Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch to the KTT Pine linear switch, it becomes apparent that each offers unique advantages for different preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade stands out for its quiet, tactile typing experience, featuring a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is praised for its buttery smoothness and effortless typing experience, with a medium-heavy feel and minimal friction for smooth key travel. While the Silent Yellow Jade appeals to those who enjoy a tactile response, the KTT Pine suits users looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the KTT Pine, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Pine uses a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Silent Yellow Jade is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Pine creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer composition. Despite using different materials, both switches aim to enhance typing experience through their unique sound characteristics.
The aesthetic differences between the two switches also come into play with their housing materials. The Silent Yellow Jade, with its nylon housing, offers a more subdued and duller sound profile, which may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine's polycarbonate housing provides a clearer and more resonant sound, making it suitable for those seeking a more distinct and vibrant typing sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Pine's housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
While the Silent Yellow Jade and the KTT Pine differ in their housing materials and resulting sound profiles, both switches showcase the impact of housing material on typing experience. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a unique blend of sound qualities that can be felt when pressing down on a key or releasing it. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer a variety of options to cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we can see that the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Pine's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade is also heavier at 65 grams compared to the Pine's 58 grams. This means that while the Silent Yellow Jade may require a slightly heavier initial push, it also provides a more substantial typing experience overall. On the other hand, the Pine offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it a better option for those who prefer a lighter typing touch. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of weight, so depending on personal preference, users can achieve similar results with either switch in terms of typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Pine's 4 mm. The Pine linear switch falls within the traditional range of travel distance, providing a more standard key press feel. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference - with the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade providing quicker feedback, while the longer travel distance of the Pine may offer a more substantial keystroke experience to some users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 provides a satisfyingly quiet typing experience with a distinct "thocky" sound, while the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile during key presses. Depending on personal preferences, the Silent Yellow Jade may be preferred for its quieter operation, whereas the Pine switch may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch features a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, but specific descriptors regarding the typing feel are not provided. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as medium-heavy, buttery smooth, and providing an effortless typing experience. With factors such as smooth key travel thanks to a polished, factory-lubed finish, the Pine switch offers a seamless and uniform typing sensation that may be favored by those seeking a smooth and buttery keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Yellow Jade excels in providing a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound, the Pine switch stands out for its buttery smooth feel and a rich, bassy sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for sound, typing feel, and other factors such as board and keycaps used. However, both switches are sure to deliver an enjoyable typing experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with buttery and creamy key feel, the KTT Pine linear switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
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