Outemu Black vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Black and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The Outemu Black is a linear switch, known for its smooth keystrokes and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch, offering a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. While the Black switch may be preferred for gaming or fast-paced typing due to its linear nature, the Silent Yellow Jade switch could be great for those who value a tactile feedback while typing. 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
65g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Black and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both have polycarbonate top housings, which means they will both have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which provides a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate housing.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing, both the Outemu Black and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade share the characteristics of their polycarbonate top housing. This means that they will both provide a similar sound profile when it comes to the top housing material. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade will contribute to a different sound profile compared to the Black. The softer nylon material will absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Black's nylon bottom housing will also create a rounder sound but with its own unique characteristics.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Black and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches will provide a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade will offer a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on whether you prefer a more resonant sound or a duller sound, you can choose between the two switches accordingly. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch, making it important to consider these factors when selecting a switch for your keyboard.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force reveals noticeable differences. The Black switch has a higher actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade switch's lighter 50 grams. Similarly, the Black switch also has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch requires a less forceful 65 grams to bottom out. This means that the Outemu Black linear switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force, making it a more comfortable option for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the desired weight and feel of keystrokes.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.3 mm of the Silent Yellow Jade. The Black offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the Silent Yellow Jade for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress experience may opt for the Black. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the longer travel distance of the Outemu Black providing a more tactile experience compared to the quicker response of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to individual typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Black and Silent Yellow Jade.
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 Outemu Black linear switch is known for producing a traditional mechanical keyboard noise with a satisfying click. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience with a noticeable "thocky" sound due to its unique housing. Both switches provide different auditory feedback, allowing users to choose between a traditional mechanical sound or a quieter, more subdued typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Black linear switch is known for its smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, providing a consistent typing experience for those who prefer linear switches. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, on the other hand, features a tactile bump that provides feedback upon actuation, giving users a more pronounced sensation while typing. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to whether the user prefers a smooth linear feel or a tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump.
Overall, the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer users distinct options in terms of sound and feel. While the Black switch provides a traditional mechanical keyboard sound and smooth keystrokes, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quieter typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. Based on individual preferences for sound and feel, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can choose between these two switches to find the perfect fit for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should consider your personal typing preferences. If you prefer a heavier switch with a linear feel and don't mind the noise, the Outemu Black may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a tactile feel and want a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you want your keyboard to feel and sound while typing.
Mentioned in this article
