Gateron CJ vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CJ, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch. The CJ is praised for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, offering a smooth push feel and higher-pitched clacks during typing. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade is known for providing a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed switches and translucent jade yellow housing. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and benefits, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. While the CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing. The CJ's top housing is described as providing a thin and higher-pitched sound, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Additionally, the POM bottom housing of the CJ creates a more muted and deep sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Although the Gateron CJ and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilize different housing materials for their switches, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles. The CJ's INK blend top housing contributes to a clacky sound, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches incorporate materials that absorb sound differently, with the CJ's POM bottom housing offering a more muted sound compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to consider how the top and bottom housings contribute to the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, whether it's POM or nylon, has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when a key is released. While the Gateron CJ and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may have different housing materials for the top and bottom, they both work together to create a unique sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a light and consistent typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the CJ requires 60 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Silent Yellow Jade, which requires 65 grams for bottoming out. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel compared to the CJ. Both switches are medium in terms of actuation force, but the Silent Yellow Jade leans towards the medium-heavy side when it comes to bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter typing experience of the CJ for extended periods of typing, while others may find the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Yellow Jade more satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional length, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the CJ with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and how one prefers the feel of the key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch is known for its chirpy high-pitched clacks, offering a unique and distinct acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a thocky sound, giving off a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, catering to individuals with varying preferences in keyboard sound profiles.
As for the feel, the Gateron CJ switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Conversely, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is not provided. However, being a tactile switch, it is likely to offer a pronounced tactile bump during key presses, providing tactile feedback to the user.
Overall, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique and enjoyable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CJ switch provides a chirpy sound and a mild typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a thocky sound and likely a more pronounced tactile feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the CJ offering a unique linear option and the Outemu switch delivering a quiet and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards and setups will provide the best way to determine which one aligns more with individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and smooth linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron CJ would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade would be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the feel of the switch or the sound it produces. Both switches offer their own distinct qualities, so it's important to consider your preferences before making a decision.
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