Outemu Red vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Outemu Red, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch. The Red switch is best known for its smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile feedback, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers who prefer a consistent feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch stands out for its quiet operation and distinct tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience without the loud clicking noise. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preference and typing style; 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
46g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.10 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, one key difference is in the top housing material used. The Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in sound profile is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate leading to a more clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing of the Red is translucent and ideal for RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade offers a classic look.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Outemu Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilize nylon. This commonality results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. With the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, users can expect a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch chosen between the Red and Silent Yellow Jade.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Outemu Red and Silent Yellow Jade differ in polycarbonate and nylon respectively, the common use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a similar sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the Red creates a crisper and sharper sound compared to the fuller and deeper sound of the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing. Whether one prefers a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer unique qualities based on their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Red requires 62 grams while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade needs 65 grams, making the Silent Yellow Jade slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Outemu Red for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red 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. This means that the Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade switch. The Red switch's 4.0mm distance is more traditional, providing a more significant depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch's 3.3 mm distance is shallower, making it more suitable for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, so the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and key feel.
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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for being relatively quiet compared to clicky switches, making it a good option for those seeking a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a unique "thocky" sound due to its tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience without the loud noise typically associated with tactile switches.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes and consistent actuation, making it a popular choice among gamers for its responsiveness. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback during typing, giving users a more tactile and satisfying typing experience compared to linear switches.
Overall, the Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer different sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Red switch provides a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a more tactile and "thocky" sound. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches have their own strengths and can cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for either a linear or tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, in closing, if you are looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Outemu Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a satisfying tactile bump, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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