Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB both offer compelling options for tactile enthusiasts, albeit with different nuances. The Silent Yellow Jade is celebrated for its quiet yet distinctly satisfying "thocky" sound, making it ideal for users who desire a tactile typing experience without drawing attention in shared spaces. Its third iteration in Outemu's silent tactile lineup features a factory-lubed design with a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a noticeably punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a blend of deep thock when bottoming out combined with the soft stealth of U4 at the top, appealing to users who crave a more luxurious and refined sound profile alongside a sharp tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Silent Yellow Jade prioritizing a quieter typing experience and the U4Tx RGB maximizing auditory delight while maintaining a tactile 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, both switches showcase the use of softer plastics that enhance sound profiles, but they do so with different specific materials. The Silent Yellow Jade features traditional nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound because its softer, more absorbent nature dissipates sound waves effectively, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. This characteristic makes the Silent Yellow Jade a favorite among users seeking a warm typing sound that dampens the acoustics generated by keystrokes.
In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary blend of plastic that is sometimes referred to as "boba plastic." While this blend is not nylon, it similarly offers a softer texture that contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. As with nylon, the Gazzew blend's softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, ultimately achieving a similar auditory outcome. Thus, despite the material difference, both switches will yield similar auditory experiences because they capitalize on the unique qualities of softer plastics to minimize harsh sounds and create a more pleasant acoustic profile when typing.
Despite the different materials used in their housings, the overall typing experience produced by both the Silent Yellow Jade and the U4Tx RGB can feel comparable due to their structural designs. Since both switches utilize soft housing materials, the bottom-out sound—primarily impacted by the bottom housing—will be notably subdued in both cases. Additionally, when releasing a key, the top housing will similarly contribute to the sound, ensuring that both switches deliver a satisfying auditory feedback loop. Ultimately, whether one chooses the Silent Yellow Jade or the U4Tx RGB, the combination of softer houses results in a muted, rich sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we note some key differences and similarities. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade features a defined actuation force of 50 grams, requiring a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 65 grams, indicating the weight felt when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the actuation force of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is unspecified, but it shares the same bottom out force of 65 grams with the Silent Yellow Jade. This means that while the Gazzew switch does not provide a specific actuation force, the bottoming out experience is identical for both switches. Consequently, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is characterized as the lighter option due to its specified actuation force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB remains more ambiguous regarding its actuation feel but offers a similar bottom out experience that could cater to those seeking a heavier push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Silent Yellow Jade has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the U4Tx RGB measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This makes the Silent Yellow Jade the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as a shorter travel distance often contributes to enhanced keystroke responsiveness. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB, with its longer travel distance, provides a more profound typing experience, which some users may prefer for added tactile feedback and depth during use. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial typing sensation.
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 Gazzew U4Tx RGB comes in at $6.50.
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 switches produce a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to their factory-lubed design and unique construction. This quality makes them particularly appealing for those who appreciate a muted auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer a deeper "thock" when bottoming out, combined with a quieter topping out thanks to their carefully engineered structure. This leads to a refined sound profile that balances auditory satisfaction with discretion. Both switches cater to users seeking a quieter experience, but the U4Tx provides an extra layer of auditory richness with its distinct bottoming sound.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch is characterized by a punchy tactile bump, enhancing the typing experience with an engaging tactile response while maintaining smooth operation. The U4Tx RGB also boasts a sharp tactile bump, designed to provide a luxurious typing experience that many enthusiasts seek. Both switches emphasize tactile feedback, which can greatly enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, making them appealing to users who value this characteristic.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches deliver a tactile typing experience that caters to users looking for quiet performance paired with satisfying feedback. While the Silent Yellow Jade leans towards a more "thocky" sound, the U4Tx RGB features a richer sound profile when bottoming out. In terms of feel, users can expect punchy and sharp tactile responses from both, ensuring a refined typing experience. Ultimately, either choice would provide a similar outcome in terms of tactile enjoyment and quiet operation, allowing newcomers to find satisfaction no matter which switch they opt for.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, your preferences on sound, feel, and use case will guide your choice. If you're looking for a quiet, yet responsive typing experience—especially in shared spaces or late-night work sessions—the Silent Yellow Jade is an excellent option, as it provides a subtle "thocky" sound coupled with a satisfying tactile bump. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams suits those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing, making it ideal for writers or programmers who type extensively without wanting to disturb others around them. On the other hand, if you prefer a luxurious typing experience with a refined sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB might be the better choice. Its unique sound dynamics, featuring the deep "thock" of bottoming out combined with the quiet top out, provide an engaging audio experience without sacrificing the tactile feedback that typists crave. This switch is particularly suited for gamers and typists who enjoy a pronounced tactile response without excessive noise. Ultimately, your selection should hinge on your sound and tactile preferences as well as your primary usage scenarios, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard meets your specific needs.