Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique features to consider. The Gateron Mountain Top switch is ideal for office environments, providing a quiet typing experience with a light actuation, making it perfect for professionals seeking discretion. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile bump while typing. Both switches have their own strengths, catering 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
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
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will offer a deep and full sound profile due to the nature of nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch.
Despite both switches sharing the same housing material, there may still be subtle differences in their overall typing feel. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, so variations in this aspect between the Mountain Top and Silent Yellow Jade may impact the user experience. Additionally, the top housing can influence the sound produced when releasing a key, which could potentially vary between the two switches even if they share the same material.
Ultimately, while the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade are the same, the overall typing experience may still differ slightly due to other factors such as switch design and construction. Both switches are likely to offer a similar sound profile and feel when typing, thanks to the use of nylon in their housings, but individual preferences may lead users to favor one switch over the other based on subtle nuances in their performance.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Mountain Top requires 50 grams while the Silent Yellow Jade requires 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. The lighter actuation force of the Mountain Top switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top 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 that are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two may not have a significant impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, you may lean towards the Gateron Mountain Top with its slightly longer travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a more immediate and responsive feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance and should provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade comes in at $3.10.
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 Mountain Top linear switch is designed to offer a neutral typing experience, with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various environments, including office settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for providing a "thocky" sound that adds a satisfying tactile element to typing. Both switches aim to minimize the noise level, with the Mountain Top switch leaning towards a more subdued sound and the Silent Yellow Jade switch offering a unique, punchy sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. These qualities provide a lively, responsive typing experience that is comfortable and low-impact, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch lacks specific descriptors in the provided information, but as a silent tactile switch, it likely offers a gentle and satisfying tactile bump during typing.
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch both focus on providing a quieter typing experience, with the Mountain Top switch emphasizing a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a unique "thocky" sound and likely a satisfying tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Mountain Top switch catering to office environments and the Silent Yellow Jade switch offering a more tactile typing experience with a punchier sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience suitable for office environments, the Mountain Top switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a satisfying tactile feedback and a unique "thocky" sound, the Silent Yellow Jade switch could be more to your liking. Consider your typing needs and environment to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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