Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your typing experience, particularly when comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch and the Dareu Sky V4 switch. The Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that provides a quiet typing experience, characterized by its satisfying "thocky" sound and a prominent tactile bump, making it ideal for those who appreciate feedback without the noise. This switch is perfect for typists who thrive in quieter environments, where discretion is key but the need for tactile confirmation remains. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 is a linear switch that features an innovative POK material construction in its top housing. Known for its smooth actuation and deeper sound signature, the Sky V4 offers a rich and satisfying typing experience, catering to users who prefer a more fluid keystroke without any tactile resistance. Both switches present unique advantages tailored to different preferences—whether you prioritize sound, feedback, or a seamless typing experience. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Dareu Sky V4, it becomes clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in similar auditory qualities. Nylon is known for its capacity to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users seeking a quieter typing experience, as the softer nature of nylon helps to dull sharper sounds. In this case, both switches share theoretical similarities in sound dampening and overall acoustic quality on the bottom end, leading to a comparative typing experience in terms of noise reduction and tonal depth when the switch is bottomed out.
Conversely, the top housings of the two switches diverge significantly in material choice. The Silent Yellow Jade utilizes nylon for its top housing, enhancing the same deeper sound profile that characterizes its bottom. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 employs POK material, which not only provides a smoother feel due to its lower coefficient of friction but also contributes to a clackier sound profile. The inherent strength and durability of POK could lead to a sharper sound upon release compared to the softer adaptations of the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top. Thus, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a consistent auditory texture, the Sky V4 presents a more dynamic sound profile thanks to its unique material, catering to different preferences for auditory feedback and overall typing experience.
In terms of practical outcomes, users can expect different tactile and auditory experiences based on the respective combinations of materials used. For instance, while both switch designs benefit from nylon's sound absorption in their bottoms, the difference in the top materials results in distinct sound profiles during key activation and release. Users who prioritize a muted and deep sound might gravitate toward the Silent Yellow Jade, while those desiring a sharper sound and smoother keystrokes might prefer the Dareu Sky V4. Therefore, the combination of nylon and POK for each switch ultimately leads to contrasting performance characteristics, providing enthusiasts with varied options tailored to their specific typing styles and auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Yellow Jade requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sky V4 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that users who favor a lighter typing experience, such as those looking for comfort during prolonged use, might prefer the Sky V4. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial and tactile feedback might find the Silent Yellow Jade more to their liking due to its heavier forces. As such, the Silent Yellow Jade is the heavier option, while the Dareu Sky V4 is the lighter one. Therefore, users should consider their typing preferences and the required force for comfort in their chosen switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is clear that they differ, with the Silent Yellow Jade offering a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Sky V4's 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade is the preferable choice, as it allows for quicker actuation and potentially faster response times, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Sky V4, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced key press that some may find more satisfying, especially those who prefer a deeper feel while typing. Thus, if you're leaning towards a tactile experience with a bit more depth, the Dareu Sky V4 would be the switch for you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V4 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V4 for $4.76.
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 also characterized by a delightful "thocky" sound that enhances the typing experience. This switch is designed for a quiet environment, making it a great choice for users who need to minimize noise during use. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 delivers a deeper sound profile, often described as low-pitched and neutral, with a rich resonance that can feel quite satisfying. Users can anticipate a deeper, thocky tone when pressing the keys, complemented by a pleasant, soft "thud" upon release. The actual sound produced by either switch may vary depending on the keyboard configuration and keycap choice, but both are adept at providing a satisfying auditory feedback.
Feel is a prominent characteristic for both switches. While the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a tactile typing experience enhanced by a punchy tactile bump, the Dareu Sky V4 offers a bounce-like sensation due to its springy feedback, making it lively and responsive to keystrokes. The tactile nature of the Silent Yellow Jade can contribute to a more deliberate typing style, which some typists prefer, while the Sky V4’s bouncy feel encourages quicker and perhaps more fluid input, appealing to gamers and those who type rapidly. Despite their subjective differences, both switches promise an engaging typing sensation for users.
In summary, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Dareu Sky V4 switches present their own unique qualities in sound and feel. The Silent Yellow Jade stands out for its thocky, quiet tactile experience, making it perfect for discreet use. On the other hand, the Sky V4 appeals with its deeper sound profile and bouncy feedback, fostering lively typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal preference—whether one values quiet tactile feedback or a smooth, responsive typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, your decision should hinge on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you value a quiet yet tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, and you don't mind a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Silent Yellow Jade is an excellent choice, particularly for those who might be sharing workspace or gaming in a quieter setting. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch combined with a smooth and bouncy feel, the Sky V4 might be the better option for you. Its unique POK material provides a rich and deep sound profile that could enhance your typing satisfaction, making it ideal for both home and office environments where you desire a more responsive and lively key feel. Ultimately, consider your habits and preferences when making your selection, as both switches cater to different experiences that can significantly influence your overall typing enjoyment.
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