Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Smoothie Silver can be a tough one. On one hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a unique translucent jade yellow housing. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver provides lightning-fast actuation with its all-POM construction, smoothness, and a feather-light touch. Both switches have their strengths and cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel and 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches both offer unique properties that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top and bottom housing provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housing create a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and more muted. While both switches utilize different materials for their housings, they both aim to enhance the sound quality during typing.
Despite the differences in materials used for the top and bottom housings of the Silent Yellow Jade and the Smoothie Silver switches, they both share similarities in providing a deep and rich sound profile for typing. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade create a duller and rounder sound, while the POM top and bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver offer a more muted and pleasing sound. These qualities enhance the overall typing experience and contribute to a satisfying sound feedback when pressing down and releasing keys.
In terms of how the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches impact the feel and sound of typing, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. The softer nature of the nylon bottom housing in the Silent Yellow Jade contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out, while the POM bottom housing in the Smoothie Silver offers a more muted and unique sound profile. Additionally, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, with the nylon and POM materials providing distinct sound profiles that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Smoothie Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 45 grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 50 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Yellow Jade is heavier at 65 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unavailable. This means that while the Smoothie Silver may have a lighter feel when typing due to the lower actuation force, the Yellow Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference, with lighter switches being ideal for prolonged typing sessions and heavier switches for those seeking a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers may prefer the Silent Yellow Jade for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper keypress experience may lean towards the Smoothie Silver with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the travel distance of each switch caters to different preferences and needs, so it's important to consider how much depth and responsiveness you desire when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Silver 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
When considering the sound of the switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for its quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, making it a popular choice for those looking for a tactile typing experience without the loud clickiness often associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch also offers a thocky sound, which, combined with its unparalleled smoothness, provides a unique typing experience that many users find enjoyable.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is known for its tactile feedback and punchy tactile bump, providing a noticeable bump when the key is actuated. This can be beneficial for users who prefer a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch features a short travel distance for fast actuation, offering a feather-light touch that some users may find more comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique qualities that can cater to different preferences. While the Silent Yellow Jade provides a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback, the Smoothie Silver offers a fast actuation and smoothness that some users may prefer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. It is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one best suits your typing needs.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a quiet, tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and unparalleled smoothness, the Gateron Smoothie Silver would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in sound, feel, and typing style. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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