Neo Lavender HE vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between options like the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade can greatly influence your typing experience. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is lauded for its clean, low sound, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience without disruptive noise—especially suitable for environments where concentration is key. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is designed for those who appreciate tactile feedback; its factory-lubed, "thocky" sound and punchy tactile bump provide a satisfying sensation with each keystroke while remaining relatively quiet. While the Lavender HE stands out for its innovative magnetic technology and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, the Silent Yellow Jade appeals to users looking for a reliable, tactile switch with a muted acoustic profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade are both constructed from nylon, a classic choice in mechanical switch design. This shared material contributes significantly to their acoustic profiles. Both switches offer the same deeper and fuller sound that typists often seek, as the relatively softer nature of nylon helps to absorb sound more efficiently than harder plastics. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either switch, with a resulting sound that is notably duller and rounder, enhancing the overall tactile enjoyment during use.
While the Nylon top and bottom housings of both switches are the same, their combined effects manifest differently in practice. The bottom housing is crucial for the bottom-out feel and sound, which influences the overall typing experience as users press down on the keys. Both the Lavender HE and Silent Yellow Jade rely on the nylon construction to deliver a softer impact during key presses. However, it can be noted that any variation in additional elements, like spring tension or the shape of the stem, can lead to nuanced differences in feel, despite the shared material's fundamental characteristics.
In essence, any differences in feel or sound profile between the two switches would be minimal, attributable primarily to external factors rather than the housing materials themselves. With both switches utilizing nylon for their entire housing, users can expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice. Whether opting for the Neo Lavender HE or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, the commonality in housing material ensures that the acoustic qualities and keyfeel will closely mirror each other, making both switches viable options for enthusiasts seeking a warmer sound.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Neo Lavender HE boasts a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and an even heftier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Yellow Jade provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who favor a stronger tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you seek a lighter switch that enables longer use without fatigue, the Neo Lavender HE is your best bet. However, if you prefer the feedback of a heavier switch, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is the way to go.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we find that the Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade measures 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Lavender HE switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a deeper keypress experience that some users may find more satisfying. Conversely, the shorter 3.3 mm travel of the Silent Yellow Jade switch caters to those who prefer quicker response times, making it a favored choice among gamers who appreciate the rapid actuation that shorter distances deliver. Thus, if you're looking for a heartier feel with a bit more depth, the Lavender HE would be the better option, whereas if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Silent Yellow Jade would suit your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50, 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 Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch produces a clean and low sound, making it a great choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a more pronounced auditory feedback with its satisfying "thocky" sound. While both switches aim for a quieter operation, the Lavender HE offers a distinctively muted experience compared to the punchier sound signature of the Silent Yellow Jade. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced can also vary significantly depending on factors such as the keyboard design and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding the feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch is recognized for offering a smooth and effortless keystroke, which can lend itself to a more dynamic typing experience, especially when combined with the magnetic switch technology. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade features a pronounced tactile bump that provides clear feedback during each press, contributing to a more engaging tactile experience. Users who enjoy a tactile response in their typing may find the Silent Yellow Jade more satisfying, while those who are looking for a lighter touch will appreciate the Lavender HE's smooth action.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches cater to distinct user preferences, with one emphasizing a low sound and smooth feel, and the other focusing on a tactile bump and noticeable auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter, smoother experience or a more tactile engagement during typing. Regardless of the switch selected, both options are excellent in their respective niches and can provide satisfying results based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences and use case. If you favor a lighter feel with a clean and low sound, the Lavender HE would be a great fit, especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard for gaming or fast-paced typing. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for long typing sessions where fatigue can be a concern. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial tactile experience and are looking for a satisfying bump with a medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force, then the Silent Yellow Jade is for you. Its “thocky” sound adds to the overall enjoyment, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming, particularly in environments where sound may be a consideration. In essence, if you prioritize quiet performance and a precise tactile response, the Silent Yellow Jade may be more to your liking, while the Neo Lavender HE excels in scenarios where a lighter touch and reduced sound profile are essential.
Mentioned in this article
