HMX Game1989 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the tactile experience, making it an ideal choice for gamers who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is designed for a quieter, yet tactile feel, offering a sharp tactile bump without the loud noise typically associated with mechanical switches. Its factory-lubed construction further enhances smoothness, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize the auditory experience of the HMX 1989 or the muted precision of the Silent Yellow Jade. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
T5
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches exhibit contrasting properties that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The HMX 1989 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This material's translucency not only enhances the switch's aesthetic appeal, particularly under RGB lighting, but also facilitates a more resonant audio response upon key release. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch employs a nylon top housing, which is known for its softness and sound-dampening properties. This design leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muted acoustic experience when typing, thus highlighting the contrasting auditory qualities brought forth by the differing materials.
When looking at the bottom housings of both switches, we find a commonality, as both the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade feature nylon. This similar choice in bottom housing material means that both switches produce a comparable deeper, fuller sound profile during the actuation of keys. Since the nylon absorbs more sound, the interaction with the key's bottom-out creates a more rounded auditory output in both instances, allowing for a satisfying tactile feedback experience. In this regard, while the top housings contribute significantly to the overall sound characteristics, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent auditory grounding for both switch types.
In summary, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the HMX 1989 contrasts sharply with the all-nylon composition of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The distinctive sound profiles are primarily influenced by the polycarbonate's rigidity at the top for a bright tone compared to the nylon's soft composition for a fuller sound. However, the bottom housings being made of nylon for both switches provides a consistent base for sound absorption, illustrating that while the two switches vary in their top housing materials, they can yield similar tactile and auditory experiences due to shared characteristics in their bottom components. Ultimately, this nuanced interaction between the distinct top and common bottom housings represents the intricate design considerations within mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX 1989 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch that is ideal for those who prefer prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. The difference in forces means that the 1989 is better suited for users who need to type for extended periods, while the Silent Yellow Jade is for those who enjoy a firmer push feel. Overall, if you're seeking a switch for comfort and long usage, the HMX 1989 is the lighter choice, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a heavier, more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that those who prefer a more traditional and hearty feel will likely gravitate toward the HMX 1989, which provides a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, with its shorter travel distance, offers faster response times that may appeal more to gamers or users who favor a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance—those seeking a more pronounced keypress will find the 1989 preferable, while those who favor quicker actions may lean toward the Silent Yellow Jade.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch stands out for producing a decidedly deep and “thocky” sound, marking a satisfying auditory response that many enthusiasts seek in a mechanical keyboard. This “thocky” quality is reminiscent of a rich thud or soft knock, giving a pronounced acoustic feedback that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a unique blend of muted and thocky sounds. Being categorized as muted, it operates quietly, minimizing the typical clacking noise associated with standard mechanical switches while still delivering a satisfying deep sound. For users who prioritize noise control without sacrificing auditory satisfaction, both switches deliver a compelling mix of sound quality, although the Silent Yellow Jade leans towards the quieter side.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 switch is known for its smooth linear action, which implies that, while the exact tactile feedback might not be defined here, users can expect a consistent and fluid keystroke experience without interruption. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is sharp and tactile, delivering a strong tactile bump that provides clear feedback at the point of actuation. This distinct feedback can be felt intensely with every keypress, catering to typists who enjoy a pronounced tactile response. While the HMX 1989 emphasizes smoothness, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more pronounced tactile sensation, making them appealing to different preferences in keyboard feel.
In summary, both the HMX 1989 and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches excel in providing users with distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to varied preferences. The HMX 1989 offers a rich, thocky sound and a smooth linear feel, ideal for those who appreciate a deep auditory experience paired with unhindered keystrokes. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade pairs its thocky yet muted sound with a sharp tactile bump, making it suitable for users who desire both noise control and a pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth linear action or a sharp tactile experience—but both will deliver a satisfying mechanical feel and auditory presence in your typing endeavors.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you seek a linear switch that provides a medium-light feel for fast-paced gaming sessions, the HMX 1989 is an excellent option, offering a satisfying "thocky" sound profile that enhances your gameplay experience. This switch excels for situations where smooth keypresses are essential, and the deeper sound adds an appealing auditory dimension without the downside of extra noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile experience with a stronger feedback and a quieter operation—perhaps for a more office-friendly environment or late-night typing—the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is the better choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force gives a pronounced tactile bump that can help increase typing accuracy and increase engagement without the louder sound often associated with other switches. The combination of its muted sound profile and sharp tactile feedback makes it an ideal companion for anyone looking to balance performance and discretion in their mechanical keyboard experience. Consider your use case and the type of feel and sound you desire to make the right choice for your setup.
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