Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a tactile typing experience but with some distinct differences. The Blueberry switches are known for their sharp tactile bump, providing a snappy and invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a quieter typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. While the Blueberry switches have a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Silent Yellow Jade switches feature a unique translucent jade yellow housing. Each switch has its own set of characteristics and benefits, catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both offer unique sound profiles, with the POM top housing of the Blueberry creating a deeper and more muted sound compared to the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade. While POM is known for its pleasing sound, nylon is praised for its ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite these differences, both materials contribute to a distinctive typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize different materials with the Blueberry featuring a POM bottom housing and the Silent Yellow Jade using a nylon bottom housing. These materials play a role in creating the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The POM bottom housing of the Blueberry contributes to its unique sound profile, while the softer nylon material of the Silent Yellow Jade absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller sound profile. Both housing materials offer their own advantages in terms of sound quality and typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While the Blueberry may offer a deeper and more muted sound due to its POM housing, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a fuller sound with its nylon housing. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a unique and satisfying typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we can see that the NovelKeys Blueberry is heavier in both aspects. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the NovelKeys Blueberry requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Silent Yellow Jade, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a lighter typing experience with slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches when compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The NovelKeys Blueberry offers a deeper key press experience compared to the Silent Yellow Jade, which may feel more abrupt due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who prefer a more hearty key press may opt for the NovelKeys Blueberry. Ultimately, both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry offers a lower-pitched and resonant typing experience, with a sound profile that is clean, sharp, and deeper than average but not "thocky". On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry is known for its snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff keystrokes, offering a sharp tactile bump that is ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing sensation. In contrast, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is not available.
Overall, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, it is important to consider individual preferences when choosing between the two. The Blueberry switch provides a sharp tactile bump with a lower-pitched sound profile, suitable for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet and tactile typing feel with a satisfying "thocky" sound. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should base your decision on your typing preferences. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a sharp tactile bump for a more responsive typing feel, as well as a lower-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the NovelKeys Blueberry would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a satisfying "thocky" sound, along with a punchy tactile bump and a unique translucent jade yellow housing, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade would be the ideal switch for you. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so it comes down to personal preference when making your decision.
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