Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch. The Box White is preferred by those seeking maximum audio feedback, as typing on these switches produces a distinct "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed switches and unique translucent jade yellow housing. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, one major difference is in the top housing material. The Box White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a more resonant and clear sound for the Box White compared to the duller and rounder sound of the Silent Yellow Jade.
Another point of comparison is in the bottom housing material of the switches. Both the Box White and the Silent Yellow Jade incorporate nylon bottom housings. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorbing properties of nylon. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt more during bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a more consistent typing experience across both switches despite their differences in top housing material.
Overall, while the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade have different top housing materials (polycarbonate vs. nylon), their shared nylon bottom housing provides a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White creates a sharper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade produces a deeper sound. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Box White has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter bottom out force of the Box White may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it allows for easier typing. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In both cases, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation force but should consider their preference for bottom out force when choosing between the two switches.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky 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 Kailh Box White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, especially gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Kailh Box White may offer a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, 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 White clicky switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched characteristics, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quieter typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, due to its factory-lubed and translucent jade yellow housing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Box White having a more pronounced clickiness compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's subdued tactile feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is praised for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, information regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is not available. However, being a tactile switch, it can be inferred that it offers a tactile bump during actuation, providing users with physical feedback when typing.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and likely in feel as well. The Box White is ideal for those seeking a loud and clicky typing experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade is a great option for those looking for a quieter yet tactile feedback. It is important to consider individual preferences when choosing between these switches, as they cater to different typing preferences and environments. Ultimately, selecting the right switch will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a high-pitched, resonant, and crunchy typing experience with maximum audio feedback, the Box White may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, thocky sound and a tactile typing experience with a polished, smooth key travel, the Silent Yellow Jade could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
