Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to consider are the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star RedBlue. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch designed to provide a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue is a linear switch known for its medium-light typing experience and relatively low-pitched sound profile. If you prefer a more tactile typing feel, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the way to go, while the RedBlue may appeal to those seeking a smoother, more neutral 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the SP-Star RedBlue switches, it is evident that they both have distinctive characteristics based on their nylon and polycarbonate components. The Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and ability to absorb sound. On the other hand, the RedBlue's polycarbonate top and bottom housings produce a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of the material resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by emphasizing sound quality through their respective housing materials.
While the Silent Yellow Jade and SP-Star RedBlue switches may use different housing materials, they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch in distinct ways. The nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more muffled and round sound, emphasizing a deeper tone during typing. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the RedBlue creates a sharper and more resonant sound, catering to those who prefer a crisper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback, as each housing material offers unique advantages in enhancing the typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and SP-Star RedBlue switches boils down to the desired sound and feel that the user prefers during typing. The nylon and polycarbonate housing materials each offer distinct sound profiles – the Silent Yellow Jade with a deeper and fuller tone, and the RedBlue with a sharper and crisper sound. While the top housing impacts the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a softer, more absorbing sound or a clearer, more resonant tone, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their innovative housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, we can see some distinct differences. The Silent Yellow Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the RedBlue's unknown actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade requires 65 grams while the RedBlue only needs 57 grams. This makes the RedBlue a lighter option overall. The Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the RedBlue offers a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it is clear that the RedBlue switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 3.3 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Silent Yellow Jade with its shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is known for its quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a medium-light typing experience. The RedBlue switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various typing environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch's tactile feedback is not explicitly detailed, but it can be inferred that the tactile bump provides a satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the RedBlue switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the RedBlue switch is noted for its polished feel, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing sessions.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade switch excels in providing a quiet yet tactile typing experience with a distinct sound profile, while the RedBlue switch offers a mild and polished feel for smoother key travel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, either switch can provide satisfactory results for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch or the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, low-pitched typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and a polished finish, the SP-Star RedBlue may be more suited to your liking. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and choose accordingly. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to select the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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