Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are two notable options worth exploring. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is praised for its quiet, tactile typing experience with a distinctive "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing without being overly tactile. While the Silent Yellow Jade provides a satisfying feedback, the Viola Tricolor strikes a balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing, while the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The use of nylon in the top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, while polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Viola Tricolor allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing effect that the Silent Yellow Jade lacks.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the choice of housing material in both the Silent Yellow Jade and the Viola Tricolor plays a significant role. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a similar tactile experience, the differences in their top housing materials, nylon for the Silent Yellow Jade and polycarbonate for the Viola Tricolor, result in distinct sound profiles. The Silent Yellow Jade offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Viola Tricolor provides a sharper and crisper sound with the added visual appeal of RGB lighting. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for each switch cater to different preferences in sound and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a medium-heavy feel. The Silent Yellow Jade requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Silent Yellow Jade slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, but both switches have a similar heavy bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the better choice. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Viola Tricolor could be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, which is shorter than the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8mm. The Silent Yellow Jade would provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Viola Tricolor due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for a faster key press may prefer the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who prefer a deeper feel when typing may opt for the Viola Tricolor with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a tactile feel, but the slight difference in travel distance can cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a quiet and "thocky" typing experience, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a more distinct and punchy sound profile with a touch of character. The Silent Yellow Jade is known for its subdued sound, perfect for those looking for a quieter typing experience, whereas the Viola Tricolor adds a bit more depth and richness to each key press. The choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference on sound, with the Silent Yellow Jade leaning towards a more reserved typing experience and the Viola Tricolor offering a unique and lively auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile bump with a factory-lubed feel, providing a satisfying tactile feedback without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch strikes a balance between providing a sharp tactile sensation without overwhelming the user, offering an invigorating typing experience without being too aggressive. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, but the Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to those who prefer a smoother tactile experience, while the Viola Tricolor caters to individuals looking for a more distinct tactile sensation.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. The Silent Yellow Jade is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback, while the Viola Tricolor is perfect for users looking for a more punchy sound profile and a balanced tactile sensation. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so selecting the right switch will ultimately come down to personal taste and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, you should choose the Silent Yellow Jade if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a unique translucent housing and a punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is the better option if you prefer a thuddy and punchy sound profile that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and comfort without being overly tactile. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound or a switch that offers a mix of tactile feedback and comfort. Consider your preferences and typing needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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