HMX Cheese vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both are linear switches, providing a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible click. The HMX Cheese stands out for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow offers a silent typing experience without sacrificing the smoothness of a linear switch. While the HMX Cheese is lighter than 90% of all switches, the Silent Yellow does not have any specific standout feature. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon bottom housing. The similarities in their bottom housing material indicate that both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the HMX Cheese and Outemu Silent Yellow differ significantly. The Cheese features a nylon top housing, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is stiffer than nylon, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. This contrast in top housing materials will likely result in a noticeable difference in sound and feel when typing on these two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switch. The combination of nylon bottom housing and either nylon or polycarbonate top housing in the HMX Cheese and Outemu Silent Yellow allows for a blend of characteristics that impact the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the properties of each housing material is essential in choosing a switch that aligns with personal preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that there is a significant difference in weight. The Cheese switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Silent Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. The Cheese switch provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a more tactile response. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required to trigger a keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cheese offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favored choice among gamers looking for fast-paced action. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial actuation. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preference, with the Cheese being ideal for speed and the Silent Yellow for depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to individual typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 Cheese linear switch is praised for its unique and satisfying sound profile, offering a clacky, poppy, and crispy typing experience that is unparalleled in the world of mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch's sound quality is not well-known. This means that if a user is looking for a specific sound signature in their keyboard, the HMX Cheese switch would be the way to go.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese switch is known for its smoothness and pristine typing experience, providing a tactile sensation that sets it apart from other switches. The Outemu Silent Yellow switch's feel is not well-documented, making it difficult to compare to the Cheese switch. If a user prioritizes the feel of a switch in their typing experience, the HMX Cheese switch would be the recommended choice.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a highly satisfying sound profile and smooth typing experience that may be unmatched in the mechanical keyboard switch market. While the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch's qualities are not as widely known, it is likely that users looking for a specific sound and feel would find similar results with the HMX Cheese switch. Ultimately, when choosing between these two switches, it is important to consider individual preferences in sound and feel to determine which would be the best fit for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're a newcomer looking for a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, the HMX Cheese linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 46 grams, these switches offer unparalleled smoothness and a unique feel that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams and value a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style when deciding between these two switches.
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