Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade from Outemu is a tactile switch best known for its quiet typing experience, tactile feedback, and satisfying "thocky" sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative design, maintaining a quiet topping-out sound and clacky bottom-out sound while delivering a silky smooth typing experience. While the Silent Yellow Jade caters to those who enjoy a tactile typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear appeals to those who prefer a linear switch with a unique sound profile. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear differs in its top housing material, utilizing polycarbonate instead. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a visually appealing option for those looking for illuminated switches.
In terms of sound and feel, the bottom housings of both switches play a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more satisfying typing experience. However, the top housing material of each switch impacts the sound when a key is released. The nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade produces a slightly different sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, with the latter offering a clearer and more resonant sound.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share similarities in utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, the inclusion of different materials for the top housings sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a similar deep and full sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear contributes to a sharper, crisper sound compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, the Silent Yellow Jade requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's unknown actuation force. However, the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Semi-Silent Linear being slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. When considering weight preferences, the Silent Yellow Jade may be more suitable for those who prefer a heavier typing feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear may be preferred by those who like a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear switch may offer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as having a subdued sound profile, providing a more subtle and gentle typing experience compared to most switches. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump, creating a more pronounced typing feel compared to linear switches. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as having a silky smooth feel, providing a gentle and approachable typing sensation that falls in a safe middle ground zone in terms of keypress response. With the Semi-Silent Linear switch's snappy and buttery qualities, typists can enjoy a responsive and fluid typing experience that feels smooth and effortless.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued and gentle typing feel with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style, ensuring that typists can find a switch that best suits their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound, a silky smooth type feel, and a medium bottom out force, the Semi-Silent Linear switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing on a mechanical keyboard.
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