Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Durock White Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, you will find yourself faced with two exceptional tactile options. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches provide a quiet and tactile typing experience with a distinct "thocky" sound, thanks to their unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches offer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance for work and extended typing sessions, while also boasting vibrant RGB lighting effects with a removable light column. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making it difficult to choose one over the other at first glance. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Durock White Lotus both feature nylon top and bottom housings, providing a classic switch feel with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This makes both switches ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience with a smooth switch feel. While the materials are the same for both switches, the slight differences in design and construction may give each switch a unique sound signature and typing feel.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend for its top housing, providing a unique and premium feel compared to the traditional nylon housing of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The modified blend may offer a different level of durability and rigidity compared to plain nylon, potentially affecting the overall typing experience. However, both housings aim to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, making them suitable for those who prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience. The differences in housing materials between the two switches may result in subtle differences in sound and feel during typing.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Durock White Lotus are quite similar due to both featuring nylon top and bottom housings. The use of nylon in both switches results in a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. While the Durock White Lotus boasts a modified PC & UPE Blend for its top housing, the overall goal of providing a quiet and smooth typing experience remains consistent between the two switches. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of a switch, making it an important factor to consider when choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Durock White Lotus.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the White Lotus's lighter 46 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Silent Yellow Jade is higher at 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the White Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 56 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade for its heavier forces, while individuals who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may find the White Lotus more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. Typically, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feel. So, if you're looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance, the Silent Yellow Jade would be the better option, but if you prefer a longer travel distance for a more pronounced key press, the White Lotus would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what type of typing experience you prefer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 switches are known for their quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, providing a moderate yet pleasant auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches are described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most users. Both switches provide a unique sound signature that can enhance the typing experience, with the Yellow Jade being quieter and the White Lotus offering a more soothing sound.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a punchy tactile bump and a satisfying typing experience, yet specific descriptors for its feel are unknown. The Durock White Lotus switches, on the other hand, are described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle, providing a gentle and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, with the Yellow Jade possibly leaning towards a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the White Lotus's gentle tactility.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Durock White Lotus switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Yellow Jade switch provides a quiet and tactile typing experience with a punchy bump, the White Lotus switch offers a delicate tactility and a low-impact typing feel. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for sound, feel, and potentially even aesthetics, as the Yellow Jade features a unique translucent jade yellow housing while the White Lotus allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects. Regardless of the decision, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience for users seeking a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard switch option.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a quiet, tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, and enjoy a unique translucent jade yellow housing with a punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter tactile option with a medium-light bottom out force, delicate tactility, and the option for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Durock White Lotus switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you aim to achieve. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
