Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, we see two distinct options for tactile switch enthusiasts. The Medium Tactile by Durock is praised for its balanced yet pronounced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, unique translucent jade yellow housing, and punchy tactile bump. Each switch has its own 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb sound. This means that both switches will likely offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to bottoming out keys. However, the Medium Tactile uses polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sonic characteristics of a keyboard switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Medium Tactile's top housing allows for a clear housing that is ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade may not be as visually appealing for those looking to integrate colorful lighting effects into their setup. Additionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate in the Medium Tactile's top housing may result in a more rigid typing experience compared to the softer nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade. This difference in material properties can influence the overall feel and performance of the switches, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, while both switches share a similar bottom housing material in nylon, the distinct choice of top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile, feel, and aesthetics. The Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and crisper sound, ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, users can choose between these switches to create a customized typing experience that suits their unique needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Durock Medium Tactile has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial keystroke activation, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 65 grams, which means that once you press the key all the way down, they will require the same amount of force. The Medium Tactile offers a lighter initial typing experience, which may be preferable for those typing for extended periods, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a slightly more substantial push feel for those seeking a stronger typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation force and how it impacts typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile 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 Durock Medium Tactile has a longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Durock switch is more in line with traditional switch distances, while the 3.3mm travel distance of the Outemu switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Outemu switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Durock option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Medium Tactile offers a jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are known for their quiet "thocky" sound, ensuring a satisfying typing sound without disturbing others. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Medium Tactile being more pronounced and balanced, while the Silent Yellow Jade focuses on providing a quiet and satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile is described as featuring accented tactility, offering a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. Additionally, it is mentioned to have a stepped feel, providing a unique typing experience with mild characteristics. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are noted for their punchy tactile bump, offering a comfortable typing experience. Unfortunately, specific details on the feel of the Silent Yellow Jade are not available in the provided information.
Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer different sound and feel experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Medium Tactile provides a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound, the Silent Yellow Jade focuses on delivering a quiet typing experience with a punchy tactile bump. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches present unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches, consider the type of tactile experience you prefer. If you enjoy a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile may be the perfect choice for you. However, if you seek a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a unique translucent jade yellow housing, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches could be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing on a mechanical keyboard.
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