Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options. The Silent Yellow Jade is praised for its quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Silent Yellow Jade falls under the tactile category, the Tourmaline Blue is categorized as linear. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
59g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile because of the stiffness of polycarbonate. While both housing materials have their own unique sound characteristics, they both contribute to creating a distinct typing experience. However, the Silent Yellow Jade switch is more likely to produce a duller and rounder sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue switch with its clear and resonant sound profile.
The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housing of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch results in a consistent sound profile that is softer in nature. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch with polycarbonate top and bottom housing offers a more crisp and resonant sound overall. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it a suitable choice for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the visual aesthetic in addition to the auditory experience. Both switches provide a tactile and auditory response when typing, with the housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the overall typing feel and sound.
In terms of key press and release, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key. The differences in housing materials between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches result in distinct typing experiences for users. Whether you prefer a softer, rounder sound profile from nylon housing or a crisper, higher-pitched sound from polycarbonate housing, each switch offers a unique typing experience based on its housing material composition.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium-heavy category. The Silent Yellow Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade requires 65 grams while the Tourmaline Blue requires 67 grams. While the Silent Yellow Jade may have a slightly lighter actuation force, both switches provide a similar overall typing experience due to their comparable bottom out forces. It ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of whether one prefers a slightly lighter actuation force or a slightly heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a bit shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a slightly shallower press compared to the Tourmaline Blue. Gamers may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade for its quicker response time, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 it comes to the sound of the switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a unique "thocky" sound that is quiet and satisfying, whereas the Everglide Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses the user in a pleasant typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a pleasing auditory experience, with the Silent Yellow Jade being known for its quietness and the Tourmaline Blue for its deep sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue provides a buttery and easy-to-press keystroke experience. The Tourmaline Blue's lengthened single-stage spring offers a bouncy feel, making each keystroke enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches offer a unique typing feel, with the Silent Yellow Jade focusing on tactile feedback and the Tourmaline Blue on a smooth and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer different sound profiles and typing experiences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a quiet tactile switch like the Silent Yellow Jade or a buttery linear switch like the Tourmaline Blue, both options are sure to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you prioritize a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel and standard spring weight, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
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