overall, the housing materials in both switches contribute to a quieter typing experience that is preferred by users seeking a more subdued sound.
While the housing materials in the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches share similarities in their use of nylon for sound absorption, they also exhibit differences in their top housing composition. The Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing adds a premium and unique feel to the switch, potentially altering the overall typing experience in comparison to the Silent Yellow Jade. Both switches, however, are likely to offer a quieter typing experience overall, thanks to the sound-dampening properties of nylon. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Black Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade requires a heavier force of 65 grams compared to the Black Lotus's 63.5 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit of resistance. The Black Lotus offers a slightly lighter actuation force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a stronger push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional depth compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch's 3.3 mm travel distance. In terms of distance, the Black Lotus has a longer travel distance than the Silent Yellow Jade. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Black Lotus. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience due to its unique design that reduces wobble and noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is praised for its satisfying "thocky" sound, which adds a tactile element to the typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
As for the feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is described as having a silky and polished typing experience, with minimal resistance and a smooth keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a punchy tactile bump, giving a more pronounced feedback with each keypress. While the Black Lotus focuses on smoothness and precision, the Silent Yellow Jade emphasizes tactility and feedback in its typing sensation.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is evident that the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch each have their own unique qualities to offer. The Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced wobble, while the Silent Yellow Jade stands out for its tactile bump and satisfying sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference, whether you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience or a tactile feedback with a distinctive sound. Regardless of which switch you choose, both options promise to deliver a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and precise typing feel with in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice with its 63.5 gram bottom out force and silky smooth operation. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, tactile typing experience with a distinctive "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump, the Silent Yellow Jade with its 65 gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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