Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, they both belong to the tactile switch category but offer distinct features. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp, aggressive tactility and high-pitched sound profile, making it a top choice for those seeking a tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump and audible feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches provide a quieter typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed switches and translucent jade yellow housing. If you are looking for a switch that delivers a strong tactile bump without being too loud, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade might be 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade share the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is preferred by many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Therefore, both switches offer a similar sound experience due to the shared nylon housing material.
However, despite the similarities in housing material, the Box Royal and the Silent Yellow Jade may offer distinct tactile and auditory feedback due to differences in their internal components. The design of the stem and spring within each switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience, leading to variations in actuation force, travel distance, and sound profile. Therefore, while the housing material plays a crucial role in sound production, it is not the sole determinant of typing feel and performance.
Additionally, the distribution of the housing materials within the switches can influence different aspects of typing performance. For switches with different top and bottom housing materials, such as the Box Royal and Silent Yellow Jade, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, and the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of housing material characteristics provides a unique typing experience that combines the benefits of both the top and bottom housings, creating a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we can see that both switches fall under the medium-heavy category. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Silent Yellow Jade slightly heavier in terms of actuation force and lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Box Royal. The Box Royal provides a lighter keystroke with a heavier bottom out feel, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a slightly heavier actuation force for a more pronounced push feel. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile response, but the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Box Royal has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. The Box Royal offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a slightly quicker response with its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast input. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, 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 Royal tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and sharp sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a crisper and more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued and muffled noise while typing.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is described as having a sharp and intense tactile bump, providing a strong feedback sensation with each keypress. This aggressive tactility makes it a favorite among those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch's feel is not described in the provided information, but given its "silent" designation, it is likely to offer a smoother and more muted tactile bump compared to the Box Royal.
Overall, if you are looking for a highly tactile switch with a sharp and crisp sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal may be the perfect choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a softer tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, so I recommend trying out both switches to see which one suits your typing style and preferences the best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a highly tactile typing experience with a sharp, almost aggressive tactile bump, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, these switches would also suit your preferences. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and a sharper sound profile (Box Royals) or a quiet yet tactile typing experience with a "thocky" sound (Silent Yellow Jades). Consider your typing preferences and needs carefully to choose the switch that best suits your keyboard preferences.
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