HMX Blue Topaz vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow are two options that stand out in the linear switch category. The Blue Topaz is favored for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a seamless typing experience with a distinctive glitter housing that adds visual appeal. In contrast, the Silent Yellow is known for its quiet operation, ideal for those looking for a more discreet typing experience. While the Blue Topaz offers a clacky sound signature and easy-to-press keys, the Silent Yellow provides a silent 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches are quite similar in terms of their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches aiming to highlight RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material.
The Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches offer a similar sound and feel overall, thanks to the use of nylon for this component.
Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches showcase the impact of housing materials on the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While they both use polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller typing experience. Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience with unique sound profiles, making them ideal choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for variety in their switch options.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a more resistant push when typing may prefer the Silent Yellow switch for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred for typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly shorter than the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, the Blue Topaz offers a slightly quicker response time for those seeking a faster typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow provides a bit more depth to each keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing dynamics.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
The Outemu Silent Yellow 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 Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing users with a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is not specified, so it is best to assume that it offers a quieter typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors including the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the two switches, the Blue Topaz is favored for its easy-to-press actuation, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force results in a smooth and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Silent Yellow's feel is unmentioned, but it can be assumed that it provides a similar low-impact typing feel due to its silent nature.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its smooth actuation, lightweight feel, distinctive glitter housing, and clacky sound signature, providing users with a visually and audibly pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch offers a quieter typing experience, but likely maintains a comparable lightweight and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique advantages, and the choice between them would depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider the level of force you prefer to actuate your keys. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a smooth actuation, the Blue Topaz with its 48-gram bottom out force might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and silent keystrokes, the Outemu Silent Yellow with its 80-gram bottom out force could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience, whether that be a light and tactile feel or a heavier and quieter touch.
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