Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Kailh Sage mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtle typing feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier weight and sharp clickiness, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile and auditory feedback while typing. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Kailh Sage, a key difference is evident in their top housing. The Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Sage features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile. While the Silent Yellow Jade offers a duller and rounder sound with its nylon top housing, the Sage provides a more crisp and defined sound thanks to its polycarbonate material.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Silent Yellow Jade and the Kailh Sage incorporate nylon bottom housings. This material is known for enhancing the sound profile of switches by absorbing more sound and creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. As a result, both switches offer a similar sound profile in terms of the bottom housing, providing a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder plastic materials. The nylon bottom housing in both the Silent Yellow Jade and the Kailh Sage contributes to a more muted and satisfying typing experience, giving users a consistent and tactile feel.
When considering how the qualities of the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes apparent that each component plays a crucial role. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Silent Yellow Jade and the Kailh Sage, the difference in their top housing materials results in distinct sound profiles, with the nylon bottom housing providing a common ground for a deeper and fuller typing experience in both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Silent Yellow Jade and the Kailh Sage will depend on the preferred sound profile and feel desired by the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sage, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Silent Yellow Jade requiring 65 grams and the Sage 70 grams. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Silent Yellow Jade, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of both switches provides a more substantial feel when pressing the keys, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push sensation while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Sage switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. The Silent Yellow Jade's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Sage's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade comes in at $3.10, whereas the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25.
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
When comparing the sound of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Kailh Sage switches, the Yellow Jade offers a quiet, "thocky" typing experience while the Sage provides a distinct and crunchy clicky sound reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Both switches have their unique auditory characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Yellow Jade appealing to those seeking a quieter typing experience and the Sage offering a more pronounced clicky sound.
Turning to the feel of the two switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is known for its tactile typing experience with a satisfying bump, although specific descriptors are unavailable. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy, reactive feel. The Sage switch's strong and crisp tactile bump provides an immersive typing sensation that is distinct with each keypress, catering to those who prefer a more intense tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Kailh Sage switches offer different sound profiles and typing experiences to suit a variety of preferences. The Yellow Jade provides a quiet typing experience with a tactile bump, while the Sage offers a distinct and crunchy clicky sound with an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you need a quieter typing experience with a smooth tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct clicky sound with a heavier bottom out force and sharp, invigorating feedback, the Sage switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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