PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Jacaranda stands out for its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Its clacky sound signature and unique 22mm spring provide a bouncy sensation with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switches from Outemu offer a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. With a translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, these switches provide a different feel compared to the Jacaranda. 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
39g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is noticeable that they both utilize nylon as the material for their bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This similarity suggests that both switches may provide a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when bottoming out the keys. However, the Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in the top housing material may result in a distinct typing sound when releasing the keys, compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of being translucent, making it suitable for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. This allows for customization and personalization when it comes to the aesthetic appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may lack this visual appeal due to its opaque nature. However, both switches using nylon for their bottom housing share the benefit of creating a more cushioned typing experience, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs sound and impact.
Ultimately, the choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may come down to personal preference regarding the sound profile and aesthetics of the switches. While both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom housing material, the difference in the top housing material will result in a distinct sound profile when pressing and releasing the keys. Whether one prefers the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Jacaranda or the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade will be a determining factor in selecting the switch that best suits individual preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch both offer different experiences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Jacaranda is lighter with an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Jacaranda provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more substantial push feel for those seeking a heavier typing experience. Both switches may provide similar results if the user prefers a lighter or heavier touch, respectively. The actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience, so users should consider their preferences when selecting a switch for their keyboard.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda 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, with the Jacaranda being slightly longer than the Silent Yellow Jade. Gamers may prefer the quicker response time of the shorter travel distance offered by the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who prefer more depth when pressing a key may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Jacaranda. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with the choice between the two depending on personal preference for response time and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched experience, providing a sharp and crisp sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quieter "thocky" sound, ideal for those seeking a more subtle typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Jacaranda being more distinct and the Silent Yellow Jade being more subdued.
Moving on to feel, the Jacaranda switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This results in a comfortable and effortless typing session, perfect for long hours of use. In contrast, information on the feel of the Silent Yellow Jade switch is currently unavailable. However, based on the description of it being a factory-lubed tactile switch with a punchy tactile bump, it may provide a satisfying tactile feedback similar to other tactile switches.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jacaranda excels in producing a clacky and high-pitched sound while providing a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter sound with a satisfying tactile bump, though information on its specific typing feel is limited. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force, a clacky sound profile, and a uniquely bouncy typing sensation, the Jacaranda would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a quiet tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, and a punchy tactile bump, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be more suitable for you. Both switches have their own unique features that cater to different typing styles, so consider what factors are most important to you before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences and the typing experience you are looking for.
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