HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience, and two notable options are the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The HMX Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky linear sound and smooth, light keystroke, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate both tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. Its meticulously crafted design and enhanced molding techniques provide a distinct deep sound signature that appeals to many users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow, while less renowned, offers a quieter typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued ambiance without sacrificing smoothness in actuation. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you’re inclined towards the rich acoustic profile of the Canglan V2 or the stealthy performance of the Silent Yellow, each has its unique appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow, the most notable difference lies in their top housings. The Canglan V2 utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing. This distinction in materials results in different auditory experiences when typing. The nylon used in the Canglan V2 is softer, which absorbs sound waves more effectively, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the polycarbonate in the Silent Yellow is a harder and stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting, making it a preferential choice for those who prioritize lighting effects in their keyboard setups.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Canglan V2 and the Silent Yellow utilize nylon materials. This commonality results in a similar sound profile when bottoming out, characterized by a deeper and rounder resonance. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, encouraging a muted auditory experience that many typists may find more pleasant. The consistency in the choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that users of either switch will enjoy a comparable bottom-out feel and sound, creating a level of familiarity even as the top housing diverges in material and acoustic properties.
Overall, while the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow offer distinct sound profiles due to their differing top housing materials, they align in the use of nylon for their bottom housings. This combination of materials means that, despite the contrasting sound characteristics introduced by the top housings, users can expect a similarly rich typing experience when engaging the switches. The differing sound profiles accentuate the nuances of each switch, allowing typists to choose based on their personal preferences, while the common nylon bottom housing maintains a sense of uniformity in the typing experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Canglan V2 has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Yellow features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a more significant bottom out force of 60 grams. This heavier resistance can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a firmer feel when pressing keys. Consequently, users who prioritize a lighter switch for comfort during extended use may gravitate towards the Canglan V2, while those who appreciate a more tactile response and added weight might find the Silent Yellow more appealing.
Travel distance
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Canglan V2 offers a shorter travel distance, which can result in quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for a deeper and more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference: those who lean towards responsiveness might find the Canglan V2 more appealing, while individuals who enjoy a more pronounced key press may opt for the Silent Yellow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound signature, which many users find pleasing and satisfying, providing an auditory experience that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is designed to be much quieter than traditional linear switches, resulting in a sound that is less pronounced and more muted. This makes the Silent Yellow a more suitable option for environments where noise might be an issue, yet it should be understood that the overall sound produced can still vary based on the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 distinguishes itself with a smooth, light touch that users appreciate for its responsiveness during typing sessions. This lightness can make it feel effortless to type quickly, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience. The Outemu Silent Yellow switch, while also a linear variant, may provide a different tactile experience, but since there is no specific description of its feel, comparisons are limited. However, some users may find that it offers a more subdued responsiveness compared to the Canglan V2, given its emphasis on silence.
In conclusion, the HMX Canglan V2 and Outemu Silent Yellow switches cater to different preferences within the linear switch category. The Canglan V2 is particularly favored for its rich, thocky sound and smooth feel, ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy both auditory and tactile engagement. Meanwhile, the Silent Yellow caters to those who prioritize quietness, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, both switches share linear characteristics that may lead to similar typing results, but their distinct sound and feel qualities will appeal to different users based on personal preferences and typing environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a smooth, light keystroke with a pleasing thocky sound profile, the Canglan V2 will likely be your go-to option. Its lower actuation force of 48 grams makes it particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch with more resistance, the Silent Yellow's 60 grams of bottom-out force will provide you with a firmer feedback that some users may find more satisfying for typing tasks that require precision. It may lack the distinctive sound profile of the Canglan V2, but it compensates with reliable performance in a quieter environment, making it a great choice for shared spaces or late-night sessions. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and environment: opt for the Canglan V2 for a light, acoustic experience, or the Silent Yellow for a more muted, yet purposeful feel.
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