HMX EMO vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you'll first want to consider the type of typing experience you prefer. The HMX EMO switch offers a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches deliver a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will ultimately help you determine the best fit for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX EMO and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, the most significant difference lies in the top housing. The EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This contrast in sound characteristics highlights how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience of a switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the EMO and the Silent Yellow Jade share the use of nylon material. This classic switch housing material creates a similar effect on both switches, with a deeper and fuller sound profile being elicited. The relatively softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Despite some differences in the top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches can significantly influence the sound and feel of typing. While the EMO and the Silent Yellow Jade differ in their top housing materials, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, from the click sound to the feel of bottoming out a key, underscores the importance of material selection in designing mechanical switches. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate of the EMO or the softer nylon of the Silent Yellow Jade, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it becomes clear that the EMO is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade is the heavier switch, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the EMO provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more substantial feel with a stronger push required for each keystroke. Both switches provide different tactile experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be significant for most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the HMX EMO more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX EMO linear switch is known for its lively and clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quiet "thocky" sound, perfect for those looking for a more subdued typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences. Additionally, it's essential to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the HMX EMO linear switch boasts a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering a bouncy and effortless typing experience. The factory-lubed EMO switch provides a smooth and satisfying feel with each keystroke. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch features a punchy tactile bump, offering a tactile typing experience that is both responsive and enjoyable. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations, catering to users who prefer either a light and bouncy feel or a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Overall, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO excels in providing a lively and clacky typing experience with a light actuation force, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Both switches provide quality performance and can deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX EMO linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force and smooth typing experience, the EMO may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy 65g bottom-out force with a quiet, tactile typing experience and a punchy tactile bump, the Silent Yellow Jade switch may be more your speed. It's important to consider the sound, feel, and bottom-out force of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's all about finding the one that best suits your needs.
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