Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both switches offer unique characteristics. The Ice King Tactile is renowned for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to their factory-lubed composition and unique translucent jade yellow housing. Both switches have their own appeal and advantages, with the Ice King Tactile being silky, frictionless, and stepped, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade remains unnamed in terms of specific characteristics. 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
58g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
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 progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, both switches feature nylon top and bottom housings. This means that they share similar properties when it comes to sound profile and feel. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound when typing due to its softness and sound absorption qualities. Therefore, both the Ice King Tactile and the Silent Yellow Jade switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile.
However, despite sharing the same housing material, there may still be differences between the Ice King Tactile and the Silent Yellow Jade switches. The design and construction of the switches can impact how the housing material affects the overall typing experience. Factors such as spring weight, stem design, and overall switch construction can influence the feel and sound of the switches, even when using the same housing material. Therefore, while the nylon housing may be consistent between the two switches, other elements of the switches may contribute to differences in typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches may come down to personal preference in terms of overall switch design and typing feel. While both switches feature nylon housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, other factors such as spring weight and stem design can influence the overall typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches and considering how they feel and sound while typing can help determine which switch is the best fit for individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is apparent that the Ice King Tactile is the heavier option. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, but the Ice King Tactile requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Ice King Tactile may be the preferred choice due to its heavier force requirements. However, for those who prefer a lighter typing feel for longer typing sessions, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on typing style and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile 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, making them ideal for gamers looking for quick response times. However, the Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. This means that users may feel a bit more depth and feedback when pressing down on keys with the Ice King Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 Ice King Tactile offers a subdued switch, producing a dampened sound when pressed, creating a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switches are known for their quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. Both switches offer a unique sound profile, with the Ice King Tactile being more subdued while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a distinct "thocky" sound.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Tactile is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance and a fluid travel. The tactile bump in these switches is harmoniously blended with a smooth key press, enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the feel of the Silent Yellow Jade switches is unknown. However, given their description as factory-lubed switches with a punchy tactile bump, it can be inferred that they also provide a satisfying tactile experience, albeit with potentially different characteristics compared to the Ice King Tactile.
Overall, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Ice King Tactile excels in providing a unique tactile experience with a subdued sound profile and smooth key press, the Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump. Depending on whether you prefer a more subdued sound or a "thocky" sound, as well as a silky smooth typing experience or a factory-lubed tactile bump, both switches provide excellent options to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you are looking for a switch that offers a unique and satisfying tactile bump with a symphony of touch, the Ice King Tactile is a great choice with its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a punchy tactile bump and a "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches may be more to your liking. Consider your preference for sound and feel when making your decision between these two tactile switches.
Mentioned in this article
