HMX Cheese vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is a linear switch known for its unparalleled smoothness and light actuation force, providing a crisp and poppy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is a tactile switch that offers a quiet yet satisfying "thocky" sound with a noticeable tactile bump. While the HMX Cheese switch excels in providing a light and smooth typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile and quiet 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are both made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to their shared nylon housing material.
However, if we were to differentiate between the top and bottom housings of the switches, the qualities of the housing material would be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This distinction may lead to slight variations in the typing experience between the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches, as the bottom and top housing materials can influence different aspects of the typing sound and feel.
In conclusion, the use of nylon as the housing material for both the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches results in a similar sound profile when typing. While the configuration of the top and bottom housings may vary between the two switches, ultimately, the nylon material's softness and sound-absorbing properties will contribute to a deeper and fuller typing sound experience for both switches. The differences in the top and bottom housing materials may lead to subtle distinctions in the typing experience, but overall, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that they have significant differences. The Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade features a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. The actuation force of the Cheese is lighter compared to the Silent Yellow Jade, while the bottom out force of the Cheese is also lower than that of the Silent Yellow Jade. This means that users will experience a lighter and smoother typing experience with the Cheese switch, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch will provide a more pronounced and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Cheese switch offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Silent Yellow Jade, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the depth of the key press and how it impacts typing or gaming experience.
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 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 HMX Cheese linear switch stands out with a unique clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience characterized by a satisfying "thocky" sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used, so personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch based on sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, delivering a lightweight and effortless keystroke with each press. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch features a punchy tactile bump and factory-lubed housing to provide a tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience. The feel of a switch is a crucial factor for typists as it directly impacts comfort and typing efficiency, so trying out different switches to determine the preferred feel is essential.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cheese switch excels in providing a unique and satisfying sound profile alongside a smooth typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade switch prioritizes a quieter typing experience with a notable tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that users can achieve a personalized typing experience based on their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth typing experience with a distinctive clacky sound, the Cheese switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key press and a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches could be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing preferences, the sound profile you prefer, and the feel you desire when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, choosing the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences will lead to a more enjoyable typing experience overall.
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