Huano Elf vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming needs, the Huano Elf and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf switches are particularly celebrated for their POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature, all while providing a medium-light actuation force for a satisfying yet effortless typing experience. This makes the Elf an excellent choice for those who appreciate a smooth, linear feel without the distraction of noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are designed for users who prefer a quiet, tactile experience. With their factory lubrication and punchy tactile bump, these switches create a pleasing "thocky" sound without the volume, making them perfect for office environments or late-night gaming sessions where noise is a concern. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, notable differences can be observed in their designs and resultant acoustic profiles. The Huano Elf features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which is renowned for its exceptional durability and smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction (0.04). This makes it ideal for creating a crisp and tactile experience during typing. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade uses nylon for its top housing. Although nylon is a classic choice, it doesn't provide the same level of durability or smooth gliding experience as POK. Instead, it enhances the sound quality, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience due to its softer, sound-absorbing nature.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which eliminates one of the key differences in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback between the two models. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing results in a similar sound signature when bottoming out, contributing to a muted and rounded acoustic experience. However, because the overall build of the switches differs in the top housing material, the Huano Elf’s bottom housing characteristics will be felt differently in conjunction with the POK top. The nylon bottom of both switches is designed to absorb sound effectively, allowing users to enjoy a more pleasant typing experience characterized by that deeper bass resonance.
Ultimately, while the Huano Elf and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade share a commonality in their nylon bottom housings, the distinction in the tops leads to varied performance outcomes. The POK top housing of the Elf contributes to a snappier and more tactile feel, while the nylon top of the Silent Yellow Jade results in a softer sound transition during key releases. Thus, even with a shared bottom material, the differences in the top housing create unique characteristics that impact both the tactile feedback and auditory experience users can expect from each switch. This interplay between materials underscores how significant the choice of housing is in defining the overall sensory experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Huano Elf linear switch features a relatively lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it an appealing option for those who favor a softer touch, especially during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and also has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. This means that users of the Silent Yellow Jade may experience a more substantial typing feel, which can enhance typing feedback for some individuals. While the bottom out force for the Elf is unavailable, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a defined bottoming out experience. Thus, users seeking a lighter switch for longer keyboard use should consider the Huano Elf, whereas those preferring a stronger resistance with more tactile feedback might opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, the Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade measures 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Elf offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional, hearty feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade, with its shorter travel distance, might provide a quicker response time, making it more suitable for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a deeper actuation or a more immediate response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Huano Elf linear switch delivers a deep sound signature thanks to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and contributes to a rich auditory experience. This results in a deeper, more resonant sound profile that adds a layer of satisfaction to typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is designed for a quieter environment, offering a "thocky" sound that is soft and muted, thanks to its factory-lubed composition and special housing. While both switches provide a distinct sound signature, the Elf emphasizes a deeper auditory feedback, while the Silent Yellow Jade focuses on a more subdued yet satisfying "thock."
Regarding feel, the Huano Elf switch is characterized by a medium-light actuation force, providing a comfortable typing experience that is neither too stiff nor too loose. This balance makes it enjoyable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade features a punchy tactile bump that adds a tactile feedback element to each keystroke, allowing for a noticeable distinction when the switch is actuated. Despite both being enjoyable to type on, the Elf leans more towards a smooth, linear feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade introduces a tactile sensation that many users find gratifying.
In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch each have their strengths, appealing to different preferences in sound and feel. The Elf switch offers a deeper, resonant sound paired with a medium-light keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a rich auditory experience without the distraction of excessive noise. Meanwhile, the Silent Yellow Jade caters to users looking for a quieter typing experience with its "thocky" sound and pronounced tactile bump, perfect for focused environments. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, but your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound acoustics or tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you seek a smooth, linear feel that prioritizes a satisfying typing experience with enhanced acoustics, the Huano Elf would be an excellent choice. Its lightweight nature ensures a comfortable typing experience, especially for long periods of typing or gaming, where rapid key presses are frequent. The Elf's deep sound signature enhances the overall auditory satisfaction, making it suitable for home use where noise is less of a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile experience that is quieter and more contained, particularly in shared or noise-sensitive environments, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a pronounced tactile bump, it provides instant feedback that many typists find enjoyable while also minimizing sound. Ultimately, you'll want to choose the Huano Elf for a smooth and acoustically pleasing typing experience, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is ideal for those who value a quieter, tactile response without sacrificing performance.
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