Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect tactile mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Akko Penguin. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a quiet and tactile typing experience with a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying "thocky" sound. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches provide a rounded tactile bump for a satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile, making them a great option for office environments. Both switches offer a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, but the Silent Yellow Jade leans towards a more pronounced tactile bump compared to the Penguin. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing materials, providing a consistent typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics commonly used in switch housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can be pleasing to the ears of a typist. This similarity in housing materials between the two switches suggests that users can expect a similar tactile and auditory experience when using either switch.
Despite both switches sharing nylon as their housing material, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Akko Penguin may have differing bottom and top housing designs that impact the overall typing feel and sound produced. The bottom housing of a switch tends to have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This means that even though the two switches both utilize nylon, variations in their housing designs may result in subtle differences in typing experience, such as keypress resistance and sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing material in mechanical switches such as the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Akko Penguin can greatly impact the typing experience for users. The use of nylon in both switches offers advantages such as sound absorption and a deeper, fuller sound profile that may be preferred by some typists. However, differences in the design and composition of the top and bottom housing components can lead to variations in specific aspects of typing feel and sound, making each switch unique in its own right. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is seeking.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams, making it require a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade also requires more force at 65 grams compared to the Penguin's 60 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel compared to the Penguin, which is lighter in comparison. Both switches fall under the medium to medium-heavy category, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the Silent Yellow Jade and the Penguin will cater to users who prefer varying levels of tactile sensation while typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch also has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches have the same travel distance, so you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation. Their travel distances are identical, making them equally suitable for users looking for a consistent typing experience. This means that whether you choose the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade or the Akko Penguin tactile switch, you can expect a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with a travel distance of 3.3 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound that is pleasant to the ears, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is described as producing a muted sound, which minimizes noise and is ideal for office environments where noise reduction is important. Both switches are designed to reduce the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more peaceful typing experience overall.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a punchy tactile bump and a unique translucent housing that provides a tactile typing experience with a satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Penguin switch is mild in feel, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users and suitable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Akko Penguin switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade excels in providing a tactile and satisfying typing experience with a quiet sound profile, while the Akko Penguin switch focuses on delivering a smooth and polished feel with a muted sound. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific environment in which they will be used. Ultimately, whether you choose the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade or the Akko Penguin switch, you can expect a quality typing experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches would be a great choice. Their unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump provide a satisfying "thocky" sound while minimizing noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter switch with a medium bottom out force and a rounded tactile bump for a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Akko Penguin switches would be more suitable. These switches offer a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, your choice between the Silent Yellow Jade and Penguin switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing environment.
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