Haimu Orange Sea vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea 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 switches, the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade stand out for their distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a linear switch that emphasizes speed and fluidity without any distractions from auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches deliver a quiet yet tactile typing experience, featuring a satisfying "thocky" sound that many typists find rewarding. As the third iteration in Outemu's silent tactile lineup, these switches are factory-lubed and boast a punchy tactile bump, appealing to users who appreciate feedback without the noise. Both switches have their strengths, with the Orange Sea catering to speed and silence while the Silent Yellow Jade focuses on tactile satisfaction in a quieter format. 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches feature distinct materials for their top housings, leading to contrasting auditory experiences during use. The Orange Sea utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer material facilitates a clear and resonant acoustic output, making it preferable for RGB setups where aesthetics and enhanced lighting effects play a crucial role. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade opts for a nylon top housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, creating a rounder auditory experience that may appeal to those looking for a more subdued keystroke feedback.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilize nylon, which yields similar effects in terms of sound quality. With both switches featuring this classic switch housing material, users can expect a deeper sound profile complemented by a more muted audible response upon bottoming out. The nylon in the bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the tactile feedback and sound when a key is fully depressed, reinforcing that deeper, fuller auditory experience common to nylon-based switches. This shared material ensures that users will have a consistent and pleasant feel when pressed, as both switches capitalize on nylon's ability to absorb sound.
In conclusion, while the Haimu Orange Sea and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade shares the same bottom housing material, the divergence in their top housing materials results in contrasting sound profiles and user experiences. The polycarbonate top of the Orange Sea sharpens the auditory feedback when releasing a key, whereas the nylon top of the Silent Yellow Jade creates a sound that is deeper and more rounded. Each switch embodies its unique auditory characteristics during key presses, owing to the distinctive materials utilized for the top housing. Therefore, users seeking a brighter sound may prefer the Orange Sea, while those favoring a fuller auditory experience without the clatter may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial and weighty feel. This heavier resistance may appeal to those who prefer a more deliberate typing experience. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that allows for quicker and easier key presses, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better choice, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade caters to users who enjoy a firmer push. Overall, the two switches provide distinct tactile experiences catering to different preferences: lighter typing with the Orange Sea versus a more robust feel with the Silent Yellow Jade.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This distinction signifies that if you opt for the Orange Sea, you’ll experience a slightly deeper key press compared to the more responsive feel of the Silent Yellow Jade. Gamers often lean towards the shorter travel distance for quicker actuation, favoring the Silent Yellow Jade for its rapid response capabilities. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Orange Sea’s longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value the quick response of shorter travels or the depth of longer keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade comes in at $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are characterized by a neutral sound signature that contributes to a quieter typing experience, making them suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches produce a "thocky" sound, which is more pronounced but still remains on the quieter side due to their design as silent tactile switches. While both offer controlled sound levels, the Orange Sea emphasizes a smooth and muted acoustics, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade provides a satisfying auditory feedback with its distinctive thock, though it is not overly loud.
Regarding feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing sensation, facilitating fast and effortless keystrokes that make it ideal for rapid typists or gamers seeking performance. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches deliver a punchy tactile bump that adds a tactile element to the typing experience, allowing typists to feel when a key has been actuated without the audible click associated with more traditional tactile switches. Therefore, while the Orange Sea focuses on smoothness and fluid motion, the Silent Yellow Jade balances a tactile sensation with a smooth actuation, catering to those who enjoy feedback during their typing.
In summary, both the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Orange Sea excels in providing a smooth and quiet typing experience, ideal for users who prioritize silence and fluid motion. Meanwhile, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a tactile yet subdued feedback with a unique sound profile that remains relatively quiet. Depending on what qualities you value more—smoothness or tactility and sound—either switch can lead to a fulfilling mechanical keyboard experience, especially as your choice of board and keycaps can also influence the final output.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a smooth, quiet keystroke with a lighter actuation force, the Orange Sea is a great option for you, especially if you're involved in long typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are necessary. Its 45-gram actuation feels effortless, making it suitable for users who prioritize speed and fluidity; however, if you work in a shared space where noise might be a concern, this switch can provide a satisfying yet unobtrusive experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a more pronounced feel while typing, the Silent Yellow Jade would be your better choice. With a medium-heavy 65-gram actuation force and a rewarding "thocky" sound, these switches provide a delightful experience for those who enjoy tactile switches. They are perfect for typists who find comfort in the distinct tactile bump and don’t mind a slightly heavier press. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths catering to different styles; you just need to determine what aspects of the keyboard experience matter most to you.
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