Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock T1 both offer a tactile typing experience, yet they each have their own unique characteristics. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches provide a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, featuring a translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch is known for its comfortable typing experience, with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. While the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more unique aesthetic with its housing, the T1 provides a more traditional 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
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
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock T1 switches offer contrasting acoustic properties. The Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the T1's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing on switches equipped with either housing type. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the T1 allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a preferable choice for those keen on customization.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Silent Yellow Jade and the T1 utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in material results in a similar tactile experience when bottoming out keys on switches with either bottom housing type. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a switch when pressed down. The differences in the top and bottom housing materials highlight how each component influences the overall typing experience of the switch, showcasing the importance of housing material selection in customizing keyboard switches to suit individual preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock T1 hinges on personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic considerations. While the Silent Yellow Jade offers a softer, fuller sound profile with its nylon top and bottom housings, the T1's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, crisper sound, ideal for those seeking a more clear and resonant typing experience. Both switches demonstrate the impact of housing material on sound and feel, highlighting the importance of considering these factors when customizing keyboard switches for an optimal typing experience. Whether opting for a duller and rounder sound with the Silent Yellow Jade or a crisper and higher-pitched sound with the T1, keyboard enthusiasts have a range of options to choose from based on their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, we can see that the Silent Yellow Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the T1, 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 T1 requiring 67 grams. This makes both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of the force needed for typing. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier bottom out force of the T1 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Durock T1 tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent Yellow Jade offers a shorter travel distance, making it preferred by gamers for its faster response times. On the other hand, the T1 provides a longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying due to the added depth in keystrokes. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Silent Yellow Jade offering quicker feedback and the T1 offering a more substantial keystroke experience. Ultimately, both switches provide unique benefits and can offer similar results depending on the user's typing style and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is known for its "thocky" sound, offering a quiet typing experience with a distinctive tactile bump. On the other hand, the Durock T1 features a low-pitched sound that is reminiscent of rain falling on a window. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Silent Yellow Jade leaning towards a more subdued typing sound and the T1 offering a deeper tone.
In terms of feel, the Silent Yellow Jade has a tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback while typing. The T1, on the other hand, offers a stepped feel with a medium bump, providing a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the T1 is described as accented and polished, giving users a refined and smooth keystroke. Both switches deliver a tactile typing experience, but the T1 may appeal more to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile bump with a smooth key travel.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock T1 both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Silent Yellow Jade providing a quieter typing experience with a distinct tactile bump, while the T1 offers a low-pitched sound and a comfortable, stepped feel. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as both are well-regarded options in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, as well as a unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that is super comfortable to type on, with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window, the Durock T1 is the better choice. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, but the Silent Yellow Jade may be more suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the T1's low-pitched and neutral sound profile may be more appealing to some users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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