TTC Brother vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often comes down to the type of experience you are seeking. On one hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight actuation of 37g, providing a breezy and easy-to-press tactile experience. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, it appeals to clicky switch enthusiasts who enjoy clear and precise feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. Perfect for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience, these factory-lubed switches feature a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing, being softer and more sound-absorbent, produces a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast highlights the impact that the top housing material can have on the overall sound profile of a switch, and how different materials can lead to distinctly different typing experiences.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Brother and the Silent Yellow Jade utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound. While the choice of nylon for the bottom housing may result in similar sound characteristics between the two switches, it's important to note that the bottom housing can have a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, affecting the overall typing experience in a tangible way.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing feel of the switch. While the Brother's polycarbonate top housing and the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing offer contrasting sound profiles, both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound and feel can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards, ensuring a typing experience that aligns with their preferences.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, with the Brother requiring 37 grams to trigger a keystroke while the Silent Yellow Jade needs 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Yellow Jade is heavier at 65 grams, as opposed to the Brother which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Brother offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Brother being lighter and the Silent Yellow Jade being heavier in terms of force required for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The TTC Brother has a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who enjoy a more hearty feel when typing may prefer the Brother clicky switch. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their slight difference in travel distance, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy and satisfyingly crisp sound signature that is characteristic of clicky switches, perfect for those who enjoy an audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is praised for its quiet "thocky" sound, providing a more subtle and subdued typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Brother delivering a more pronounced click while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a light and effortless typing experience. Additionally, it features a stepped tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance between being distinct yet not overpowering. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a punchy tactile bump, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Brother. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience but cater to different preferences in terms of the level of tactile feedback they provide.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable for different preferences. While the Brother excels in delivering a louder and more pronounced click with a light actuation force, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a quieter typing experience with a punchy tactile bump. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a louder click or a quieter typing experience with a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a lightweight actuation force with a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a balanced tactile bump, then the Brother switch is an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a quiet, tactile typing experience and a unique translucent jade yellow housing, the Silent Yellow Jade switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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