Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Type S stand out as popular options within the enthusiast community. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is known for its quiet, tactile typing experience that is accompanied by a satisfying "thocky" sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S offers a linear switch that provides a weightier keystroke and a neutral yet deeper sound signature. While the Silent Yellow Jade excels in tactile feedback, the Type S leans towards a more subdued and balanced typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Silent Yellow Jade appealing to those who enjoy a tactile bump and quiet keystrokes, while the Type S is favored by those who prefer a weightier touch and a neutral sound profile. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Type S switches use nylon for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable choices for those looking for a quieter typing experience.
However, the differences in the design and construction of the top and bottom housings of the Silent Yellow Jade and the Type S switches may result in slight variations in the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, even though both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings, the specific design choices made by Outemu and Gateron may influence how the switches feel and sound during typing.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Type S switches share the use of nylon for their housing materials, the design of the top and bottom housings may lead to subtle differences in the overall typing experience. Whether one prefers the feel and sound influenced by the bottom or top housing may vary from person to person, but both switches offer a quieter and more satisfying typing experience compared to switches made from harder plastics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams. However, the actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade is slightly lighter at 50 grams, compared to the 55 grams required for the Type S. This difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Silent Yellow Jade switch, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Type S switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Type S linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent Yellow Jade offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Type S, making it a preferred choice for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Type S provides a longer travel distance which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one values a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70.
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 offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, while the Gateron Type S linear switch has a neutral sound profile with a deeper acoustic experience. The Silent Yellow Jade provides a unique tactile bump, while the Type S offers a more subdued sound when pressed. Both switches offer a pleasant typing sound, but the Silent Yellow Jade leans towards a tactile experience, while the Gateron Type S provides a smoother linear feel.
As for the feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump, providing feedback to the user. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch features a weightier keystroke with a 65g bottom-out, catering to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. The Silent Yellow Jade is known for its tactile feedback, while the Type S offers a smooth linear typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet typing experience with a tactile bump, while the Gateron Type S offers a deeper acoustic experience with a weightier keystroke. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback or linear smoothness, both switches can provide an excellent typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch or the Gateron Type S linear switch, you should opt for the Silent Yellow Jade if you prioritize a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound. The Transparent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump make this switch stand out for those who enjoy a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a weightier keystroke and a sound signature that strikes a pleasing balance leaning towards a neutral yet deeper acoustic experience, the Gateron Type S is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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