Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl 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 Wuque Studio WS Pearl each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade is celebrated for its quiet, tactile feedback, providing a satisfying "thocky" sound that many typists find rewarding. With its factory-lubed design and a pronounced tactile bump, this switch excels in settings where noise control is essential, making it an excellent choice for both office environments and late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Pearl linear switch is engineered for an extraordinarily smooth typing experience, featuring innovative ball-bearings that minimize friction during keystrokes. This results in a silky and creamy feel that typists and gamers alike may appreciate, especially those who seek a smooth and fast response without the tactile bump. While both switches have their unique appeal—be it the subdued and tactile nature of the Silent Yellow Jade or the fluidity of the WS Pearl—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Wuque Studio WS Pearl both feature nylon as their primary housing material, which provides remarkable similarities in their acoustic profiles. Nylon is well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, ensuring that the typing experience elicits a warm, rounded auditory response. The inherent qualities of nylon, being a softer plastic, allow it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder materials, which leads to a more subdued and pleasant auditory experience while typing.
While both switches share the same housing materials, the inherent characteristics of each can still vary based on design factors beyond just the materials themselves. These variances might include differences in switch design, spring tension, or stem mechanics that could influence how each switch feels and sounds beyond the raw materials. However, since both the Silent Yellow Jade and WS Pearl employ identical nylon components for their housing, users can expect similarities in the overall sound profile and tactile experience during use. The nylon's sound-dampening properties are likely to create a consistent experience across both switches, emphasizing a similar vibration profile during key presses.
In essence, whether one is typing on the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade or the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, the type of nylon used for both the top and bottom housings ensures that the end results in terms of sound and feel will converge closely. The tactile experience when bottoming out will bear the influence of the bottom housing, while releasing the key will be markedly affected by the properties of the top housing. As both switches are made from the same material, they are essentially positioned to deliver an akin performance, appealing to enthusiasts who value sound dampening and a softer tactile response in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Yellow Jade features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium range. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions will find the WS Pearl to be a more comfortable option, while those who enjoy a more weighted feedback in their typing experience may prefer the Silent Yellow Jade. Overall, the Silent Yellow Jade is the heavier option, offering a more substantial push feel, which could benefit users seeking tactile feedback, while the WS Pearl suits users looking for ease and comfort during long usage periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Silent Yellow Jade has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS Pearl features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade is the shorter option, appealing to gamers or users who prioritize quicker response times. In contrast, the WS Pearl, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Overall, those seeking responsiveness might lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes might opt for the WS Pearl.
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 Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00.
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 distinctly muted yet satisfying auditory experience. It produces a warm "thocky" sound that resonates softly upon keystroke, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical switches, making it ideal for quiet environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch emits a different sound profile with a medium-high pitch that's sharper and crisper, reminiscent of a clackier keypress. Its marbly sound quality offers a resonant and clean auditory feedback, making it more suited for those who appreciate more pronounced auditory feedback in their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Silent Yellow Jade excels with its sharp tactile feedback, boasting a strong and distinct tactile bump that can be felt with every keypress. This high feedback intensity ensures that users receive immediate tactile confirmation, making it a favorite for typists who prefer greater responsiveness in their switches. Conversely, the WS Pearl switch delivers a uniquely silky and creamy typing experience, characterized by a smooth resistance during keypresses. This switch feels almost luxurious as it glides under your fingers, providing a pleasant tactile experience that minimizes fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches cater to specific preferences and typing styles. The Silent Yellow Jade focuses on providing a quiet, tactile feel with enjoyable auditory feedback, making it fitting for those who prioritize discretion without sacrificing tactile sensation. On the other hand, the WS Pearl offers an ultra-smooth and refined typing experience with a bright sound signature, appealing to users who enjoy a lively typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a quieter experience combined with pronounced tactile feedback, the Silent Yellow Jade is your go-to option, especially in shared or quiet spaces where a "thocky" sound can still offer satisfaction without disturbing others. Its medium-heavy actuation force also provides an engaging typing feel, making it ideal for typists who prefer a bit more resistance. Conversely, if you prioritize smoothness and a more fluid keystroke, the WS Pearl switch is an excellent choice. The ball-bearing mechanism delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it perfect for fast-paced typists or gamers who appreciate speed over tactile feedback. Its higher-pitched sound signature can add a crispness to your typing, making it a great option if you love audible feedback without the deep thock. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, desired feedback, and sound preference, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard enhances both your productivity and enjoyment.
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