Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, the decision ultimately hinges on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a traditional sound signature and pronounced tactility, the Box Navy switches are a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if a quiet yet tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound is more your speed, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are the way to go. 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
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in sound quality showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Navy and the Silent Yellow Jade feature nylon bottom housings. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. As such, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, these switches share a similarity in the qualities brought about by their nylon bottom housings. Typing on these switches will elicit a rounder and duller sound due to the absorption capabilities of nylon, showcasing a consistent element in their design and construction.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is evident that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon in the case of both switches or polycarbonate in the case of the Box Navy, will affect the tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing's material will have a more pronounced impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding how these housing materials interact with the actuation mechanism of the switches, users can better appreciate the nuances in sound and feel that each switch offers.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch. The Box Navy requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 90 grams to bottom out, making it a heavy switch. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade needs 50 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. This means that the Box Navy will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade will be lighter and more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the Box Navy being heavier and the Silent Yellow Jade being lighter for typing tasks.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of the more common 3.0-4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Box Navy for its slightly longer travel distance, as it offers a more satisfying key press with a bit more depth. On the other hand, those looking for a quicker response time may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel desired in a keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, reminiscent of vintage keyboards from the 80s, giving users a high-pitched and immersive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, perfect for those seeking a more subdued typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy being louder and more resonant while the Silent Yellow Jade is quieter and more subtle.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch showcases a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile response, making each keypress feel intense and satisfying. Its strong tactile bump provides a responsive typing sensation, ideal for those who enjoy a firm actuation force. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile typing experience without the loud clickiness, allowing for a more subtle feedback that still maintains a satisfying tactile bump. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy offering a more intense and forceful feel compared to the Silent Yellow Jade.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a heavy, loud, and intense typing experience with a clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter, more subtle tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is a great choice. Whether you prioritize sound or feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your specific typing preferences and whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a fan of heavy typing experiences with a satisfying clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, tactile typing experience with a unique "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the weight and sound signature of the switches or the quiet, tactile feel they provide. Consider your typing preferences and environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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