Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Outemu offers two distinct mechanical keyboard switches, the Silent Yellow Jade and the Tom, both belonging to the tactile switch category. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches stand out for their quiet operation, tactile typing experience, and satisfying "thocky" sound. With a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, these factory-lubed switches provide a premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switch lacks specific details in the information provided. When considering choosing between these switches, the Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback, while the Tom switch remains a bit more of a mystery. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 the Outemu Tom switches, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Tom switch uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which means that there will be a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience. Despite slightly different housing materials, both switches share the common trait of utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing while the Tom switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material gives each switch its own unique sound signature. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the Tom switch. Overall, the housing materials used in the top housing play a significant role in determining the sound profile of each switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Outemu Tom can greatly impact the typing experience. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the difference in top housing material results in distinct sound profiles for each switch. The Silent Yellow Jade offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing, while the Tom switch delivers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and more resonant sound, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow Jade has a lighter actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Tom's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade is heavier at 65 grams, whereas the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade provides a lighter key press initially, but requires more force to fully press the key compared to the Tom. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Silent Yellow Jade for longer typing sessions, while those who seek a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Tom for a stronger push sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you can expect a consistent travel distance experience. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results in terms of keypress feel. Despite their similarities in this aspect, other factors such as actuation force and sound levels may differ between the two switches, impacting the overall typing experience.
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 Tom.
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 sound of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is often praised for its quietness compared to other tactile switches, with a "thocky" sound that is satisfying to many users. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switch does not have a distinct reputation for sound, so it may be safe to assume that it produces a standard level of noise for a tactile switch. When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Silent Yellow Jade is known for its punchy tactile bump, providing tactile feedback that is enjoyable for typists who prefer a more pronounced response. The feel of the Tom switch is not widely documented, but given that it is also a tactile switch from Outemu, it may offer a similar tactile experience to the Silent Yellow Jade. Overall, if you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches may be the ideal choice for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be a great choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches provide a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a different typing experience, the Outemu Tom switch could be the one for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
Mentioned in this article
