HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade can significantly influence your typing experience. The Canglan V2, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth, light feel and rich, deep sound profile, making it perfect for users who prefer an unhindered keystroke experience. Its innovative design and high-quality materials cater to enthusiasts seeking both performance and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch, a tactile option, strikes a balance between quiet operation and a pronounced tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a physical response while typing but prefer to keep noise levels down. Each switch appeals to different preferences: if you’re looking for fluidity and sound, the Canglan V2 reigns supreme, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more controlled and subdued tactile experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

Outemu Silent Yellow Jade Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, leading to a similarity in performance characteristics. As nylon is known for being a softer plastic, both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile that is less harsh compared to switches with harder plastic housings. This shared material choice results in a more muted auditory experience, as the nylon absorbs sound better than its rigid counterparts, contributing to a duller, rounder sound. Consequently, users can expect that both switches will produce similar acoustic qualities during operation, perfectly suited for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.

In terms of tactile feedback and overall feel, both the Canglan V2 and the Silent Yellow Jade are designed to make use of nylon's unique properties. While the sound when bottoming out a key is significantly influenced by the bottom housing, the top housing largely affects the sound produced when releasing the key. Given both switches are composed entirely of nylon, the attenuation of sound is consistent throughout the full range of keypresses. Consequently, both switches can provide users with a subdued auditory signature during typing sessions, making them appealing for those seeking a muted clacking sound.

While the material composition of the top and bottom housings is identical in both switches, differences may arise in terms of design and engineering within the internal mechanisms, which can affect tactile feedback and actuation. However, the shared choice of nylon ensures a strong baseline for sound dampening. Whether using the Canglan V2 or the Silent Yellow Jade, users can expect a typing experience characterized by a soft touch and a reduction in noise, making either switch an excellent choice for environments where sound is a concern. Thus, the consistent use of nylon across both switches ultimately results in comparable auditory results, emphasizing the importance of housing material in keyboard design.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Canglan V2 features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade has a greater actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, positioning it in the medium-heavy category that is better suited for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. As a result, while both switches provide a functional typing experience, the Canglan V2's lighter weights cater to users seeking comfort during long use, whereas the heavier Silent Yellow Jade caters to those who prefer a firm push feel. Consequently, if you opt for the Canglan V2, you'll benefit from a more effortless typing experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade will engage users who appreciate the sensation of a firmer switch.

Travel distance

The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch exhibit differences in their travel distances, with the Canglan V2 measuring 3.5 mm while the Silent Yellow Jade is slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the Canglan V2 switch offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, making it potentially more suitable for users who favor a hearty tactile feedback. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade switch may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate sensation when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you appreciate a shorter travel distance for responsiveness, the Silent Yellow Jade is the better choice, while the Canglan V2 provides a deeper actuation ideal for those who prefer a more substantial feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch is characterized by a deep and thocky signature, which is a hallmark of its construction and materials. This results in a richer auditory experience when typing, making each keystroke feel more substantial. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch also produces a satisfying "thocky" sound, albeit with an emphasis on quiet operation due to its design as a silent tactile switch. While both switches provide a thocky auditory experience, the Canglan V2 leans towards a fuller, deeper tone compared to the more subdued yet punctuated sound of the Silent Yellow Jade, making them distinct despite their similarities.

When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 linear switch boasts a smooth and light typing experience, allowing for rapid key presses without hindrance, ideal for those who enjoy a more effortless engagement of the keys. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade features a tactile bump that adds a punchy sensation at the actuation point, offering a different tactile feedback compared to the linear feel of the Canglan V2. This tactile feedback can enhance typing satisfaction for users who prefer a clear indication of actuation, while the Canglan V2 caters to those who favor a more uniform and fluid motion across key presses.

In conclusion, both the HMX Canglan V2 and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches deliver unique strengths to the typing experience. The Canglan V2 excels in providing a deep, resonant sound and a smooth, effortless feel, making it a great choice for those who prioritize an enjoyable linear typing experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a balance of satisfying tactile feedback and quieter operation, appealing to those who prefer to type without creating a loud noise. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will largely depend on the user's preference for sound and feel, as each offers a gratifying experience tailored to different styles of typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the use case for your keyboard. If you favor a smooth and light typing experience with a deep thocky sound signature, the Canglan V2's 48-gram bottom-out force makes it an excellent option, especially for fast typing and gaming scenarios where quick keystrokes are essential. Its carefully engineered materials ensure a satisfying tactile response that can enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feel with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Silent Yellow Jade switch would be the better choice. Its 65-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance and a quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments or places where noise reduction is a priority. Moreover, the tactile bump that these switches offer allows for a more engaging typing experience while maintaining a subdued sound level, which can be crucial in shared spaces. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the settings in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best decision between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Yellow Jade Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more