Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can have a significant impact on your typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are celebrated for their refined tactile feedback, providing a short yet satisfying bump that appeals to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile response during typing. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, these switches strike a balance between performance and comfort, making them an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike seeking both speed and precision. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a quieter alternative without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. Known for their punchy tactile bump and "thocky" sound, these switches are designed for a serene typing environment, making them ideal for office settings or late-night gaming sessions where noise might be a concern. With their factory-lubed mechanism and unique translucent yellow housing, they cater to users who desire a smooth and silent experience. 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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches share a commonality in their use of nylon as the housing material for both their top and bottom components. This similarity allows for a deep and rich sound profile when typing, mainly due to nylon's softer composition compared to harder plastics. Both switches benefit from nylon's ability to absorb sound, which results in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. Consequently, users can expect a similar sound signature from both switches, making them appealing for gamers and typists who prioritize a quieter and more pleasant typing experience.
While both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilize nylon in their makeup, the ultimate tactile experience may differ based on the design and engineering of the switches themselves. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, known for its tactile feedback, may provide a more pronounced sensation during key presses. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade focuses on reducing noise, which could make it feel slightly different under the fingers despite sharing the same material base. Therefore, the outcomes in feel might diverge even as the core sound properties remain akin due to the use of nylon.
Furthermore, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in both switches plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. As both utilize nylon, users will notice that the bottom-out sound and feel are shaped significantly by the bottom housing, while the release sound is influenced by the qualities of the top housing. This shared construction allows for a degree of uniformity in acoustic performance; nevertheless, the specific tuning and intent behind each switch's design can lead to nuanced differences in user experience. Ultimately, while the materials produce comparably soft and rounded sounds, individual preferences might steer users towards one switch or the other based on tactile response and usage context.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there is a distinct difference in their actuation forces, which can significantly affect the typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade necessitates a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter touch may find the Cherry MX Purple RGB more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to engage each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, offers a more substantial feedback upon bottoming out, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Notably, while the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unavailable, the absence indicates that its bottom out might feel lighter than that of the Silent Yellow Jade, contrasting the definitive tactile response offered by the Outemu switch. Overall, those seeking a lighter touch might gravitate toward the Cherry MX Purple RGB, whereas individuals looking for a more robust tactile feedback should consider the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This shorter distance may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate tactile feedback, while others who enjoy a more robust keystroke may favor the Cherry MX Purple's deeper travel. Therefore, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the longer option, providing a more pronounced typing experience, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers the benefits of a shorter and potentially faster keystroke for those who prioritize speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches deliver a distinct acoustic signature that is not overly loud, making them suitable for both gaming and office environments. The tactile bump provides an audible confirmation that adds to the experience without being disruptive. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are designed specifically for a quieter performance, producing a satisfying "thocky" sound that is characteristically muted. This makes the Yellow Jade a great option for those who prioritize a serene typing atmosphere, while still ensuring feedback through sound. Ultimately, both switches produce sounds that can vary based on your keyboard setup, but their intended use leads to different auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer a medium-strength tactile bump that is refined and responsive, providing a feedback that's noticeable without being aggressive. This makes them versatile for various typing tasks and gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches feature a punchy tactile bump, which, combined with their factory lubrication, gives them a smooth and pleasant typing experience. While both switches provide a tactile response, the MX Purple RGB caters more to those seeking a balanced feel, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The MX Purple RGB stands out for its refined tactile bump and moderate sound level, making it a solid choice for versatility in any setting. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet yet punchy tactile experience, ideal for those who need a more muted environment. Ultimately, while these switches have distinct characteristics, both can accommodate a range of typing styles and preferences, allowing newcomers to find their ideal typing experience within the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch will largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you seek a refined tactile experience with a moderate bump that enhances typing enjoyment and is ideal for gaming, the MX Purple RGB is an excellent pick. Its design, developed with input from keyboard enthusiasts, aims to provide satisfaction with each keystroke while offering RGB compatibility for those who appreciate vibrant backlighting. However, if you prioritize a quieter experience, perhaps for a shared workspace or late-night typing, the Silent Yellow Jade will serve you well. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, this switch provides a satisfying "thocky" sound that is both pleasant and unobtrusive. The factory-lubed design also ensures a smooth typing experience with notable feedback. Ultimately, your decision will reflect your typing environment and personal typing style—whether you prefer the lively feedback of the MX Purple RGB or the muted performance of the Silent Yellow Jade.
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