HMX EMO vs. Outemu Silent Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO and Outemu Silent Yellow present intriguing options for enthusiasts who prefer linear switches. The HMX EMO switch is celebrated for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing typists with an effortlessly smooth and satisfying experience. Its exceptional factory-lubed design enhances this bounciness, making it particularly appealing for those who seek a dynamically engaging feel during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow is designed with noise reduction in mind, allowing for quiet operation, which makes it an excellent choice for users in shared spaces or those looking to minimize distractions. While both switches offer linear characteristics, the EMO caters to tactile feedback enthusiasts seeking responsiveness and liveliness, whereas the Silent Yellow prioritizes a more subdued approach. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

HMX EMO Linear

Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX EMO and Outemu Silent Yellow switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes significantly to their acoustic characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material results in a similar auditory experience when pressing these switches, particularly during the release phase, due to the material's ability to resonate clearly and efficiently. Additionally, this translucency allows both switches to beautifully showcase RGB lighting effects, enhancing both their aesthetic appeal and functionality for users who prioritize illuminated keyboards. Therefore, when it comes to the top housing, both switches can be expected to deliver a comparable auditory experience as well as visual vibrancy.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the HMX EMO and Outemu Silent Yellow switches are made of nylon. This material's qualities diverge significantly from those of polycarbonate, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon contributes to a rounder and warmer auditory experience, particularly felt during the bottom-out phase of a keystroke. Consequently, while both switches share the same top housing material, they differ in the captivating sound dynamics produced by their respective bottom housing materials. This means that while the sound profile during the release may be crisp, the sound upon bottoming out will be significantly influenced by the nylon, offering a contrasting auditory experience.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the HMX EMO and Outemu Silent Yellow allows for a nuanced and layered sound profile. The polycarbonate top delivers clarity and brightness, while the nylon bottom offers depth and warmth. As a result, although both switches are similar in their top housing materials, the divergent properties of their bottom housings lead to rich auditory feedback that caters to different preferences. Users looking for a keyboard with a well-rounded acoustic response should appreciate how these materials interact, offering a satisfying blend of sharpness from the top housing and fullness from the bottom housing, showcasing the unique character of each switch.

Weight

When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX EMO features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, requiring less effort to trigger a keystroke, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions typical in a work environment or during lengthy gaming marathons. Its bottom out force is also lighter at 46 grams, meaning the switch feels less heavy overall when pressed fully down. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile feel, which may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer push during typing. While the Silent Yellow is generally heavier than the EMO, those who prefer a more pronounced keypress might gravitate towards it. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue, the HMX EMO would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow may cater to those seeking a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we find that the EMO offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Yellow measures 4 mm. This means that the HMX EMO has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow. For gamers or users seeking quick response times, the shorter travel distance of the EMO may be more appealing, as it allows for swifter keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Yellow's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel and a deeper bottoming out, which can be preferable for those who enjoy tactile feedback during typing. Ultimately, your choice may depend on personal preference: if you value responsiveness, the EMO would be the better option, whereas if you appreciate a heartier depth, the Silent Yellow would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX EMO linear switch is characterized by a lively and clacky sound, making it quite distinctive in terms of auditory feedback, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is engineered for a quieter typing experience, though specific sound characteristics are less defined. The HMX EMO's clackiness likely provides a satisfying auditory element for users who enjoy feedback while typing, while the Silent Yellow focuses on minimizing noise, making it an ideal choice for shared workspaces or late-night typists. It’s important to note that the actual sound produced will also depend heavily on the choice of keyboard plate, housing, and keycap materials.

When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO offers a remarkably lively and bouncy typing experience due to its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, resulting in a smooth and effortless keystroke. This creates a fast and responsive typing sensation that can enhance productivity and enjoyment when typing. In contrast, while there is no detailed description of the feel of the Silent Yellow switch, it generally caters to those who might prefer a smoother or less tactile experience. Given the EMO’s factory lubrication, it is likely to provide an exceptionally smooth keystroke, which could also be a desirable quality in the Silent Yellow if it offers similar smoothness.

In conclusion, the HMX EMO and Outemu Silent Yellow linear switches cater to different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The EMO is favored for its lively clacking and lively touch, enhancing a more dynamic typing experience—perfect for casual users who appreciate auditory feedback—while the Silent Yellow focuses on a quieter typing experience. If a user prioritizes a bouncy and smooth feel with satisfying sound, the EMO is suitable. Conversely, those who seek a more subdued and silent typing session may find comfort in the Silent Yellow, even if its specific characteristics remain less clear.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you'll want to consider your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you lean towards a light and lively typing experience, the HMX EMO is an excellent choice due to its feather-light bottom-out force of 46 grams, providing a bouncy and satisfying feel that is particularly enjoyable during extended typing sessions. The EMO is also exceptionally factory-lubed, which contributes to a smooth action and can enhance your overall comfort while typing. On the other hand, if you work in a shared space or prefer a more subdued typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be more suitable. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it offers a more deliberate and controlled typing feel, minimizing noise without sacrificing responsiveness. Therefore, consider your specific situation—whether you prioritize a lively and smooth feel or a quieter and more resistant switch—because both can deliver unique advantages based on your individual typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX EMO Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more