Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow offer very distinct typing experiences. The Box Jade is perfect for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on the Box Jade a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow offers a smooth and linear typing experience with no audible click. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a quieter 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting. However, the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing may offer a slightly different sound experience compared to the Silent Yellow's due to variations in the design and construction of the switches.
On the other hand, both switches also incorporate a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the typing experience of the Box Jade and the Silent Yellow may still differ based on individual preferences and typing styles. The impact of the housing material on the overall sound and feel of each switch adds to the uniqueness of their typing experiences.
In terms of typing sensation, the qualities of the bottom housing material are more prominent during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material plays a bigger role in the sound when releasing a key. While both the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow share similarities in their housing materials, such as the use of polycarbonate and nylon, the combination of these materials in different parts of the switches results in distinct typing experiences that cater to a variety of preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Box Jade. The Box Jade has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods, the Box Jade may be the better option due to its lighter forces. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may prefer the Silent Yellow despite its heavier forces. In terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that the Box Jade offers a lighter typing experience compared to the Silent Yellow, which provides a more substantial and heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Box Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow. A shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is well-known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound with each press, along with a tactile bump that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors, suggesting a quieter typing experience compared to the clicky Box Jade. When it comes to feel, the Box Jade switch is characterized as having an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying level of tactility. In contrast, there is no information available on the feel of the Silent Yellow switch, making it difficult to directly compare to the Box Jade in this aspect.
Overall, if you prefer a clicky switch with a high-pitched sound and a tactile bump, the Kailh Box Jade would be a great choice for a more immersive typing experience. However, if you are looking for a quieter option without specific sound or feel preferences, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch may provide a smoother and more subtle typing experience. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, so trying out different options firsthand is always recommended to determine the best fit for your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the perfect choice for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing a delightful experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a linear switch with silent operation, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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