Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are key differences to consider. The Luciola switch stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, smooth typing feel, and unique sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. While the Luciola switch is known for its snappy and clacky feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a punchy tactile bump. Each switch has its own merits, but the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, one noticeable difference is the material used. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing while the Silent Yellow Jade uses nylon for its top housing. The INK blend top housing of the Luciola is known for its relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience.
Another point of comparison between the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is their bottom housings. The Luciola utilizes the same proprietary INK blend material for its bottom housing, which contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade comes with a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall sound experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in bottom housing materials highlights how subtle changes in housing material can affect the typing sound and feel of a switch.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play different roles in determining the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, both switches offer unique typing experiences with distinct sound profiles. Whether it's the proprietary INK blend of the Luciola or the nylon material of the Silent Yellow Jade, users can expect satisfying typing experiences with each switch.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, the actuation force of the Luciola is 55 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade requires 50 grams to actuate. Both switches have a medium actuation force, though the Luciola has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to Silent Yellow Jade's 65 grams, making the latter medium-heavy. Weight plays a significant role in typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for extended typing sessions, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, those looking for a slightly lighter typing experience may lean towards the Luciola, while those who prefer a bit more resistance might opt for the Silent Yellow Jade for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, the Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Luciola. A shorter travel distance can be favored by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches offer a different feel due to their slight difference in travel distance, catering to different preferences based on individual typing styles and needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound with a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound. These switches provide a tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump, creating a quieter typing environment compared to the Luciola switch. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard, keycaps, and even the typing style of the user.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is described as snappy, buttery, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a responsive and fluid keystroke experience. The typing sensation with these switches is seamless, effortless, and uniform, providing a tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. Conversely, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is not available at this time.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switch provides a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile with a medium heft and smooth typing feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quieter typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If the desired outcome is a quieter typing experience, choosing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch may provide similar results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a unique and eye-catching switch with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. The glowing feature and medium bottom out force of 60 grams provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch would be more suitable for you. The punchy tactile bump and quiet "thocky" sound of the Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a different typing experience compared to the Luciola. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose comes down to your personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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