Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Smoothie stand out as popular options. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is praised for its tactile typing experience, providing a quiet yet satisfying "thocky" sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie offers a smooth and lightweight touch, along with a thocky sound signature, all at a budget-friendly price point. While the Silent Yellow Jade switch is known for its tactile bump, the Smoothie switch is recognized for its smoothness and low-pitched sound. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Smoothie, one key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Smoothie boasts a POM top housing that creates a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper side, with a relatively more muted tone. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound profile.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is their bottom housing materials. The Silent Yellow Jade utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during typing. On the other hand, the Smoothie employs a POM bottom housing, creating a similarly deep and muted sound profile. Despite the difference in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences.
Considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on switch sound and feel, it's essential to recognize how each component plays a role in the overall typing experience. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material of a switch, such as the sound during bottom-out, will differ from those influenced by the top housing material, which affects the sound when releasing a key. While the Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Smoothie may have varying top and bottom housing materials, they ultimately work together to create a distinct sound profile that caters to different typing preferences. Whether it's the nylon of the Silent Yellow Jade or the POM of the Smoothie, both switches aim to deliver a fulfilling typing experience characterized by unique sound qualities.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we see that the Silent Yellow Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams. This makes the Smoothie a lighter option for those who prefer a lighter touch during typing. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade requires 65 grams while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Silent Yellow Jade a heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Smoothie switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. In general, shorter travel distances are favored by gamers for quicker response times, while longer travel distances may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a unique "thocky" sound with a punchy tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch is also known for its "thocky" sound signature, offering a deep and rich tone that is low-pitched and subdued, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. While both switches offer a pleasing sound profile, the preference between the two ultimately comes down to personal taste and the specific atmosphere you're looking to create with your keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump that enhances typing feedback. The Smoothie switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that minimizes resistance and offers a seamless typing sensation. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant typing feel, with the Silent Yellow Jade focusing on tactile feedback and the Smoothie prioritizing smoothness and ease of keystrokes. The choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump or a smoother keystroke experience.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Smoothie switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Silent Yellow Jade excels in providing a quiet and tactile typing experience with a "thocky" sound, the Smoothie stands out for its smoothness and buttery feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether you choose the Silent Yellow Jade for its tactile feedback or the Gateron Smoothie for its smooth operation, both switches are sure to enhance your typing experience and provide hours of enjoyable use.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch with no specified bottom out force, the Gateron Smoothie may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
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