Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with a focus on reducing noise. The Silent Yellow Jade from Outemu provides a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a medium bump with a padded bottom-out feel and subdued audio feedback, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While both switches cater to tactile typists looking for a quieter experience, the Silent Yellow Jade emphasizes its tactile feedback, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) prioritizes noise reduction. 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
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), we can see that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. However, the Silent Yellow Jade uses nylon for the top housing as well, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) uses polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material will significantly impact the overall sound and feel of each switch when typing.
While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the Silent Yellow Jade's use of nylon for both top and bottom housings sets it apart from the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) produces a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Silent T1 (Shrimp) allows for a more visually appealing switch if RGB lighting is utilized, making it a more aesthetically versatile option compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's opaque nylon housing.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and visual aesthetics. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their housing materials, showcasing the impact that top and bottom housing compositions can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch. Whether you prefer the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in both housings like the Silent Yellow Jade, or the crisper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate in the top housing like the Silent T1 (Shrimp), both switches provide quality options for those looking to customize their keyboard typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium-heavy category. The actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade is 50 grams, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) does not have a specified actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Yellow Jade is 65 grams, slightly lighter than the 67 grams required for the Silent T1 (Shrimp). This means that the Silent T1 (Shrimp) may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may be the preferred choice. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent T1. The 3.3 mm travel distance of the Outemu switch provides a more responsive feel, ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Durock switch offers a more substantial depth, which may be preferred by those who find shorter travel distances too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 is known for its thocky and satisfying sound, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a more muted and subdued audio feedback. The Silent T1 is designed for noise-sensitive environments and focuses on minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a punchy tactile bump, but specific descriptors are unavailable at this time. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a stepped feel with an accented tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel. The stepped design allows for a more nuanced typing experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches cater to users looking for a tactile typing experience with reduced noise output. The Yellow Jade switch emphasizes a punchy tactile bump and a distinctive sound profile, while the T1 switch focuses on providing a smooth and polished typing feel with a medium bump and subdued sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches, you should consider your preferences for typing experience and sound level. If you prioritize a noisy working environment but still want a tactile typing feel with a satisfying thocky sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience with a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would better suit your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, your choice will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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