Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow stand out as unique options. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a blend of tradition and innovation with its single-stage spring mechanism, providing a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch that lacks specific defining features in terms of design or feel. The Jupiter Brown is ideal for those seeking a tactile typing experience with a polished and stepped feel, while the Silent Yellow may appeal to those looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a more resonant sound. The aesthetic appeal of clear housing is also present in both switches, making them ideal for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect similar sound characteristics and overall performance from both switches.
However, the key point of difference between the two switches lies in their bottom housing material. While the Jupiter Brown features a nylon bottom housing, giving off a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, the Silent Yellow also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their use of nylon in the bottom housing, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. This commonality in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel from both switches.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow allows for a balanced sound profile that is both sharp and deep. While the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings ensures that users can enjoy a dynamic typing experience with a mix of crispness and depth in sound, making both switches a solid choice for those looking for a versatile and reliable mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Yellow is heavier in both aspects. The Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow requires more force to both trigger a keystroke and press all the way down compared to the Jupiter Brown. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Jupiter Brown may be the better option, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier Silent Yellow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel with either switch. The travel distance of the switches is relatively standard in the mechanical keyboard world, offering a satisfying amount of keypress feedback without being too shallow or too deep. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown or the smooth linear feel of the Silent Yellow, both switches will provide you with the same level of key travel during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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 Jupiter Brown tactile switch is known for a satisfying and classic "click" sound, indicative of its tactile nature. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is designed specifically for quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a silent typing experience. Consequently, the Silent Yellow switch will produce a much softer and muted sound compared to the Jupiter Brown switch, which may be more appealing in shared or quiet environments.
When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Brown switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a balanced tactile feel without being overly pronounced. This switch is suitable for users looking for a comfortable and reliable typing experience without the need for excessive force. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is currently unknown, but given its linear nature and the "Silent" designation, it is likely to provide a smooth and consistent keypress without the tactile feedback found in the Jupiter Brown switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch offer distinct qualities catered to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown switch excels in providing a classic tactile feel with a moderate actuation force, accompanied by a satisfying click sound. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch prioritizes quiet operation and potentially smoother keypresses, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and the desired typing experience. However, if you prefer a tactile switch like the Jupiter Brown, expect a similar typing experience with a linear switch like the Silent Yellow.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force, sound, and feel of each switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy the tactile feedback of a single-stage spring mechanism, the Jupiter Brown would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a smooth, linear keystroke with minimal noise, the Silent Yellow switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and preference for tactility or linearity in your mechanical keyboard switches.