Durock Dolphin vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct advantages to consider. The Dolphin is well-suited for office environments or quieter workspaces due to its silent operation, making it a favorable choice for those who value noise reduction. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a tactile feel that strikes a balance between precision and a satisfying press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a quiet and tactile typing experience with a unique "thocky" sound, making it a great option for those who enjoy a punchy tactile bump. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine the best fit for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both offer unique characteristics in their housing materials. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate in the Dolphin allows for RGB lighting effects, while the softer nylon of the Silent Yellow Jade absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, showcasing the importance of the housing material in overall sound quality.
While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, they share similarities in the impact each housing has on the overall switch. The top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile, enthusiasts can make educated decisions about which switch is best suited for their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Dolphin has a low actuation force of None grams, making it extremely light to the touch, while the Silent Yellow Jade requires 50 grams of force to actuate, providing a slightly more tactile response. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Dolphin requiring 62 grams and the Silent Yellow Jade needing 65 grams. In terms of weight, the Dolphin is lighter overall, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a heavier push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dolphin. The Dolphin offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive keypress or a slightly longer, more deliberate one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a satisfying "thocky" sound with a punchy tactile bump, providing a different auditory experience. When it comes to feel, the Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. The tactile feedback of the Silent Yellow Jade switch is not specified, so it's best to try them out personally to determine how they feel during use.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin switch is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch is perfect for individuals who enjoy a tactile typing experience with a "thocky" sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of build quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Dolphin linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a silent typing experience and work in a noise-sensitive environment, the Dolphin switch may be the better choice for you with its medium actuation force and muted, low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a slightly heavier actuation force, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch could be the ideal option for you. Think about what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch and select the one that aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different tastes in the mechanical keyboard community.
Mentioned in this article
