Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly influence your typing experience. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches stand out for their quiet operation and satisfying tactile feedback, offering a unique "thocky" sound that adds enjoyment to typing without disrupting your surroundings. As the third iteration of Outemu's silent tactile lineup, these factory-lubed switches feature a distinctive translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump that appeals to users seeking both performance and a softer auditory footprint. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver a smooth, linear feel with a deep, satisfying thock straight out of the box, thanks to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prefer a fluid typing experience without any tactile resistance. Each switch caters to different preferences—those looking for a quiet yet tactile touch might lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade, while users who favor smooth keystrokes may find the Rosewood to their liking. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Silent Yellow Jade Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Akko Rosewood switches both feature nylon as their housing material, both for the top and bottom. This similarity in materials results in a comparable sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound compared to harder materials. This leads to a generally duller and rounder auditory experience, which can enhance typing comfort and satisfaction. Therefore, both switches provide users with a similar acoustic experience, combining well with the tactile elements of the switch design for a rich typing environment.

Despite the same material composition, there may be subtle distinctions in the feel and response of the Outemu and Akko switches that arise from other design aspects such as their internal mechanisms and spring characteristics. While both the Silent Yellow Jade and Rosewood exhibit identical nylon properties that contribute to their subdued sound signature, the overall performance may differ slightly based on their unique engineering, which can affect how the switches feel during key presses and releases. These variances may manifest in different tactile feedback or actuation force, which users might perceive as different typing experiences, despite the foundational material being the same.

When considering both switches, it's important to recognize that although the nylon housing of both the Silent Yellow Jade and Akko Rosewood contribute similarly to sound absorption, the overall experience can be influenced by additional factors. For instance, while they may both produce a similar auditory profile, the individual switch characteristics like stem design or lubrication can also dictate how pronounced these sound properties feel in real-world use. Ultimately, while users can expect a generally similar performance due to the nylon construction, finishing touches and mechanical specifics can lend each switch its own identity in practical applications, allowing for an engaging and varied typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, a clear distinction arises in both actuation and bottom out force. The Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch when typing or gaming. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter switch that facilitates longer typing sessions, the Rosewood would be the recommended choice. Conversely, those who favor a more robust feel may find the heavier Silent Yellow Jade preferable for a substantial typing experience. Overall, users can expect different tactile responses and exertion levels from these two switches, tailoring the keyboard experience to their specific needs.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Silent Yellow Jade has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Rosewood comes in with a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response time, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade may better suit gamers who favor rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood, with its greater travel distance, provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper press that isn't as abrupt. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Silent Yellow Jade is the shorter option, and the Akko Rosewood is the longer one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches stand out with their quiet, yet notably satisfying "thocky" sound profile. This is a result of their design, which aims to minimize noise while providing a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches also produce a deep and satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that gives them a rich acoustic signature. While both switches possess a similar thocky quality, the Silent Yellow Jade prioritizes a quieter experience, which might appeal to users in shared or noise-sensitive environments.

In terms of feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a punchy tactile bump that gives users a clear indication of actuation, making each key press both engaging and satisfying. This tactile feedback, combined with the factory lubrication, contributes to a smooth typing experience. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood switch provides a linear feel, which means it lacks a tactile bump during actuation. Instead, it offers a seamless key press that is often favored for rapid typing or gaming, appealing to those who prefer a smoother key travel without tactile interruption.

Overall, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Akko Rosewood switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences but cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade excels in providing a quieter, tactile response, making it suitable for environments where noise control is important. In contrast, the Rosewood's linear feel is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted key press. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, you'll find either switch capable of fulfilling your needs well.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and typing experience. If you prioritize a quiet and tactile typing experience that delivers a noticeable bump without loud clacks, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for office environments or shared spaces where noise might be disruptive, offering a medium-heavy resistance that can promote precise typing at the cost of a bit of extra effort. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother key press with a lighter tactile response, the Akko Rosewood switch could be your go-to option. This switch delivers a deeper, satisfying sound straight out of the box and feels effortlessly light under your fingers, making it more suitable for rapid typing or gaming sessions where you seek speed and ease of actuation. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your own typing style, the environments in which you'll use your keyboard, and what you find most comfortable and enjoyable.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Yellow Jade Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more