Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star Duck switches, both offering a tactile typing experience. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches provide a quiet yet satisfying "thocky" sound with a punchy tactile bump, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches offer a gentle and subtle tactility, accompanied by a clean and crispy sound profile for a more subdued typing experience. While the Silent Yellow Jade switches are perfect for users who prefer a more tactile and audible typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switches cater to those seeking a softer and quieter typing feel. 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
58g
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
Polycarbonate
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 SP-Star Duck, we can see that both switches offer different sound profiles due to their choice of materials. The Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Duck uses a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, they provide contrasting audio experiences for users.
Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of the housing materials also sets the Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star Duck apart. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Duck's housing makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, adding a visually pleasing element to the keyboard setup. In contrast, the opaque nature of nylon in the Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to users looking for a more understated and traditional appearance in their switches. The choice of housing material not only affects the sound profile but also plays a role in the overall design and visual appeal of the switches.
Despite their differences, the Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star Duck share similarities in the impact each housing material has on the typing experience. Whether it's the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key affected by the top housing, both switches showcase how the choice of material can enhance the overall performance and feel of a keyboard. While their housing materials may offer contrasting characteristics, both switches deliver a high-quality typing experience tailored to the preferences of users seeking distinct sound profiles and aesthetics.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Silent Yellow Jade requiring 65 grams and the Duck requiring 58 grams. The Silent Yellow Jade may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force, while the Duck could be more suitable for longer typing sessions due to its lighter bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the SP-Star Duck tactile switch's travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent Yellow Jade offers a quicker response time and is preferred by gamers for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Duck switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Silent Yellow Jade being the shorter option and the Duck being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 switches are known for their quiet yet satisfying "thocky" sound, while the SP-Star Duck switches offer a clean and crispy sound profile. The Silent Yellow Jades provide a unique and punchy tactile bump that contributes to their sound signature, whereas the Duck switches have a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of typing environments. Ultimately, both switches deliver pleasant typing sounds, but the Silent Yellow Jades may have a slightly more distinct and tactile sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump, but the specific feel descriptor is unknown. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches provide a mild and buttery typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Duck switches also boast a polished feel, thanks to factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smoother key travel. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable tactile feel, but the Duck switches may provide a slightly softer and more refined typing experience compared to the Silent Yellow Jade switches.
Considering the information provided, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying "thocky" sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches are perfect for users seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a punchy tactile feel and distinct sound or a subtle tactile feel and neutral sound in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are someone who values a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, then the SP-Star Duck switches would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and overall typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your selection.
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