Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are a few key differences to consider. The Silent Yellow Jade is ideal for those who value a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and factory-lubed design. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is perfect for individuals who prefer a bouncy typing feel and a clean, clacky sound profile. While both switches offer their own set of advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, the most striking difference lies in the materials used for their top housing. The Silent Yellow Jade utilizes nylon, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. While both materials have their advantages, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate will ultimately depend on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preference, with nylon offering a duller sound and polycarbonate providing clear resonance.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housing materials of the Silent Yellow Jade and Polaris Gray, we find a similar contrast. Nylon, used in the Silent Yellow Jade's bottom housing, continues to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, consistent with its characteristics as a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively. Meanwhile, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile, showcasing the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, both materials excel in enhancing the sound of the switches, with the choice between the two once again coming down to personal sound preferences and aesthetic considerations.
While the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in determining the sound and feel of the keystrokes, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and SP-Star Polaris Gray offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. In the case of switches with different top and bottom housing materials, these characteristics are divided between the top and bottom of the switch, influencing the sound profile during both keypresses and key releases. Whether you prioritize a deeper, fuller sound profile with nylon or a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate, each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience in its own way, ensuring a tailored typing experience for users.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams for the Silent Yellow Jade and 67 grams for the Polaris Gray, making them both medium-heavy switches. The actuation force is crucial for determining how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier push feel of the Polaris Gray for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the longer travel distance of the Polaris Gray may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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
Regarding sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is known for its "thocky" sound, which provides a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a clean and clacky sound profile, with a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, as the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more tactile and pronounced sound, while the Polaris Gray offers a smoother and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is praised for its punchy tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback with each key press. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished, offering a more gentle typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches fall within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of typing feel, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more tactile and pronounced feedback or a smoother and quieter typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a satisfying "thocky" sound with a punchy tactile bump, while the Polaris Gray switch offers a clean and clacky sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel. Both switches are suitable for various typing needs, and choosing between them will depend on whether you prioritize a more tactile sound and feel or a smoother and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, with either switch, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch or the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch might be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, consider the slight differences in bottom out force between the two switches (65 grams for the Silent Yellow Jade and 67 grams for the Polaris Gray) when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, so choose based on what feels best for your typing style.
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