Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Bsun Taichi present two distinct yet appealing options that cater to different typing preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade switch is a tactile switch known for its quiet operation and satisfying "thocky" sound, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a soft yet responsive typing experience without disturbing others. Featuring a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a well-defined tactile bump, it's perfect for users who appreciate feedback while maintaining a low noise profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch is a linear switch that delivers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience, characterized by its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. Crafted with a long-pole stem and extended springs, the Taichi aims to provide unparalleled smoothness and stability for users who prioritize fluidity over tactile response. Each switch has its unique advantages—whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Silent Yellow Jade or the smooth glide of the Bsun Taichi. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
Partial box
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Bsun Taichi offer contrasting sound profiles primarily due to the differences in their top housing materials. The Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer texture. This characteristic helps in sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi employs a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and less absorbent, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction means that typists using the Silent Yellow Jade will experience a warmer tone, while those who prefer the Taichi will enjoy clearer and more resonant keystrokes, particularly beneficial for RGB setups due to polycarbonate’s translucency.
As for the bottom housing, both the Silent Yellow Jade and Bsun Taichi feature nylon, which contributes similarly to sound performance. The advantage of having nylon at the bottom is its sound-absorbing qualities, leading to a deeper and more pronounced bottom-out sound that typists often appreciate. Since both switches use nylon in this area, the experience is consistent: a duller sound that feels fuller during the keystroke. This shared bottom housing material means that while the top sounds differ, the overall feel upon bottoming out maintains a similar experience, allowing typists to enjoy a cohesive tactile feedback across both switches.
When considering the combined effects of these materials, it is clear that the differences in the housing will result in varied sound profiles but maintain a harmonious typing experience. The Silent Yellow Jade allows the deeper tones from its nylon housing to dominate both the top and bottom, while the Bsun Taichi's clear, crisp resonance from the polycarbonate top balances out with the fuller sound from its nylon bottom. Hence, in situations where typists prefer a mix of the two qualities, users may find that using both switches in tandem will produce an intriguing blend of deep bass notes and clear high frequencies, making either choice effective depending on personal preference and desired sound aesthetics.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of 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, classifying it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Taichi switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is unknown, which leaves some ambiguity regarding its overall feel when pressed all the way down. Consequently, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a heavier typing experience, the Bsun Taichi's lighter actuation force may appeal to users seeking comfort over longer durations. Overall, if one desires a more substantial feel with defined resistance, the Silent Yellow Jade would be the preferable choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the differences are quite clear. The Silent Yellow Jade features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Taichi has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as quicker actuation can enhance performance during gameplay. On the other hand, the Taichi's longer travel distance may cater to those who prefer a more pronounced feel and depth in their key presses. Ultimately, if you're looking for more responsiveness, the Silent Yellow Jade would be the better choice, whereas the Taichi would be suited for users who appreciate a more substantial actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 tactile switch is celebrated for its quiet operation, producing a satisfying "thocky" sound that is both subdued and pleasing during use. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience without sacrificing auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is characterized by its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which results from its long-pole stem and extended springs. While the Taichi offers a distinct acoustic profile, users may find it more noticeable when typing, especially in quieter environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, the sound experience can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, so personal preference plays a significant role.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade delivers a tactile response that is punchy and satisfying, which allows for a clear indication of actuation without the noise associated with other tactile switches. Users often appreciate the smoothness brought about by the factory-lubing, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi is designed to provide unparalleled smoothness and stability, attributed to its unique construction features like the walled stems. This switch focuses more on linearity, meaning users may not experience a tactile bump similar to the Silent Yellow Jade. Those who gravitate toward a linear feel will appreciate the fluid motion of the Taichi while those who like tactile feedback may find the Silent Yellow Jade more suitable.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Bsun Taichi switches both cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Silent Yellow Jade excels in offering a quiet, tactile experience with a pleasing sound profile, making it a fantastic choice for those desiring a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi impresses with its smooth linear feel and distinct auditory feedback, suitable for users who enjoy a prominent bottom-out sound. Depending on your typing style and environment, either switch could meet your needs, but their distinctive qualities ensure that you’ll have a different typing sensation from each.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you value a quieter environment, perhaps in an office or shared space, the Silent Yellow Jade is the ideal choice, as it provides a discreet yet tactile experience with its satisfying "thocky" sound and a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams. It's perfect for typists who enjoy the tactile feedback without the disruptive noise, making it suitable for long typing sessions where concentration is key. On the other hand, if you are someone who craves a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with an enchantingly high-pitched bottom-out sound, the Bsun Taichi linear switch might be more your style. These switches excel in delivering an exceptionally smooth keystroke, ideal for gaming or rapid typing due to their long-pole design and extended springs that enhance stability. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound control or smoothness and responsiveness in your keyboard experience.
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