Gateron Oil King vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade present two distinct options for users seeking a top-notch typing experience. The Oil King stands out as a linear switch renowned for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. While the Oil King provides a low-pitched, creamy, and buttery feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade focuses on delivering a quiet and 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade lies in their bottom housing materials. The Oil King features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which gives the switch a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a satisfyingly clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper clack of the Oil King.
However, both switches share a commonality in their nylon top housing material. The use of nylon in the top housing of both the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, contributing to a more muted and rounded sound when compared to other materials. This common feature ensures that despite their differences in bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the bottom housing of a switch typically has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This means that the INK blend bottom housing of the Gateron Oil King will give it a distinct clacky sound on key presses, while the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade will contribute to a fuller and deeper sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the type of typing experience desired.
Weight
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy in overall feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Oil King may be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing intensity.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Oil King. The shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Oil King may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Oil King comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade comes in at $3.10.
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 Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, giving a deep and rich sound profile resembling the snap of a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for its quiet and thocky sound, providing a satisfying tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch's feel information is unknown, but being part of the silent tactile lineup, it likely provides a punchy tactile bump while maintaining a quiet typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a premium typing feel, with the Gateron Oil King showcasing a variety of smooth and refined qualities for a luxurious typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch both offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Oil King provides a rich and deep sound profile with a creamy and silky typing feel, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet and thocky sound with a likely punchy tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, either of these switches can be a great choice for newcomers looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches promise a premium typing experience that can elevate the enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Oil King may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump, the Silent Yellow Jade could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
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