HMX Blue Topaz vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that each switch offers a unique typing experience. The Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its smooth actuation and light feel, creating a seamless typing experience that is both efficient and comfortable. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quieter typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, adding a layer of feedback to each keystroke. While the Blue Topaz is best known for its easy-to-press nature and clacky sound, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet, thocky sound that is sure to please those looking for a more subdued 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
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic characteristics. This means that typing on either switch will result in a similar experience in terms of sound production, with a duller and rounder sound being emitted with each keystroke. However, despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials may still affect the overall sound profile and feel of the switches.
The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that aim for a more defined auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in top housing material may lead to a noticeable variation in sound when pressing down and releasing keys on the switches.
Overall, while both the Blue Topaz and the Silent Yellow Jade share a nylon bottom housing, their choice of top housing material significantly impacts the sound produced by each switch. The Blue Topaz's polycarbonate top housing creates a crisp and sharp sound profile, while the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. These contrasting characteristics highlight the importance of the housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches, showcasing how even subtle differences can have a significant impact on the user's typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is apparent that the Blue Topaz is lighter in both aspects. The Blue Topaz has a 40-gram actuation force and a 48-gram bottom out force, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a 50-gram actuation force and a 65-gram bottom out force. The Blue Topaz is more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial push feel with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience should opt for the Blue Topaz, while users who enjoy a heavier push feel may find the Silent Yellow Jade more fitting. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Therefore, the Blue Topaz has a longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. The Blue Topaz switch provides a slightly deeper press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers or individuals seeking a quicker response time. Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preference, with the Blue Topaz providing a longer travel distance for those who enjoy a more tactile experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a shorter travel distance for a faster and more responsive typing experience.
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 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 Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, ensuring a more subdued and tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, the Blue Topaz may be preferred for those who enjoy a more pronounced and lively sound, while the Silent Yellow Jade would be suitable for users who appreciate a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, information on the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is unavailable. However, given its tactile nature and punchy bump, it can be inferred that it provides a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the smooth actuation of the Blue Topaz.
Taking all the available information into account, it's clear that the HMX Blue Topaz and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Topaz excels in providing a smooth actuation with a clacky sound, suited for those who enjoy a light and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter typing experience with a more pronounced tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and light typing experience with a distinctive sound signature, you may want to choose the Blue Topaz linear switch. It offers effortless typing with its easy-to-press keys and visually appealing glittery housing. However, if you prefer a quieter tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch might be more suited to your preferences. It provides a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump for a unique typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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