Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides both tactile feedback and quiet operation, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° stand out as top contenders. The Silent Yellow Jade switch from Outemu offers a unique tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound thanks to its punchy tactile bump and factory-lubed design. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch prioritizes silent typing with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, resulting in ultra-smooth keystrokes and reduced noise levels. While the Silent Yellow Jade excels in tactile feedback, the Zero Degree 0° shines in its silent operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° lies in their top housing component. While the Silent Yellow Jade boasts a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, the Zero Degree 0° features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in sound quality is further emphasized by the aesthetic appeal of the polycarbonate housing, with its translucency making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects.
On the other hand, both switches share a common nylon bottom housing material. This classic housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both the Silent Yellow Jade and the Zero Degree 0° switches. The softer nature of nylon plastic allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite the similar bottom housing material, the top housing variations in each switch offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Silent Yellow Jade with its nylon top housing provides a mellower and more absorbent sound, while the Zero Degree 0° with its polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper and more resonant sound. Both switches benefit from the classic nylon bottom housing, which contributes to their shared deep and full sound profile. Whether you prefer a softer, rounder sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Zero Degree 0°'s 45 grams, making the latter a bit lighter. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade requires 65 grams, while the Zero Degree 0°'s bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Silent Yellow Jade a bit heavier overall in terms of bottoming out. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade for its heavier bottom out force, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gateron Zero Degree 0°. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch both have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. The Silent Yellow Jade has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Zero Degree 0° has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches offer a quicker response time due to their shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may impact the overall feel of the switch when typing or gaming. Some users may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Zero Degree 0° for a more substantial keypress, while others may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade for a faster and more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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
Overall, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump, providing a satisfying "thocky" sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch focuses on reducing noise through its innovative design, offering a smooth and stable typing experience with a soft, elastic feel. Both switches have their unique qualities, with the Silent Yellow Jade providing a tactile bump and quieter sound, while the Zero Degree 0° focuses on smoothness and noise reduction. Depending on your preference for typing feel and sound level, you can achieve similar results with either switch by considering factors such as your keyboard layout and keycap choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience you prefer. If you prioritize a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, and are comfortable with a bottom out force of None grams, then the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, it boils down to your personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force when selecting between these two mechanical keyboard switches.
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