Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Jwick Taro mechanical keyboard switches, the decision mainly comes down to your preference for linear versus tactile feedback. The Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying bump when pressed, enhancing the typing experience. While the Silent Yellow is best suited for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, the Taro is perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
No
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Jwick Taro, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. While both switches share this top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housing. The Silent Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Taro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar effect of a duller and rounder sound profile when typing.
However, even though both switches share the same top housing material, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel should not be overlooked. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material will primarily be felt during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This means that the nylon bottom housing of both the Silent Yellow and the Taro will contribute significantly to the typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the impact of the top housing will be more noticeable when releasing a key, affecting the sound of the switch as it returns to its original position.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Jwick Taro share similarities in their choice of polycarbonate for the top housing, their use of nylon for the bottom housing introduces subtle differences in the sound profile of the switches. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile and the polycarbonate top housing creating a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding how each housing material influences the overall typing experience can help enthusiasts make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer different experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Yellow has a higher actuation force of 65 grams, making it heavier compared to the Taro, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Yellow requires 80 grams of force, whereas the Taro is lighter at 67 grams. This means that typing on the Silent Yellow switch will feel more substantial and require a stronger push, ideal for those who prefer a heavier touch. In contrast, the Taro switch provides a lighter typing experience, perfect for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, the Silent Yellow offers a slightly longer press compared to the Taro. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and feel. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Taro for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those looking for a discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch falls under the category of neutral switches, offering a balanced sound profile that is suitable for various users and settings. While the Silent Yellow provides a noiseless typing experience, the Taro switch offers a moderate sound level that is not too loud or too quiet, making it a versatile option for different preferences. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used alongside them.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch lacks a specific descriptor, but is generally considered to provide a smooth linear keystroke without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch is described as having a buttery feel, indicating a smooth and fluid typing experience that is effortless and uniform. Additionally, the Taro switch is also categorized as a stepped switch, offering a subtle tactile bump with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages during the keystroke. This unique combination of characteristics in the Taro switch provides users with a comfortable and enjoyable typing sensation that sets it apart from the Silent Yellow switch.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Yellow and Jwick Taro switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Yellow switch provides a quiet typing experience with a linear feel, while the Taro switch offers a balanced sound profile with a buttery and stepped tactile sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the Silent Yellow for a noiseless and smooth typing experience, or the Taro switch for a moderate sound level with a comfortable and tactile feedback. Both switches are reliable options that will deliver satisfying results based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a cozy typing experience and snappy tactility, the Taro switch could be the perfect fit. Consider your typing habits, preferences, and requirements to determine which switch suits your needs best. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you.
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