Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Quinn. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, featuring a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch provides a crisp and light switch-like tactility with a deep, resonant sound profile thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. While the Silent Yellow Jade is known for its quiet operation and tactile feedback, the Quinn stands out for its unique sound profile and precise tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
59g
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
3.40 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
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Quinn, it is clear that both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound overall, making typing on both switches a quieter and more satisfying experience.
However, where the switches may differ is in the quality of the housing material itself. While both switches use nylon, there may be subtle differences in the density or composition of the nylon used in each switch. This could potentially affect the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches, with one switch potentially offering a slightly different experience compared to the other. It is worth noting that these differences may be minimal and may only be noticeable to the most discerning of users.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Quinn may come down to personal preference and any other features or characteristics of the switches. If the housing materials are the same, then users can expect to get similar results in terms of sound profile and typing experience. Both switches offer a classic switch housing material in nylon, which is known for its ability to create a deep and full sound while providing a soft and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to other factors such as price, availability, or any additional features that one switch may offer over the other.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade requires 65 grams, while the Quinn requires 67 grams, making them relatively similar in this aspect. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade for longer typing sessions, while others may lean towards the Quinn for a slightly more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Quinn switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, you may find the Gateron Quinn to be more to your liking. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 switches are best described as quiet with a satisfying "thocky" sound, while the Gateron Quinn switches are known for their deep and resonant sound profile. The Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, creating a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switches provide a rich and immersive sound with a crisp, light switch-like tactility, thanks to their specially designed nylon housings. Depending on personal preference, users may favor the quieter and punchier sound of the Silent Yellow Jade switches or the deeper and resonant sound of the Quinn switches.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switches do not have specific descriptors available, while the Gateron Quinn switches are described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. The Quinn switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation, as well as a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The buttery and creamy qualities of the Quinn switches indicate a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, likely due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. On the other hand, without specific descriptors for the Silent Yellow Jade switches, it is difficult to directly compare the tactile feel.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Gateron Quinn switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Yellow Jade switches provide a quieter and punchier typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, while the Quinn switches deliver a deep and resonant sound profile with a crisp, light tactility. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. It is important to consider other factors such as keyboard and keycap choice, as they can also impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Quinn tactile switches, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you are looking for a quiet typing experience with a unique "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility along with a deep, resonant sound profile that adds character to your typing, the Gateron Quinn switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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