Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and TKC Tangerine stand out as popular options. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch known for its quiet typing experience and satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine is a linear switch that offers an incredibly smooth feel with each keystroke, attributed to its UHWMPE housings. While the Silent Yellow Jade provides a tactile feedback, the Tangerine offers a smoother and quieter typing experience. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the TKC Tangerine switches, it is clear that they both offer unique characteristics. 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 and creates a rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top and bottom housing offer a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, resulting in a different typing experience. While both switches have different materials for their housings, they each contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch in their own way.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the TKC Tangerine switches, they both aim to enhance the typing experience. The nylon housings of the Silent Yellow Jade focus on creating a deeper sound profile, while the UHWMPE housings of the Tangerine emphasize a brighter sound signature. Both materials have their own unique advantages, with nylon offering a more absorbent and duller sound, while UHWMPE provides a more resonant and clacky typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel when typing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and TKC Tangerine switches play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. The differences in sound profile and feel between the nylon and UHWMPE housings of these switches provide users with distinct options to suit their preferences. While the Silent Yellow Jade might offer a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon housing, the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing provides a brighter and more resonant typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts looking to enhance their keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Yellow Jade is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. In contrast, the Tangerine has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it slightly lighter. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more substantial push feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. However, if a lighter touch is preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions, the Tangerine may be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tangerine has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent Yellow Jade falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel to the keystrokes, appealing to those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade comes in at $3.10, whereas the TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30.
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 quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, suitable for those seeking a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch produces a high-pitched clack when typing, which may not be preferred by individuals who enjoy a richer and bassier sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is known for its tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump, providing feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience, thanks to its UHWMPE housings that contribute to a smooth and effortless feel. Additionally, the polished finish of the Tangerine switch ensures reduced friction and a refined typing sensation. Depending on whether you prefer a tactile bump or a smooth linear feel, your choice between these two switches will come down to individual typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch distinguishes itself with its quiet "thocky" sound and tactile typing experience, while the TKC Tangerine switch offers a high-pitched sound and a smooth, frictionless feel. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your sound and feel preferences, as well as the overall setup of your keyboard. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the TKC Tangerine switch is a great choice. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
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