SP-Star Meteor White vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, both offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Meteor White is known for its gentle linear feel, with a soft and easy push that results in a quiet pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed switches and punchy tactile bump. While the Meteor White is ideal for those who prefer a subtle and mild typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade is perfect for users looking for a tactile bump with a quieter operation. 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
57g
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
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Meteor White and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches use nylon for their top and bottom housing materials. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches made with harder materials. Due to the similarities in their housing materials, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both the Meteor White and Silent Yellow Jade switches.
While both switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, the impact of each housing material can be felt differently. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released. This means that the characteristics of the nylon material, such as its softness and sound absorption properties, will be evident at different points during the typing experience with the Meteor White and Silent Yellow Jade switches.
Overall, the choice of nylon for both the top and bottom housing of the SP-Star Meteor White and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches highlights the importance of housing material in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches may offer similar sound profiles and typing experiences due to their shared housing material, the nuances in how the top and bottom housings interact with the key press and release can lead to subtle differences in sound and feel that may appeal to different preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow Jade is the heavier option. The actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade is 50 grams, while the Meteor White has an actuation force of None grams. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade requires more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Meteor White. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Silent Yellow Jade is 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is medium-light. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals who prefer either a lighter or heavier feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it longer than the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch. The Meteor White switch offers a more traditional and deeper keypress feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a shorter and potentially faster keypress, appealing to gamers or individuals who prioritize quick response times. Despite the difference in travel distance, both switches ultimately offer a unique typing experience catered to individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a neutral and moderate sound profile that can be suitable for various typing environments, whether at home or the office. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a unique "thocky" sound that is deep and satisfying, adding an extra element of tactile feedback while typing. The choice of keycaps and keyboard case can also affect the overall sound experience with both switches.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor White switch delivers a mild and gentle typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined key presses. This makes it an approachable option for most users, providing a comfortable middle-ground typing feel. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch, being a tactile switch, offers a punchy tactile bump that provides feedback to the typist while maintaining a quiet typing experience. The factory-lubed switches also contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel for a pleasant typing feel.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Meteor White switch provides a softer and more subdued typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet yet tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a gentle and quiet typing experience with a softer sound profile, the Meteor White would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing feel and sound profile that you find most appealing. So, consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
