Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch, to the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, making it perfect for environments where quiet typing is essential. While the Silent Yellow Jade excels in tactile feedback, the Silent Ink Black stands out for its smooth and silent operation. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, it is evident that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, creating a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. While both switches provide unique sound profiles, The Silent Yellow Jade tends to produce a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and more distinct sound of the Silent Ink Black.
The difference in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to the materials used for their top and bottom housings. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade contribute to a deeper and fuller typing experience, while the INK blend top and bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black offer a more pointed and high-pitched sound. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released. These distinctions highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. While the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top and bottom housing create a duller and rounder sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing produce a sharper and more clacky sound. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences and tastes, showcasing the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is apparent that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in their performance. The Silent Yellow Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes swiftly. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade requires 65 grams, while the Silent Ink Black demands 70 grams, both falling under the medium-heavy category. This means that the Silent Ink Black provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silent Ink Black for a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Ink Black. The Silent Yellow Jade provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking fast key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a deeper travel distance, which may be more suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 noticeable "thocky" sound that is satisfying while remaining relatively quiet. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch produces a muted sound that is softer and quieter, making it ideal for quieter environments. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience without the loud clacks typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a unique tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump. The switch provides a tactile feedback that some users might prefer for a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort and reduce fatigue during long typing sessions, catering to different preferences for typing feel.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound, the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on providing a cushion-like feel with minimal noise. Choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for those looking for a quieter and more comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch or the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a quiet typing experience with a tactile bump and "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback in a quieter environment, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making your decision. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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