Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silver, a linear switch, it becomes apparent that each offers distinct qualities catering to different preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade is acclaimed for providing a quiet and tactile typing experience, characterized by a satisfying "thocky" sound and a pronounced tactile bump. On the other hand, the Silver switch lacks specific standout features but is widely recognized for its linear feel. While the Silent Yellow Jade appeals to those seeking a responsive and quieter typing experience, the Silver switch may be preferred by individuals who prioritize smooth key presses. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Outemu Silver, we can see a clear difference in the sound profiles they produce. The Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder tone. In contrast, the Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic material. This distinction in sound quality can greatly influence the user experience, as some may prefer the softer, deeper tones of nylon while others might favor the crisper, more defined sound of polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the two switches, we find that both the Silent Yellow Jade and the Silver feature nylon materials in this component. This means that both switches will elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder tone. While the top housing may contribute more to the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch. Therefore, despite having different top housings, the similar bottom housings of both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Outemu Silver housing materials comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with a more muted tone, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon housing may be more to your liking. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clearer and more resonant profile, the Silver's polycarbonate housing could be the better option. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, providing users with the opportunity to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining typing experience. The Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silver's 45 grams, making it slightly more resistant to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a similar experience when pressing all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Silver switch, as the lower actuation force can lead to less fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade for a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent Yellow Jade offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Silver linear switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying feel. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preference for responsiveness or depth in key presses.
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 Silent Yellow Jade and Silver.
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 Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet typing experience with a distinct "thocky" sound, thanks to its tactile bump and factory-lubed components. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch's sound profile is not defined in the information provided. When it comes to feel, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a satisfying tactile bump while typing. Unfortunately, the information does not specify the tactile feel of the Outemu Silver switch. Overall, while the Silent Yellow Jade is known for its quiet and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silver's sound and feel are not explicitly mentioned, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in those aspects. Ultimately, to achieve similar results in sound and feel, it is recommended to consider factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used in combination with these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should go for the Silent Yellow Jade if you value a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. The unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump make these switches stand out. On the other hand, opt for the Silver switch if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel when typing.
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