Gateron Mars vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mars switch, known for its innovative design featuring a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, ensures a smooth linear typing experience that's great for both gaming and typing, allowing rapid keystrokes without the interference of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches provide a quieter, tactile feel that’s ideal for users who prefer a satisfying "thocky" sound alongside a pronounced tactile bump; their factory-lubed design aids in a smooth operation which is further enhanced by their unique translucent jade yellow housing. Ultimately, choosing between the linear responsiveness of the Gateron Mars and the tactile subtlety of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade depends on your individual typing style and noise 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is noteworthy that both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. This commonality lends itself to a similar sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller tone upon typing. The nylon's inherent qualities as a softer plastic make it effective at absorbing sound, resulting in a more muted, rounded auditory experience. As a result, users can expect a gentle acoustic response and an overall rich sound profile when typing on either switch, stemming from the shared use of nylon as the top housing material.
However, the bottom housing of the two switches exhibits a clear distinction. The Gateron Mars features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade boasts a nylon bottom housing as well. POM is known for producing a unique and pleasant sound that tends to be deeper and relatively muted, imbuing the switch with an acoustic signature that differs from that of its nylon counterpart. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade replicates the characteristics found in the top housing, further emphasizing the plush and rounded nature attributed to both nylon components. This variance could influence the overall auditory experience, notably in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed.
Overall, the interplay of these housing materials will result in a mixed acoustic profile for each switch. The Mars's combination of nylon top and POM bottom housing will create a distinct sound experience that conveys richness from the nylon while incorporating a unique tone from the POM material. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade, with nylon used for both top and bottom housings, will likely deliver a more consistent sound encounter, reinforcing that plush and soft auditory response throughout pressing and releasing the keys. While both switches share a similarity in their top housings, this foundational difference in bottom housing denotes diverging sound experiences that cater to different user preferences and typing sensations.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron Mars features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions. As for the bottom out forces, the Silent Yellow Jade has a well-defined bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a more substantial push feel at the end of the keystroke. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars is unknown, preventing a direct comparison in that category. Consequently, users seeking a heavier typing experience would benefit from the Silent Yellow Jade, while those favoring a lighter touch may find the Gateron Mars more appealing. Ultimately, if similar feelings regarding typing experience are desired, understanding their actuation forces can guide users toward their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is clear that the Mars has a longer travel distance at 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm means that if you prefer more responsive keypresses, the shorter Silent Yellow Jade may be a better fit, as its reduced travel distance can lead to quicker actuation. Conversely, if you enjoy a more pronounced and immersive typing experience, the Gateron Mars would be more suitable, providing a deeper feel with its greater travel distance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your comfort and preference for either speed or depth in your key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The Gateron Mars linear switch has a sound profile that tends to be quieter than traditional linear switches due to its unique design, though the exact auditory character is somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch produces a distinct "thocky" sound, providing a quieter yet satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This difference emphasizes that while both switches aim for a quieter operation, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more defined sound signature which can be appreciated during usage, whereas the Mars may lean towards a less pronounced auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars switch is characterized by a smooth linear action, offering uninterrupted keypresses without tactile feedback or resistance. This can provide a fluid typing experience, allowing for rapid keystrokes with minimal hindrance. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade features a noticeable tactile bump, giving users a satisfying feedback when the actuation point is reached. This tactile response contributes to a more engaging typing experience, particularly favored by those who enjoy a clearer acknowledgment of when a key has been pressed without bottoming out.
Taking all of this information into account, both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a linear switch that prioritizes a smooth transition with less pronounced auditory feedback, the Mars would be a suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a tactile switch that delivers a satisfying bump and a "thocky" sound, the Silent Yellow Jade would be the way to go. Ultimately, your ideal switch will depend on whether you value a smooth and quiet experience or a tactile and distinctive auditory feedback during typing.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience without tactile feedback or audible noise, the Gateron Mars could be your ideal match, especially for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks where speed is crucial. Given that the Mars switch features a unique design combining a POK stem with a nylon and POM housing, you'll benefit from a very fluid keystroke, which is perfect if you prefer linear switches that allow for rapid actuation. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feel with a satisfying bump and are searching for a quieter option for office environments or shared spaces, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a medium-heavy resistance that many find comfortable, paired with a "thocky" sound that enhances the typing experience without being overly loud. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you value the silent smoothness of the Mars for speed or the tactile feedback and sound dampening of the Silent Yellow Jade for a more satisfying, yet quiet typing experience.
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