Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade stand out as popular choices, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Cream switches are revered for providing a weightier linear typing experience, with a deep sound profile that adds a sense of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switches prioritize a quiet and tactile typing experience, featuring a distinctive "thocky" sound and a pronounced tactile bump. While the Cream switches excel in delivering a satisfyingly textured typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade switches cater to those seeking a quieter and punchier typing feel. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The POM top housing of the NovelKeys Cream offers a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer material that absorbs more sound. Both switches aim to create a pleasing sound, but the type of plastic used in the top housing leads to subtle differences in the sound produced.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the NovelKeys Cream and the Silent Yellow Jade utilize POM and nylon materials, respectively. The characteristics of these materials contribute to the overall typing experience, with the POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Cream creating a deep and relatively muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade adds to the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch, providing a consistent typing experience across both the top and bottom housings.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the switch. While both switches aim to create a pleasing and unique typing experience, the differences in the top and bottom housing materials lead to subtle variations in sound profile. Whether it be POM or nylon, the material used in each housing affects the overall sound profile and feel of the switch, resulting in a customized typing experience for users depending on their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch are quite similar, with both having a medium-heavy feel. The NovelKeys Cream has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 50 grams, while both have a bottom out force of 70 grams and 65 grams, respectively. This means that the NovelKeys Cream may feel slightly heavier to press initially, but both switches require a similar amount of force when fully pressed down. Some users may prefer the slightly lighter actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the slightly heavier initial press of the NovelKeys Cream for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy feel that caters to different preferences in typing force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the NovelKeys Cream has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. For those who prefer a more traditional key feel, the 4 mm travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream may be preferred. On the other hand, the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to those who want a slightly shorter keystroke for faster response times, especially in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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
Overall, when comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, they offer distinct sound and feel experiences. The Cream switches provide a deeper, resonant sound profile with a linear typing experience that is buttery and textured. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a quiet, "thocky" sound with a tactile typing experience that is invigorating due to the punchy tactile bump. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately the choice between them would depend on whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch, as well as the specific sound and feel qualities you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer high-quality performance that will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smoother and heftier linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches would be a perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to ensure that you find the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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