HMX Game1989 vs. Outemu Yellow Silver

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Yellow Silver offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, making it a favored choice for users who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver provides a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, which appeals to both gamers and typists who seek speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. While the HMX 1989 excels in delivering a rich tactile experience, the Yellow Silver is designed for those who prioritize efficiency and quick response times. 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 Yellow Silver Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Yellow Silver exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their choice of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is a result of polycarbonate's relative stiffness, which allows for clearer resonation of sound. Furthermore, both switches include clear housing design, making them ideal for RGB lighting applications. Thus, users looking for vibrant lighting effects will experience similar visual and acoustic results with either switch, thanks to the unifying properties of polycarbonate.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials offer a different acoustic experience between the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Yellow Silver. Both switches employ nylon as their bottom housing material, which is recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than stiffer alternatives, resulting in a rounder and mellower auditory output. As a result, while both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, this material's influence will primarily shape the bottom-out feel and sound when keys are pressed down. This distinct dynamic highlights the interplay of materials, where the nylon in the bottom housing softens the impact of the key press, contrasting with the sharper, more resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.

When considering the overall typing experience, the integration of these materials in both the HMX 1989 and Outemu Yellow Silver highlights a synergy that balances sound profile and aesthetics. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the auditory clarity on release, while the nylon bottom housing enriches the sensory experience during key presses. In both switches, though they may vary in brand and model, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a similarly rewarding experience from an acoustic standpoint. Users can expect that the different characteristics between the top and bottom housings will allow for a unique yet comparable sound and feel when typing on either switch, demonstrating that the choice of materials is key in determining the final performance and user experience.

Weight

The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, making them comparable in terms of the initial pressure needed to trigger a keystroke. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces; the 1989 switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Yellow Silver requires 55 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation, the Yellow Silver provides a slightly heavier resistance when bottoming out, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel at the end of the keystroke. Overall, the HMX 1989 is the lighter option overall due to its lower bottom out force, potentially making it more suitable for extended typing sessions, whereas the Yellow Silver may be favored by those looking for a stronger push sensation.

Travel distance

Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that the distance you feel when pressing down on a key will be the same for both switches. This similarity ensures that users can expect a consistent experience in terms of key travel, resulting in a uniform feel and response whether typing or gaming. Given that both switches share the same travel distance, they can provide comparable results in performance and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX 1989 linear switch is best characterized by its deep and thocky tones, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing or gaming. This sound quality gives a satisfying resonance that some users may find pleasurable while adding a certain level of character to their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch boasts a neutral sound profile, combining a moderate sound output with a light actuation force. This feature makes it versatile, catering to both gamers seeking rapid keystrokes and typists favoring a less intrusive audio experience. While both switches have their strengths, the sound produced by each will ultimately be affected by external factors like the keyboard and keycap choices.

When it comes to the feel of each switch, the HMX 1989 is known for its deep and thocky keystroke, which suggests a hefty and satisfying bottom-out experience. This feel is particularly appealing to those who appreciate a more tactile response. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is designed with a light actuation force, making it feel quick and responsive under the fingers. This lighter touch can lead to a sense of speed and agility when typing or gaming, making it ideal for users who require swift actions without the hindrance of heavier key presses. Ultimately, the feel of the 1989 leans towards a more substantial typing experience, while the Yellow Silver promotes a breezy and agile style.

In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches offer distinct advantages that cater to various user preferences. The 1989 stands out with its deep, thocky sound and substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more satisfying auditory and tactile experience. Conversely, the Yellow Silver is a great option for those who prefer a quick, responsive feel with a neutral sound that accommodates a wide range of applications. Users will ultimately choose based on their unique style and the atmosphere they wish to create while using their mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, your intended usage will play a significant role in your choice. If you are looking for a switch that provides a deep, thocky sound and feel, which is often favored in gaming for its satisfying feedback, the HMX 1989 would be the ideal choice. It offers a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, making it comfortable for extended use while still delivering a pronounced auditory and tactile experience. Conversely, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, particularly for fast-paced gaming or typing, the Outemu Yellow Silver is a compelling option. It has a slightly higher bottom-out force of 55 grams but maintains a neutral sound profile, making it suitable in quieter environments—be it at home or in the office. Its design is inherently versatile, catering to both novice and experienced users. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value the rich auditory experience of the 1989 or the agile performance of the Yellow Silver in your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Game1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more