Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both offer unique features worth considering. The Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch that is best known for its silence during typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Silent Yellow is categorized as linear, while the Semi-Silent Linear falls under categories like subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. Each switch has its own advantages, but ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for light to shine through the housing.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches utilize nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This material choice impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, providing a unique typing experience that is characterized by a deeper and more muted sound.
Overall, while the housing materials for the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are similar, the distribution of these materials within the switches may impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though both switches share similar housing materials, the way in which these materials are utilized within the switches may result in subtle differences in sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The Outemu Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, but its actuation force is not specified. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Jwick switch more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a heavier push feel may opt for the Outemu switch. In this case, the Jwick switch would provide a similar result to the Outemu switch in terms of actuation force if it falls within a comparable range. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's 3.7 mm. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can have a noticeable impact on the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Silent Yellow. Both switches offer a different typing experience, but ultimately, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
The Outemu Silent Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is known for producing a quiet typing experience, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued and more subtle sound signature. The Semi-Silent Linear switch is not completely silent, but it provides a dampened sound when pressed, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, with the Silent Yellow being quieter overall and the Semi-Silent Linear providing a unique combination of quiet topping-out sound and clacky bottom-out sound.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have specific descriptors provided, however, it is likely to offer a smooth linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as offering a mild and gentle typing experience, combined with a snappy and buttery feel. The switch is also labeled as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing sensation. Both switches are likely to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Semi-Silent Linear switch offering a more nuanced and responsive feel compared to the Silent Yellow.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow excels in providing a quiet typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative semi-silent design and smooth typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound levels and typing experience, either switch can offer a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. If you enjoy a quieter typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be your choice, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more nuanced and responsive typing feel. Ultimately, both switches are likely to deliver reliable and enjoyable performance for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. The Silent Yellow with its heavy 80-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for those who prefer a firmer typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear with its medium 62-gram bottom out force offers a more balanced feel. If you value a completely silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be the way to go, whereas if you appreciate a more subdued and nuanced sound profile, the Semi-Silent Linear could be the better choice. Additionally, if you prefer a mild, snappy, buttery, or polished feel to your switches, the characteristics of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
