HMX Game1989 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Silent Yellow stand out as notable options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches. The HMX 1989, renowned for its deep and thocky feel, is favored by gamers and typists alike who appreciate a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow is designed for those who seek a quieter typing experience without sacrificing smoothness, making it an ideal choice for office environments or shared living spaces. While both switches offer the linear characteristics that many users love, the preferences for sound profile and feedback can lead to distinct experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Game1989 Linear

Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is immediately clear that both switches incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics lend to a clearer and more resonant audio experience, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize sound clarity in their typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially for those who utilize RGB lighting, as the light can easily pass through and create vibrant effects.

On the other hand, both switches differ in their bottom housing materials, with the HMX 1989 using nylon and the Silent Yellow also utilizing nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during use. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, dulling the noise and creating a rounder tone. When users interact with these switches, the nylon bottom housing will significantly affect the typing experience, particularly in terms of how sound is perceived during bottom-out, as it tends to create a more muted and pleasant auditory feedback.

Overall, while both switches share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, enhancing sound clarity and aesthetic appeal through RGB compatibility, their bottom housings made of nylon contribute to a uniform characteristic in sound modulation. This design choice impacts how the switches perform during typing, with the combination of the two materials in each switch creating a balanced sound profile. Users can expect similar auditory and tactile feedback from both switches due to the synergy of the top and bottom housing materials, offering a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have similar actuation forces, both at 45 grams, allowing for a consistent typing experience in terms of keystroke activation. However, a notable difference arises in their bottom out forces; the HMX 1989 reaches a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Outemu Silent Yellow has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while both switches feel light during normal use, the Outemu Silent Yellow requires a stronger push to bottom out, contributing to a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, the HMX 1989 can be considered the lighter option overall, which might be preferred by users who prioritize prolonged typing comfort or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, those who enjoy a firmer feedback may find the heavier feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow more satisfying, especially during intense gaming or typing tasks.

Travel distance

Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they provide an equivalent tactile experience when pressing down on a key. This similarity in distance allows users to achieve comparable results in terms of key actuation and overall feel, regardless of which switch is used. Therefore, if you're considering either option for your keyboard, you can expect a consistent feel when typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is best known for its deep and thocky acoustics, providing a satisfying auditory feedback during keystrokes. This characteristic can enhance the typing experience, especially for users who enjoy a rich and full sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is intended to offer a quieter operation, catering to those who prefer less noise in their environment. While the 1989 creates a pronounced sound that many enthusiasts appreciate, the Silent Yellow strives for discretion, making it suitable for office settings or shared spaces. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of any switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard construction, such as the material of the case and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 switch is known for its smooth travel and satisfying bump that contributes to an engaging typing experience. This switch is likely to provide a touch of resistance that can be pleasurable for users who enjoy a more tactile engagement while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch delivers a smooth, unbroken keystroke without the tactile bump. This design aspect allows for a very consistent keypress throughout the actuation, which can be appealing for those who prefer rapid keystrokes without interruption. While both offer a linear feel, the 1989 provides a more textured experience, whereas the Silent Yellow emphasizes smoothness and silence.

In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound combined with a smooth but engaging feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is designed for quiet operation and a consistently smooth keystroke. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you may find that both switches can serve distinct purposes in a keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between them will largely come down to whether you prioritize acoustic feedback and tactile engagement or favor a whisper-quiet and smooth typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific usage scenarios. If you appreciate a medium-light keypress feel and are looking for a switch that provides a deep, thocky acoustic feedback, the HMX 1989 would be an excellent choice, especially for gaming or casual typing where that auditory response enhances your experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer keypress with a smooth but less pronounced sound profile, the Silent Yellow is ideal, especially in quiet environments or situations where minimizing noise is essential, like shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Each switch has its unique characteristics: the deeper sound and feel of the 1989 may be more engaging during immersive play, while the subdued acoustic nature of the Silent Yellow allows for a distraction-free experience. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right fit for your typing style and ambient environment; both switches have much to offer depending on what you prioritize.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Game1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more