Huano Grape Orange vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange 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, the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade present compelling yet distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally light and smooth typing experience, boasting an ultra-low 40g actuation force that makes it ideal for extended typing sessions without fatigue. This switch is a favorite for those who prefer a more fluid keystroke and value speed, typically favored by gamers and fast typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, categorized as a tactile switch, provides a quieter experience alongside a satisfying tactile bump that offers feedback with each keystroke. This third iteration of Outemu’s silent tactile lineup is perfect for users who appreciate a clean and "thocky" sound without the distraction of clicky switches, making it suited for office environments or shared spaces. Both switches cater to specific needs, highlighting their unique strengths. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, leading to varied auditory experiences during typing. The Grape Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for a crisper note when the key is pressed and released, making it an excellent choice for typists who prefer a suggestively bright and articulate feedback. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade employs a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile. This difference in material not only alters the tonal quality but also affects the overall sensory experience associated with typing.
The bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which establishes a commonality between the two models. This shared material leads to similar deeper and fuller sound profiles when the switch bottoms out, as nylon’s softness dampens sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches can deliver a pleasant typing experience on the lower end of the sound spectrum while emphasizing the tactile feel upon actuation. Despite the differences in the top housing, the compatibility of their nylon bottoms ensures that the bottom-out feedback remains consistent across both switches, thereby providing a similar foundation in terms of acoustic experience.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials in the Huano Grape Orange and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade lead to unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Grape Orange presents a more vivid, high-pitched auditory response due to its polycarbonate top, the Silent Yellow Jade envelops users in a richer, more rounded sound through its nylon construction. However, both switches share common ground through their nylon bottoms, ultimately rendering a unified experience during key presses. For users interested in exploring switches that provide a blend of auditory and tactile sensations, understanding these material nuances can help them select the model that best suits their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that influence user experience. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, as the reduced weight allows users to press the keys with less effort. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. This difference means that those who favor a lighter action and longer gaming or working durations might lean towards the Grape Orange, while those who appreciate a firmer push will likely opt for the Silent Yellow Jade. Overall, the Huano Grape Orange is the lighter switch, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is the heavier option, offering distinct preferences based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the Grape Orange switch offers a deeper feel when pressed compared to the Silent Yellow Jade, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade aligns with the growing trend among gamers who favor quicker response times. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes might prefer the Huano Grape Orange.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 Huano Grape Orange linear switch remains fairly quiet, producing minimal noise during actuation because of its smooth, linear design. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where quietude is valued. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch delivers a more pronounced but still subdued auditory profile, characterized by a satisfying "thocky" sound upon actuation due to its tactile bump. While both switches can be considered relatively quiet compared to many other options available, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more distinct auditory feedback, making it appealing for those who appreciate a tactile response without the typical clacking sound of traditional switches.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch provides an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, thanks to its ultra-low 40g actuation force. This makes it ideal for long typing sessions as it requires minimal effort to press the keys. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a tactile bump that is punchy and provides a clear indication of actuation, giving the typist a more pronounced feel without the noise. The tactile feedback helps enhance precision during typing, which can be particularly beneficial for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience.
In summary, both the Huano Grape Orange and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches cater to different preferences regarding sound and feel. The Grape Orange excels in providing a light, linear typing experience that's perfect for quiet environments, while the Silent Yellow Jade balances a more tactile sensation with a muted sound profile. Depending on individual typing preferences, either switch can deliver optimal results, whether you're seeking a smoother, quieter experience or a tactile, engaging one.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between Huano Grape Orange linear switches and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you favor a lighter, more effortless typing experience, especially if you plan on engaging in long typing sessions or require quick keystrokes for gaming, the Grape Orange's ultra-low 40g actuation force and lighter bottom-out force of 50g will serve you well. Their linear nature means you’ll enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, which can be ideal for users who dislike tactile feedback or noise. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile response and a satisfying auditory feedback but still want to keep things relatively quiet, the Silent Yellow Jade is the better fit for you. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65g and a tactile bump that provides that distinct "thocky" sound, you’ll experience the perfect blend of feedback and reduced noise, making these switches great for office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, whether you prioritize softness and speed, or tactile and auditory satisfaction.
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