Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between different options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch distinguishes itself with its quiet, tactile feedback and a unique "thocky" sound, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a satisfying tactile bump in their keystrokes without the distraction of noise. This switch, part of Outemu’s third iteration of silent tactile designs, features a striking translucent jade yellow housing and is known for its overall punchiness. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a light to medium level of resistance and a smooth rounded tactile bump. Its muted sound profile lends itself well to quiet environments, catering to users who prefer a more polished and buttery feel. Both switches offer compelling benefits for specific typing preferences, yet they cater to different styles and environments. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the TTC Silent Brown switches exhibit distinctly different sound profiles due to the materials used in their top housings. The Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer properties. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a muffled, rounded auditory experience that appeals to users who prefer a more subdued typing sound. Conversely, the Silent Brown switch's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material composition means that while both switches may offer good performance, the tonal qualities of each will significantly diverge, appealing to users with varied preferences regarding auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Silent Yellow Jade and Silent Brown utilize nylon, which promotes a consistent sound signature for both switches. The nylon bottom housing ensures that the deeper and fuller sound profile remains consistent across both models when a key is pressed down. This commonality means that users can expect similar characteristics in terms of the tactile experience and bottom-out sound, regardless of the differences found in the top housings. For enthusiasts looking for a particular feel during typing, the nylon bottom housing in both designs delivers a uniform and satisfying experience even when the top halves differ in material and sound output.
Ultimately, the integration of different materials in the top housing versus the same material in the bottom housing creates a unique interplay of sound characteristics in each switch. The Silent Yellow Jade, with its nylon top, leans toward a warmer and softer auditory output, whereas the Silent Brown offers a brighter and more resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top. However, both switches' reliance on nylon for the bottom housing presents a level of consistency in typing feel and sound profile during key presses. Thus, while they offer distinct auditory experiences, users can appreciate a reliable typing feel akin to using switches with homogenous housing materials, making their choice of switch more about personal sound preferences than tactile performance.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Silent Yellow Jade features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Silent Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 63.5 grams. While both switches are classified as medium-heavy, the Silent Brown is the lighter option overall, which may appeal to users seeking a more effortless typing experience for extended sessions. Additionally, the differences in their actuation forces suggest that those who prefer a heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience should lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade. However, with bottom-out forces being relatively close, both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback, offering a balanced experience for typists and gamers alike.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that the Silent Yellow Jade may provide a more responsive feel, making it appealing for gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Silent Brown, with its longer travel distance, might offer a more substantial tactile experience, which could be preferred by users who enjoy the sensation of pressing deeper into the switch. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Silent Yellow Jade would be the better choice, whereas the Silent Brown caters to those who appreciate a greater depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are renowned for their satisfying "thocky" sound, delivering a quiet yet resonant auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. This makes them particularly appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced sound that remains subdued enough for shared environments. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switches excel with a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound than more typical mechanical switches. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prioritize discretion, as the muted nature minimizes the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards, ensuring a more peaceful typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a punchy tactile bump that provides a distinct feedback with each keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a more tactile sensation while typing. However, detailed descriptions of its overall feel are limited. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches are characterized by their buttery smoothness combined with a mild resistance that ensures a comfortable typing experience. This polished feel is enhanced by factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction, and seamless keystrokes that appeal to a wide range of typists looking for both comfort and efficiency.
In summary, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and TTC Silent Brown switches cater to distinct preferences in typing sound and feel. The Yellow Jade stands out with its "thocky" sound and pronounced tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy more feedback during typing. Meanwhile, the Silent Brown switches provide a muted sound and smooth, comfortable experience, appealing to those who prioritize quiet operation and effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, but users can expect similar levels of quiet operation and tactile feedback from either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches depends largely on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you value a typing experience that combines a satisfying tactile bump with a slightly punchy feedback and a "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is the ideal choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams provides a more substantial feel, which can enhance your typing experience if you prefer a switch that demands a little extra effort. This switch is particularly well-suited for environments where a quieter typing experience is essential while still maintaining an engaging tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more muted typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown might be the better option. It offers a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams and emphasizes fluidity and comfort, making it great for extended typing sessions. Its buttery feel along with a rounded tactile bump allows for a seamless typing experience, perfect for both typing and gaming without drawing too much attention. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards a more pronounced tactile feedback and sound profile, or a smoother, quieter operation.
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