HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Silent Yellow are two linear options that cater to different preferences and settings. The Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, largely attributed to their full nylon construction and the Ly stem design. This makes them an excellent choice for users who appreciate both auditory feedback and a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, while the Silent Yellow switches don't have a specific standout feature highlighted, they are designed to be quieter, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction is crucial, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different user needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches, a notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer composition, which allows it to absorb sound effectively, leading to a sound that is more muted and rounded. In contrast, the Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, making it particularly beneficial for setups where RGB lighting is employed, as its translucency enhances visual effects. Thus, while both top housing materials significantly influence the auditory experience of each switch, they cater to very different sound preferences and aesthetic functionalities.
Conversely, both the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches feature nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality means that regardless of the different top housing materials, the auditory qualities experienced with typing on both switches will share a deeper and fuller sound when the key is pressed down. As nylon tends to absorb sound better than harder plastics, the impact of the bottom housing will be significant in mediating the overall typing experience, enriching the auditory feedback with a consistent, muted undertone in both switches. Therefore, even though the top and bottom housings contribute different characteristics to the overall sound profile, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing ensures that users will enjoy a similar tactile sound experience during key presses.
Ultimately, the distinct tonal differences produced by the top housings of the Deep Navy and Silent Yellow can offer users a tailored experience depending on their preferences. The Deep Navy's nylon top housing softens the sound when keys are released, adding a plush quality that's often favored for quieter environments or for those who prefer a more reserved typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing provides a more vibrant auditory feedback, enhancing the clarity and pitch of sound upon key release. While both switches produce a deeper sound profile due to their nylon bottom housings, the top housing materials dictate the overall auditory and tactile experience, allowing users to select the switch that best aligns with their personal typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who favor a lighter touch, ideal for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Deep Navy is suited for users seeking a lightweight option for extended use, while the Silent Yellow is better for those who appreciate a firmer feel in their typing. Thus, if you're looking for a softer touch, the HMX Deep Navy would be the optimal choice, while the Outemu Silent Yellow would be preferable for a more robust keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Deep Navy offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in distance suggests that gamers or those who favor responsiveness might prefer the more compact Deep Navy switch, as it allows for quicker key presses. Conversely, users who appreciate a more pronounced feel and depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Silent Yellow switch, which provides the more traditional travel distance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preference for either quicker response times or a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 Deep Navy linear switch boasts a rich and sharp sound profile, attributed to its full nylon construction that enhances acoustics, providing a pleasing auditory experience with each keystroke. This switch's design ensures that when pressed, it delivers a distinctive tone that resonates well, making for an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch's sound characteristics are not fully defined, so it's harder to comment on its auditory qualities. However, the absence of pronounced sound features suggests it may prioritize a quieter operation over a rich acoustic experience, making it a potentially ideal option for those who require minimal noise.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, courtesy of the Ly stem, delivering an enjoyable tactile experience that many users can appreciate during extended typing sessions. The seamless action of the switch promotes swift and fluid motion, reducing finger fatigue and allowing for precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow lacks specific descriptors concerning its feel, making it difficult to provide a comparative analysis. However, as a linear switch, it can be presumed that it offers a smooth keystroke similar to most linear switches, promoting a consistent typing feel without the tactile bump found in other switch types.
Overall, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch stands out with its distinctive sound and pleasant tactile experience that enhances user satisfaction. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow’s sound and tactile qualities remain less defined but are likely tuned for silent performance, appealing to users who need quieter operation while typing. While the Deep Navy provides a rich experience in both sound and feel, those choosing the Silent Yellow might focus more on achieving a quieter typing environment. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs and personal preferences, indicating that each can offer enjoyable experiences albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter key feel with a bottom out force of 45 grams that allows for quick, effortless typing and gaming, the Deep Navy is your go-to option. Its silky smooth keystrokes and rich, sharp sound profile can enhance your overall typing experience, making it especially suitable for long typing sessions or casual gaming where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial keypress with a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, the Silent Yellow might be a better fit. While it doesn’t have the same auditory character as the Deep Navy, its medium resistance can provide a satisfying feedback for those who like a firmer feel when typing or gaming. Additionally, if you are in a shared environment and prefer a quieter experience, the Silent Yellow may serve you well. Ultimately, consider what aspects—whether it's the tactile feel, sound profile, or the environment you’ll be using your keyboard in—are most important to you before making a decision.
Mentioned in this article
