Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to understand the key differences between the two. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch with a shorter travel, offering a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Known for its smoothness and clackiness, this switch is recommended for those looking for a neutral, clacky, mild, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that provides a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. Featuring a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, this switch is perfect for those seeking a tactile typing experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer different sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness of the material. This results in a sharp and thin sound for the Ink Yellow and a duller and rounder sound for the Silent Yellow Jade.
Similarly, the bottom housing of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches also contribute to their overall sound profile. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing mirrors the qualities of its top housing, creating a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound. Meanwhile, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon bottom housing adds to the deeper and fuller sound produced by its top housing, resulting in a switch with a more consistent and rounded sound profile.
In comparing the two switches, it is evident that while the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches differ in their properties and resulting sound profiles, they both offer unique typing experiences. The Ink Yellow provides a sharper and more high-pitched sound, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience through their innovative housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch which has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Yellow requires 67 grams while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade requires 65 grams, making them both fall under the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade for a more effortless typing experience, while individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the slight differences in weight may cater to different preferences for typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the traditional travel distance spectrum, with the Ink Yellow being slightly longer than the Silent Yellow Jade. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral and clacky typing experience, suitable for various purposes and preferences. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, making it ideal for those looking for a more subdued typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them would depend on whether you prefer a more neutral or tactile sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and smooth key press that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch's tactile bump adds a punchy feel to the typing experience, giving users a more pronounced feedback with each key press. While the Ink Yellow switch focuses on a smoother and refined feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch prioritizes tactile feedback for those who enjoy distinct key presses.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow provides a neutral and clacky sound with a mild and polished typing experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet and tactile "thocky" sound with a punchy tactile bump. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smoother, neutral typing experience or a more tactile and pronounced feedback. However, in terms of overall performance, both switches offer quality and reliability that can result in similarly enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a shorter travel and smooth, clacky feel, the Ink Yellow may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Silent Yellow Jade switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind the differences in sound and feel of each switch when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
