TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Gold Red is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance, providing a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too loud. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump. While the Gold Red is more subtle and polished, the Silent Yellow Jade stands out with its unique translucent jade yellow housing. Both switches have their own appeal and advantages, making them suitable choices depending on individual 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is evident that both switches have different top housing materials. The Gold Red utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is perfect for RGB lighting, making it visually appealing as well. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade employs a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. While polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and resonance, nylon offers a more muffled and round sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gold Red and the Silent Yellow Jade feature nylon as their housing material. This commonality suggests that both switches aim to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile by utilizing the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. With nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, typing on these switches is likely to result in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings. While the top housing may play a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing is crucial for the overall bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In summary, the choice of housing materials for the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade impacts the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, complemented by a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top and bottom housings work together to provide a more muffled and round sound profile. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by utilizing the unique properties of their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is clear that the Gold Red is the lighter option. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light switch overall. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to type for longer periods or for gaming sessions, the Gold Red would be the better option. However, for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force of a switch play a significant role in determining the typing experience and should be considered based on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch is 4mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. The Gold Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. Typically, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance provides a more satisfying keystroke for some users. Both switches offer different travel distances that cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize speed or a more substantial key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 Gold Red linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a deep and satisfying thocky sound that is not overly loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for its quiet and thocky sound, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference and the environment in which the keyboard will be used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch provides a mild and silky typing experience, with a subtle resistance that is suitable for most users. The polished finish of the switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, making typing a pleasurable experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile bump that provides a punchy and satisfying typing feel. With factory-lubed switches and a unique translucent jade yellow housing, the Silent Yellow Jade switch is designed for an enhanced tactile experience.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Red switch provides a smooth and neutral typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound. Choosing between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a light typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red linear switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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