Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock Piano offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is praised for its quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is known for its smooth and frictionless linear feel, providing a gliding push sensation and a deep, creamy sound signature. While the Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch, offering feedback with each keypress, the Piano is a linear switch, providing a consistent typing experience without a tactile bump. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that appeal to different users, making them suitable for different typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock Piano both aim to provide a deep and satisfying sound profile. The Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, known for absorbing sound and creating a rounder sound profile. Similarly, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing that also offers a deep and satisfying sound experience. While the exact details of the POM blend are unknown, it is clear that both switches prioritize creating a pleasant typing sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both switches again share a common goal of enhancing sound quality. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, much like the impact of the proprietary POM blend bottom housing of the Durock Piano. The choice of softer plastics in the bottom housings of both switches allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and richer sound when typing on the switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock Piano, the overall goal of achieving a satisfying and deep sound profile remains consistent. Whether it's the nylon top and bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade or the proprietary POM blend top and bottom housing of the Durock Piano, both switches offer a unique typing experience with attention to sound quality. While each housing material may have its own specific attributes, users can expect similar results in terms of sound depth and fullness from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Durock Piano has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Despite the lack of specific actuation force for the Piano switch, it is evident that both switches offer a similar level of resistance when typing. In terms of weight, both switches provide a substantial typing experience, with the Yellow Jade being slightly lighter. This may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while the Piano switch offers a slightly heavier push for a more robust typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Piano's 4 mm. The Silent Yellow Jade falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Piano's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience one is seeking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a unique "thocky" sound that is quiet yet satisfying, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is described as having a deep, creamy sound signature with a bassy quality, providing a rich sound profile during key presses. Both switches provide distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump, giving users a clear indication of actuation. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is known for its frictionless and silky smooth feel, offering an effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches offer unique tactile or linear characteristics that contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch and the Durock Piano switch each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Yellow Jade switch excels in providing a quiet and tactile typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Piano switch offers a smooth and frictionless feel with a deep and creamy sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile desired for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch or the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferred typing experience. If you enjoy a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a unique translucent jade yellow housing, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, effortless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound profile and a gliding push feel, then the Durock Piano switch would be a better fit. Consider your sound and feel preferences when making your decision, as both switches offer their own unique characteristics for an enhanced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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