Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their distinctive clicky feedback, delivering both crisp tactile responses and an audible click with every keypress, making them ideal for typists who enjoy an engaging and interactive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches provide a tactile experience that is quieter yet still satisfying, producing a "thocky" sound that is highly regarded among users who prefer lower noise levels while maintaining a punchy tactile bump. Each switch appeals to different preferences—those who revel in auditory feedback might gravitate towards the Kailh Box White V2, while gamers and typists looking for a more subdued environment may opt for the Silent Yellow Jade. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, one can observe a notable distinction in the choice of plastics for their top housings. The Kailh Box White V2 employs a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffer nature, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This choice enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, allowing for an appealing auditory experience, particularly favored by users who enjoy a crisp typing sound. Contrast this with the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer characteristics that absorb more sound. As a result, the switches deliver a rounder auditory experience, making them suitable for users who prefer a more muted and subdued sound when typing.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals another interesting aspect in their construction. Both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade feature nylon in their bottom housings, which contributes similarly to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since nylon is generally effective in dampening sound, it ensures that both switches provide a consistent experience in terms of sound absorption and feel during typing. While the Kailh Box White V2's bottom housing also benefits from the characteristics of nylon, it complements the polycarbonate top housing’s sharper sound, resulting in a division of acoustic qualities between the two. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade's consistent use of nylon in both the top and bottom housing promotes a more uniform sound experience across actions.
Ultimately, the combined materials affect the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Kailh Box White V2, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, produces a unique blend of sharp and full sound qualities, creating an evocative auditory experience that is distinct but harmonious. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade, with its entirely nylon construction, provides a mutually consistent sound profile that is deeper and rounder throughout. Users seeking a cleaner acoustic experience may lean towards the Kailh Box White V2, whereas those who prefer a more muted sound will likely gravitate towards the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. Each switch offers valuable features, making them suitable for different typing preferences and styles.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch differ notably in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prioritize a lower weight for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade features a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter option, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is the heavier one. Therefore, users seeking a softer touch for longer use would benefit from the Box White V2, while those desiring a firmer feel may prefer the Silent Yellow Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, the Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a bit more depth in your keystrokes, the Box White V2 is the better option. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to gamers who favor quicker response times; this shorter travel may provide a more immediate tactile feedback. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel while typing or gaming, the Silent Yellow Jade would be advantageous. However, if you enjoy a more substantial keystroke, the Kailh Box White V2 would likely be your preferred choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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
The Kailh Box White V2 switches produce a distinctly sharp and pronounced click sound that is synonymous with traditional clicky switches. This audible feedback can be quite satisfying for typists who enjoy the classic mechanical keyboard experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are designed to provide a quieter, more subdued experience with their "thocky" sound profile. This makes them ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as shared workspaces or quiet study areas. While the Box White V2 is all about that crisp, unmistakable click, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a gentle auditory experience that still delivers satisfying feedback without the excess noise.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches provide a firm and responsive tactile bump, making every keystroke feel deliberate and instantly rewarding. The tactile feedback is pronounced, which can enhance typing accuracy and pleasure for those who appreciate a more involved typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a plush tactile feel with a distinctive bump, catering to those who prefer a smoother yet still engaging typing experience. The factory lubrication on the Silent Yellow Jades contributes to a fluid action that minimizes friction, giving them a unique character that sets them apart from the more aggressive feel of the Box White V2.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches present two distinct auditory and tactile experiences suited for different preferences. The Box White V2 is perfect for users seeking an assertive clicky sound and a pronounced feedback feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade is tailored for those who appreciate a quieter setting without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice depends on your typing environment and personal preference for sound and feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the environment in which you work or game. If you enjoy a light touch that provides distinct tactile feedback coupled with an audible click, the Kailh Box White V2 is an ideal choice. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it suitable for those who favor a snappy response while typing, making it perfect for high-speed gaming or rapid typing tasks where sound feedback can also enhance the experience. However, if you are looking for a quieter option that still maintains a satisfying tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade could be your go-to switch. With a medium-heavy 65-gram force, it caters to those who prefer a firmer feel without the distraction of noise, making it an excellent choice for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions where you want to keep things discreet. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a quieter, tactile experience.
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