HMX Deep Navy vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially when comparing linear and tactile options like the HMX Deep Navy and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The Deep Navy switch is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and rich auditory feedback, thanks to its full nylon construction and the Ly stem, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a seamless and responsive feel without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch delivers a quieter yet satisfying typing experience with its distinct "thock" sound and pronounced tactile feedback. Designed as the third iteration in Outemu’s silent tactile lineup, these switches feature a unique translucent jade yellow housing and are pre-lubed for optimal performance, catering to those who value both auditory and haptic sensations in their typing. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prefer the silky smoothness of a linear switch or the satisfying feedback of a tactile one; 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which provides a consistent foundation for their sound profiles. Because nylon is characterized as a softer plastic, both switches share the ability to absorb sound effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The similarities in their materials result in a duller and rounder sound when typing, creating a pleasant acoustic environment for users. This consistent use of nylon ensures that typists will enjoy a comparable sound profile, emphasizing the qualities inherent in nylon regardless of individual switch aesthetics.
While both switches utilize nylon for their housing materials, their design nuances may lead to different tactile and auditory experiences during usage. The sound produced when bottoming out and releasing keys may vary based on the specific internal mechanisms and designs unique to each switch. For example, if the internals differ—even minimally—the way the top housing interacts with the bottom housing can affect the escape and bottom-out sounds. However, given that both the Deep Navy and Silent Yellow Jade leverage nylon, any divergence in auditory characteristics is likely minimal and could result in similarly pleasing typing feedback.
Ultimately, the consistent choice of nylon materials in both the HMX Deep Navy and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade allows keyboard enthusiasts to achieve an aesthetically unique style while enjoying similar performance attributes. This leads to a complementary typing experience where the housing materials' ability to absorb and dampen sound stands out. Users can expect a familiar deep and full sound profile across both switches, making either choice suitable for those who prioritize a certain auditory quality in their typing experience—further emphasizing that while the designs may be distinct, the practical benefits of nylon housing tether them closely in performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more comfortable option for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile feedback experience. As such, the Deep Navy is a better choice for those seeking a lightweight feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade caters to individuals who appreciate a heavier push. Overall, these differences suggest that users will find varied experiences depending on their preferences for switch weight and feel, ensuring that each switch has its unique audience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, the HMX Deep Navy measures 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that the Deep Navy switch offers a deeper press, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the shorter 3.3 mm travel of the Silent Yellow Jade may be more desirable for gamers seeking faster response times. As shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular for enhancing speed and efficiency, those who favor rapid action might lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth versus responsiveness.
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 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
The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp auditory experience, thanks to its full nylon construction, which lends itself to a more pronounced acoustic signature. This switch produces a smooth and clean sound with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a distinctly quieter experience, focusing on a tactile typing experience that delivers a satisfying "thocky" sound. This switch is designed for discretion, making it great for shared spaces or quiet environments, yet it still manages to produce a pleasing auditory feedback through its punchy tactile bump.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This smooth action is ideal for repetitive typing tasks or gaming scenarios where fluidity is essential. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch is designed to deliver a tactile experience characterized by a noticeable bump, providing feedback with each actuation without the added noise of a click. This makes the Jade switch particularly appealing for those who appreciate a tactile response during their typing without the distraction of loud sounds, creating an engaging yet unobtrusive experience.
In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences suitable for different preferences. While the Deep Navy excels in delivering rich sound and smooth keystrokes, the Silent Yellow Jade balances tactile feedback with a quieter operation. Your choice may ultimately depend on whether you prefer an expressive auditory experience or a subtle yet satisfying tactile feel, both of which can greatly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you favor a lighter switch with minimal resistance and crave a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience, the Deep Navy is an excellent option. Its 45-gram bottom-out force allows for rapid key presses, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing, while its rich sound profile adds a satisfying auditory element to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more deliberate typing experience with notable tactile feedback, the Silent Yellow Jade switches will suit you better. With a 65-gram bottom-out force, they offer a medium-heavy feel that's great for typists who enjoy a tactile bump to signal key actuation, all while keeping noise to a minimum thanks to their silent design. Therefore, think about the feel and sound profile that will best enhance your typing experience, and choose the switch that aligns with your style—smooth and light or tactile and discreet.
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