Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound, making it satisfying for those who enjoy a more classic typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke without the audible click, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but ultimately the choice between them depends on personal preference. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow, one key difference lies in the material used for their top housings. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow boasts a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic nature. This contrast in top housing materials significantly impacts the auditory experience when typing on these switches, with the Blue Jade providing a duller and rounder sound, while the Silent Yellow delivers a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Outemu Blue Jade and Silent Yellow utilize nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is revered for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, despite the difference in top housing materials, both switches are likely to offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing ensures that users can still enjoy a consistent sound profile characterized by its dull and round quality, regardless of the variance in top housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Silent Yellow ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Blue Jade's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. However, with both switches sharing a nylon bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether one prefers a rounder sound profile or a more resonant one, both options cater to different auditory preferences, making them suitable for a variety of users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Jade is lighter in both aspects. The Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. The Blue Jade provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer less resistance while typing for long periods. In contrast, the Silent Yellow offers a heavier push feel, ensuring a more substantial typing experience that some may find more satisfying. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding the weight of the keystrokes and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that they both offer the same tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of key travel. This means that whether you choose the clicky Blue Jade switch or the silent Yellow linear switch, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users will not notice a significant difference in typing feel between the two switches, making it a matter of personal preference whether you prefer the audible click of the Blue Jade switch or the silent operation of the Yellow linear switch. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Blue Jade and Silent Yellow.
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
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its loud and clicky sound, reminiscent of a typewriter. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is praised for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer to keep noise levels to a minimum, whether in an office setting or during late-night gaming sessions.
In terms of feel, the Blue Jade switch offers a tactile bump at the actuation point, providing a tangible sensation that lets you know when the key has been registered. This can help improve typing accuracy and overall typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Yellow switch offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, allowing for a consistent and linear feel with each key press. This can be beneficial for tasks that require a lot of repetitive typing or gaming where consistency is key.
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that they offer very different experiences in terms of sound and feel. Your choice between the two will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a loud and clicky switch with tactile feedback, the Blue Jade may be the better option for you. However, if you value a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch would be the more suitable choice. As always, it is recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your needs best.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider the bottom out force and your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a satisfying clicky sound, the Blue Jade may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and prioritize a silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences, so take the time to test out both options before making your final decision.
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