TTC Gold Silver vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer distinct experiences for users. The Gold Silver switch stands out for its rapid responsiveness, providing a shortened travel distance that results in a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke. Along with its resonant sound signature and smooth journey from press to bottoming out, the TTC Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is praised for its quiet, tactile typing experience and satisfying "thocky" sound. As the latest addition to Outemu's silent tactile lineup, these factory-lubed switches feature a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a noticeable tactile bump. Both switches offer unique qualities, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, one can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb sound effectively. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The Gold Silver and the Silent Yellow Jade both benefit from this quality, providing a satisfying typing experience with a more muted sound profile.
However, the top housing materials of these two switches differ significantly. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced by the switch. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon top housing absorbs more sound, creating a softer and more rounded sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Silver.
While the Gold Silver and the Silent Yellow Jade offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, they both excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. The differences in sound profile between the switches can be attributed to the choice of housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper sound when keys are released, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing creates a deeper sound profile. Despite these variations, both switches showcase the benefits of using high-quality housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier. The Gold Silver switch lacks information on the bottom out force, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter keystroke experience may lean towards the Gold Silver switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more significant push feel may opt for the Silent Yellow Jade switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear 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. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers looking for quicker response times. In this case, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Gold Silver. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key press may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver. Overall, while there is a slight difference in travel distance between the two switches, both will provide a relatively quick and responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 Gold Silver linear switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying experience with a neutral pitch. This sound signature is a result of the switch's rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes, providing a harmonious blend of speed and sound with each press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for delivering a quiet typing experience with a "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed and unique translucent jade yellow housing.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and a light sound signature. The switch's smooth key travel and reduced friction contribute to its overall fluidity and seamless keystrokes. In contrast, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is currently unavailable.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch stands out for its rapid responsiveness, decisive bottom-out, and fluid keystrokes, accompanied by a resonant and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch boasts a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will experience a tactile and auditory delight in their typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you value rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke experience, and a resonant sound profile, the Gold Silver may be the preferred option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the Silent Yellow Jade could be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound, feel, actuation force, and typing style when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs.
Mentioned in this article
