Cherry Nixie vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it's clear that each offers unique features to suit different preferences. The Cherry Nixies are praised for their substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches provide a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, featuring a translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. Each switch has its own advantages, whether you prefer a smooth linear feel or a tactile response. 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
63.5g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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 Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade use nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. The nylon material in both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This means that typing on either switch will produce a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall user experience. Additionally, the softness of nylon contributes to a softer keypress, making typing more comfortable for prolonged use.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housing materials, there may be subtle differences in the typing experience due to other factors such as spring weight, stem design, or lubrication. The Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may have variations in the sound and feel upon pressing down on a key, as the qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Additionally, the top housing of each switch may have a different impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, adding a slightly unique touch to the typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings of the Cherry Nixie and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade ensures a consistent and pleasant sound profile for users. Typing on these switches will provide a deep and full sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. While subtle differences may exist in the nuances of the sound and feel between the switches, the shared material of nylon contributes to a similar level of comfort and satisfaction for typists using either switch.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch reveals some key differences. The Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Nixie requires 80 grams, which is again heavier than the Silent Yellow Jade's 65 grams. These differences in force mean that the Nixie switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch's lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it a more comfortable option for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Nixie. The Nixie falls within the more traditional range of 4.0mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade falls slightly shorter at 3.3mm. Gamers may prefer the Silent Yellow Jade for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced keypress may lean towards the Nixie. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, ultimately catering to different preferences and needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie 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 Nixie switch is known for producing a deep, rich "thocky" sound with a low pitch, resulting in a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet typing experience with a similar "thocky" sound, making it a favorable choice for those looking for a tactile switch without the noise.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its textured typing experience, providing users with tactile feedback and a unique feel with each keystroke. While the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is not specified, it is important to consider that tactile switches typically offer a bump in the keystroke to provide users with a more satisfying typing experience compared to linear switches.
Overall, both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Whether you prefer the deep "thocky" sound and textured typing experience of the Nixie or the quiet tactility of the Silent Yellow Jade, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that is sure to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Cherry Nixie linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it really comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a heavier, more traditional typing experience with a deep thocky sound and low-pitched feel, then the Cherry Nixie switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump and medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making your decision.
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