Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade present two compelling yet distinct options for typists and gamers alike. The MX Silent Red is designed for those who appreciate the smooth, linear feel of a classic red switch but prefer a whisper-quiet experience, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments like offices or shared spaces. With its muted yet "thocky" feedback and low-pitched sound, it provides a satisfying typing experience without disturbing others. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches cater to users looking for a tactile response without the loud noise often associated with traditional tactile switches. Featuring a punchy tactile bump and a similar "thocky" sound profile, these switches offer a unique blend of quiet reliability and tactile satisfaction, enhanced by their factory-lubed design. While both switches prioritize a quieter operation, they cater to different tactile preferences—linear smoothness versus tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity in material choice means that both switches will produce a comparable sound profile during typing. Both brands leverage nylon's characteristics—its relatively softer nature which helps absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a deeper and fuller auditory experience while typing, marked by a duller and rounder sound due to the natural acoustic dampening properties of nylon.
Diving deeper into the construction, both switches share an identical physical makeup in their top and bottom housings; thus, the exceptional qualities of nylon are evenly distributed within each switch. The tactile feedback and sound profile are influenced by both the top and bottom housings during key presses. Specifically, while the bottom housing is primarily responsible for the bottom-out impact sound and feel, the top housing contributes significantly to the noise produced when a key is released. Given that both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilize nylon in similar configurations, the overall typing experience will be closely aligned between the two switches.
However, while the housing materials are the same, users may still notice subtle differences in the switches based on their individual manufacturing processes and design cues. Different brands may implement slight variations in the switch mechanism itself or the tolerances in how the housing components fit together, which can ultimately affect the overall feel and sound experience. Nonetheless, the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings in both switches promises users a consistent auditory experience, showcasing nylon's advantages across different brands and product lines. Therefore, keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize sound dampening and a plush typing experience may find both options equally appealing, despite any potential brand-specific nuances.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Silent Red features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, lending it a more pronounced resistance that some users may favor for a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is unknown, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a clearly defined bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that the Outemu switch provides a more defined tactile experience when fully pressed down, while the Cherry MX may feel less impactful in that regard. Overall, if lighter force is a priority, the Cherry MX Silent Red is the preferable option, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade caters to those who value a heavier tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a deeper keystroke and potentially a more substantial feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red will be the better choice. Conversely, if you prefer a more responsive key press with a quicker actuation, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade may better suit your gaming needs. Both options sit below the traditional 4.0 mm distance, catering to contemporary preferences for shorter travel in gaming, but the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a lengthier experience compared to the tactile feedback of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Silent Red switch is known for its muted, low-pitched characteristics, producing a softer and quieter noise profile compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who work in noise-sensitive environments, as it minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard clatter. The Silent Yellow Jade, on the other hand, offers a rich, thocky sound that produces a deep and satisfying “thud” when the key is pressed. Despite both being silent switches, the key difference lies in their auditory experience; while the Silent Red prioritizes minimal noise, the Yellow Jade provides a more pronounced auditory feedback without being overly loud.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch features a textured sensation, which gives some users a tactile feedback while typing. This feeling can be appreciated by those who prefer a bit of friction with each keystroke. The Silent Yellow Jade, being a tactile switch, includes a notable tactile bump, which adds to the typing experience by providing feedback when the actuation point is reached. While both offer unique tactile qualities, the Silent Yellow Jade's tactile bump likely delivers a more pronounced and satisfying experience for users who enjoy feeling the moment a key registers.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches cater to specific preferences in sound and feel. The MX Silent Red is ideal for those who seek a quiet experience without sacrificing the yielding feedback typical of linear switches, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a satisfying tactile response along with a distinct thocky sound. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on whether you prioritize a muted typing experience or a more engaging tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the environments in which you plan to use them. If you find yourself often typing in noise-sensitive settings, such as an office or shared living space, the MX Silent Red is an excellent option. Its silent operation and muted sound profile will allow you to type without disturbing those around you, while still providing a satisfying, yet smooth experience that is reminiscent of a traditional linear switch. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback while typing and appreciate a satisfying "thocky" sound when you press the keys, the Silent Yellow Jade might be the better choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and distinct tactile bump provide a rewarding sensation on each keystroke, making it ideal for those who like to feel a bit more connection with their typing experience while still maintaining a quieter environment. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound dampening and smoothness or tactile feedback and a pronounced sound profile.
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