Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The MX Speed Silver is ideal for gamers seeking ultimate speed and responsiveness with its linear action and low spring resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet and tactile typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying "thocky" sound while typing. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing choices for different users. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches use nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings. This results in a similar sound profile for both switches, with a deeper and fuller sound being produced due to nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. The use of nylon in both switches also contributes to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the typing experience for users.
However, while both switches share the same housing material, the specific design and construction of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches may result in slight differences in sound and feel. The MX Speed Silver switch may have a slightly different internal structure or arrangement of components compared to the Silent Yellow Jade, leading to subtle variations in typing experience. These nuances could potentially impact user preference depending on individual typing habits and preferences.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a comparable typing experience due to their shared use of nylon housing materials. Both switches are designed to provide a deep and full sound profile, enhancing the overall feel of typing. While there may be slight differences in sound and feel between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and typing comfort when using either of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the MX Speed Silver's 30 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Silent Yellow Jade is 65 grams, while the MX Speed Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade switch requires more force to register a keystroke and to press all the way down compared to the MX Speed Silver switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Speed Silver would be a better option, while individuals who prefer a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Silent Yellow Jade. Both switches offer unique advantages based on the preferences of the user, with the MX Speed Silver catering to those who prefer lighter forces, and the Silent Yellow Jade appealing to those who prefer heavier forces for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the MX Speed Silver with its slightly longer travel distance, while those who prefer a more tactile feel may opt for the Silent Yellow Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and key travel depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quieter typing experience with a thocky sound, thanks to its unique translucent yellow housing. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory feedback, but the Cherry MX Speed Silver may offer a slightly deeper and richer sound due to its full height construction.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as having a textured feel, which can offer a tactile feedback that some users may appreciate for a more controlled typing experience. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided, but being a silent tactile switch, it likely offers a smooth and satisfying typing feel while still providing that tactile bump for feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback, with the Cherry MX Speed Silver offering a more textured experience compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade.
Considering all the available information, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Speed Silver provides a faster linear response and a deeper thocky sound, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter tactile experience with a satisfying bump. Depending on individual preferences for speed, sound, and feel, both switches can cater to different user needs. Ultimately, deciding between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you prioritize speed and instantaneous response, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, the MX Speed Silver would be the ideal choice with its lightning-fast linear action. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be the perfect fit with its thocky sound and unique translucent yellow housing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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