TKC Kiwi vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Kiwi switch is renowned for its tactile feedback, providing a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, enhancing the typing experience with a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, perfect for those seeking subtle tactile feedback. While the Kiwi switch is factory lubed for smooth typing right out of the box and categorized as stepped, low-pitched, neutral, and polished, the Silent Yellow Jade switch, categorized as linear and quiet, features a unique translucent jade yellow housing. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different typing preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision for your ideal switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the UHWMPE may provide a sharper, crisper sound compared to the rounder and duller sound produced by the nylon.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kiwi's UHWMPE and the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon offer similar characteristics to their respective top housing materials. The UHWMPE bottom housing in the Kiwi contributes to its bright sound signature, while the nylon bottom housing in the Silent Yellow Jade enhances its deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in housing materials throughout the switch allows for a cohesive sound experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release.
Overall, while the TKC Kiwi and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilize different housing materials, they both aim to enhance the overall sound profile of the switch. The use of UHWMPE in the Kiwi results in a brighter and sharper sound, while the nylon in the Silent Yellow Jade offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials. Whether using UHWMPE or nylon, users can expect a thoughtfully crafted sound signature that enhances their typing experience.
Weight
Both the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch fall into the medium-heavy category when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Kiwi has a slightly lighter actuation force at 43 grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. However, the Kiwi requires a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade bottoms out at 65 grams. This difference in bottom out force may result in a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, while both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, the TKC Kiwi leans towards a lighter touch, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the TKC Kiwi. The TKC Kiwi offers a more traditional travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers or individuals who desire a more immediate tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade 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 TKC Kiwi tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch lacks specific descriptors for sound, indicating that the sound characteristics may not be as emphasized or distinctive as the Kiwi switch. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience, providing a two-stage tactile feel that is comfortable and refined. The prominent amount of tactility in the Kiwi switch strikes a balance between being noticeable without being overwhelming, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. As for the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, information regarding its tactile feel is not explicitly provided, suggesting that the specific tactile attributes may be less pronounced or defined compared to the Kiwi switch.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile, stepped and polished tactile feel, and medium to medium-strong bump during typing. While the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quiet and punchy tactile experience with a unique translucent jade yellow housing, its sound and feel characteristics may not be as detailed or pronounced as the Kiwi switch. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, although the Kiwi switch may offer a more refined and distinctive tactile feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile switch with a more snappy sound profile, the Kiwi may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a unique translucent housing and a punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Both switches offer their own unique features, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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