Zuoce Lavender vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Zuoce Lavender and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they offer distinct experiences for users. The Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch from Outemu offers a quiet, tactile typing experience with a "thocky" sound that many users enjoy. While the Lavender switch is easy-to-press and clacky, the Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a punchy tactile bump. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
48g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both utilize unique housing materials to create their distinct sound profiles. The Lavender features POM top and bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade uses nylon for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon. While both switches aim for a pleasing typing experience, the choice of housing material greatly influences the sound and feel produced by each switch.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to create a satisfying typing experience. The POM housings of the Lavender and the nylon housings of the Silent Yellow Jade each have their unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile. In the case where the top and bottom housings differ for a switch, the impact of each housing material can be felt differently when actuating the switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Zuoce Lavender and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While POM and nylon have distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles, both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience. Whether it be the deeper and muted sound of the Lavender or the fuller and rounder sound of the Silent Yellow Jade, the choice of housing material significantly impacts the overall feel and sound of the switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, which requires 50 grams. Both switches have a medium-light actuation force, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Lavender switch has a lighter 53-gram requirement, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch has a heavier 65-gram bottom out force. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade switch will provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a user values a lighter actuation force for prolonged typing sessions or a heavier bottom out force for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 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 those seeking a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance as it allows for faster key presses. However, the slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Lavender or the Silent Yellow Jade will depend on your personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its crisp and clacky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with a distinctive "thocky" sound that enhances the tactile feedback for users. It ultimately comes down to personal preference whether you prefer the sharp and percussive sound of the Lavender or the quiet yet satisfying sound of the Silent Yellow Jade.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, ultimately reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a punchy tactile bump that enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and tactile feedback to each keystroke. Again, personal preference plays a key role in determining which type of switch feels more comfortable and enjoyable for individual users.
In conclusion, both the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lavender excels in providing a crisp and clacky sound with easy-to-press feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet "thocky" sound with a punchy tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth linear switch with a clacky sound, the Lavender is the way to go. If you prefer a quiet tactile switch with a tactile bump, the Silent Yellow Jade would be your best bet. Either way, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either of these high-quality switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound, the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Silent Yellow Jade switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most.
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