Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often compare options that cater to different preferences and needs. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Gateron Weightlessness are both tactile switches, but they present distinct characteristics that appeal to various types of users. The Silent Yellow Jade switches are notable for their exceptionally quiet operation, providing a "thocky" sound thanks to their factory-lubed design and unique translucent jade yellow housing. This makes them an excellent choice for those who desire a discreet typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches deliver a subtle to moderate tactile feel paired with a balanced sound profile, striking a good equilibrium for users who enjoy tactile feedback but prefer a less pronounced auditory experience. Both switches offer their own sets of advantages, catering to different preferences in sound and tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When considering the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Weightlessness, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Both switches benefit from the classic properties of nylon, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This characteristic stems from nylon's relatively soft nature, which aids in sound absorption, creating a sound that is duller and rounder compared to switches made from harder plastics. Consequently, users of either the Silent Yellow Jade or the Gateron Weightlessness can expect a similar auditory experience that emphasizes a warm and muted keystroke sound.
Since both switches feature nylon in their top and bottom housings, they exhibit a shared quality in terms of how sound is generated and felt during use. The nylon composition means that the overall typing experience will deliver a consistent sound profile, with a softer bottom-out sound and muted release noise. This results in a typing experience that is both quiet and satisfying. Although there may be differences in other aspects, such as the switch mechanism or tactile feedback, the uniform material used in the housing ensures that sound absorption and the overall acoustic signature remain comparable.
Moreover, the correlation between the top and bottom housing functions adds to the cohesive typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the feel and sound when bottoming out, the top housing primarily affects the sound upon key release. Nevertheless, given that both the Silent Yellow Jade and the Weightlessness share nylon as their housing material, users will find that even these particular nuances are pleasant and harmonized. This similarity bridges any potential gaps between the two switches, making them ideal for users seeking a mellow typing experience characterized by the same fundamental acoustic properties.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, in the realm of bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feedback upon pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness is unknown, which leaves uncertainty regarding how it compares in terms of pressing all the way down. Overall, the Silent Yellow Jade can be considered the heavier option due to its defined bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Weightlessness, with its unknown bottom out force, leaves users without clear guidance in selecting it for weight preference. Thus, if you enjoy a lighter switch for prolonged use, both switches provide the same actuation force, but the Silent Yellow Jade’s heavier bottom out may not be ideal for everyone.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Silent Yellow Jade has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Weightlessness has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Silent Yellow Jade the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker actuation and responsiveness, as shorter travel distances can enhance gaming performance. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its 3.4 mm travel, may provide a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either a more responsive touch or a deeper, more deliberate keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch produces a satisfying and distinctive “thocky” sound, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a quiet yet enjoyable auditory experience. Their unique design and factory lubrication contribute to this muted yet pleasant acoustic profile, allowing for a typing environment that isn't overly distracting. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch features a subtle to moderate tactile sound that embodies a more balanced sound profile. This means that while it might not deliver the same depth of sound, it ensures a quieter typing experience without sacrificing acoustic feedback, particularly valuable in shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch stands out for its punchy tactile bump, providing an engaging and responsive experience that is particularly pleasing for users who love the tactile feedback of their keystrokes. The factory lubrication further enhances this sensation, creating a smooth actuation that minimizes friction. The Gateron Weightlessness switches, on the other hand, present a subtler tactile feel that may appeal to those who prefer a softer touch without the pronounced bump. This makes for a versatile typing experience that balances ease of typing with satisfying feedback, but with a gentler transition than what the Silent Yellow Jade offers.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade is ideal for those looking for a pronounced acoustic response and a defined tactile feel, while the Weightlessness caters to users who appreciate a more moderate sound and a softer tactile touch. Ultimately, both switches can yield a satisfying typing experience, but your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the pronounced “thock” and punchy feedback of the Silent Yellow Jade or the balanced subtleties of the Weightlessness.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience will be your guiding factors. If you prioritize a quiet environment and enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback during your typing with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Silent Yellow Jade is an excellent choice, especially suited for late-night work or gaming sessions without disturbing others. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams provides you with the stability you might need while typing, making it perfect for typists who appreciate a more tactile and responsive feedback. On the other hand, if you value a subtle tactile sensation with a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness switch might be your go-to option. Its tactile feel feels less intrusive while still giving a pleasant feedback during typing, making it ideal for those who prefer a smooth and quieter experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you favor a distinctive tactile response or a more understated approach that maintains a serene typing environment.
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