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Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple

An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Purple mechanical keyboard switches, some key differences stand out. The Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a satisfying "thocky" sound, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple features a big tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile, suiting those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Silent Yellow Jade leans towards a quieter and smoother typing experience, while the Polaris Purple provides a more pronounced tactile bump and sound. 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 Purple, it is clear that the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Polaris Purple uses polycarbonate for both. The Silent Yellow Jade's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, attributed to its stiffer plastic nature. Both materials excel in providing unique sound profiles, but they differ in the depth and clarity of the sound produced.

While the Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both offer unique sound profiles through their housing materials, they also share similarities in their use of different materials for the top and bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple creates a clearer and resonant sound. This division of housing materials allows for a distinct sound experience when typing on these switches, with each material impacting the bottom-out sound and feel differently.

Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Purple ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The nylon and polycarbonate materials used in the housing of these switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound with the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon housing or a sharper, crisper sound with the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing, both switches provide distinct options for those looking to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel.

Weight

The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is lighter in actuation force, requiring 50 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Silent Yellow Jade requiring 65 grams and the Polaris Purple requiring 67 grams. This means that while the Silent Yellow Jade may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Polaris Purple may be favored by those who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Polaris Purple's 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Polaris Purple might be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Both switches offer their unique benefits based on individual preferences, with the shorter distance providing quicker feedback and the longer distance offering a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The SP-Star Polaris Purple 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 Purple 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

Overall, when comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter typing experience with a "thocky" sound, while the Polaris Purple provides a snappier sound profile. In terms of feel, the Silent Yellow Jade has a punchy tactile bump, while the Polaris Purple offers a mild and polished typing experience. Both switches fall within the tactile category, providing satisfying feedback to the user. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as actuation force requirements and intended use. Whether you opt for the Silent Yellow Jade or Polaris Purple, you can expect a quality tactile typing experience with either switch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a quiet and "thocky" typing experience with a unique translucent jade yellow housing, the Silent Yellow Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a big tactile bump that provides a snappy sound profile and a polished feel for smooth key travel, the Polaris Purple is the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.

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