HMX FJ400 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX FJ400 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 can profoundly affect the typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX FJ400 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The HMX FJ400, a linear switch, is well-regarded for its smooth keystrokes and balanced sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience without the tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that offers a unique "thocky" sound and a satisfying punchy bump at the actuation point, providing a more engaged typing experience while maintaining a muted profile. The FJ400 is perfect for gamers seeking speed and fluidity, while the Silent Yellow Jade caters to typists who value tactile feedback and noise reduction. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
POM
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX FJ400 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, notable similarities and differences emerge. The FJ400 features a POM top housing, which is characterized by its ability to create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively muted. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing that is recognized as a classic material, providing a deeper and fuller sound. Both materials share a focus on producing distinctive auditory qualities, but the POM's harder surface contributes to a slightly different tonal quality than the softer nylon, leading to a more pronounced sound profile compared to the FJ400's more subdued output.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, share a commonality that enhances their acoustic attributes. Both the FJ400 and the Silent Yellow Jade feature nylon as the bottom housing material, which is fundamental in creating a duller and rounder sound due to nylon’s inherent soft nature. This shared characteristic leads to similar tactile and auditory experiences when typing on both switches, as the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound and contributes significantly to the overall depth of the sound profile. Consequently, users can expect to experience a fullness in auditory response regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, thus harmonizing their performance.
Ultimately, the impact of the different top housing materials on the overall experience becomes more nuanced. While the FJ400's POM top housing tends to create a more muted and distinct sound, the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade amplifies the deep tonal qualities associated with nylon. However, with both switches relying on nylon for the bottom housing, users will encounter a consistent sound experience when bottoming out, benefiting from that soothing absorption characteristic. This illustrates how the combination of two different top materials alongside a uniform bottom housing can yield an engaging typing experience that is both unique and complementary, appealing to a range of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar level of resistance when initiating a keystroke. However, there is a distinction when it comes to their bottom out forces. The FJ400 has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This difference means that the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial feel and a firmer response upon bottoming out, making it suited for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Consequently, the HMX FJ400 can be seen as the lighter option overall, which may be more favorable for extended typing sessions or casual gaming, whereas the heavier Silent Yellow Jade is appropriate for users who value a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we find that the FJ400 has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the FJ400 switch provides a deeper keystroke, which can offer a more substantial tactile experience favored by those who prefer a pronounced depth. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade's 3.3 mm travel distance aligns with the preference for responsiveness, particularly among gamers who benefit from quick actuation. Although both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the FJ400's longer travel distance may feel more substantial and gradual, while the Silent Yellow Jade can feel more abrupt and snappy. Thus, if you are looking for a switch that emphasizes speed and quick response times, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade would be the better choice, while the FJ400 would be suited to those who enjoy a deeper feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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 characteristics, the HMX FJ400 linear switch strikes a balance in its audio profile, making it a versatile choice for those who may not want to draw too much attention to their typing. This balanced sound gives it an unobtrusive yet satisfying acoustic experience, blending the quiet of linear switches with a hint of presence that doesn't overpower. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for producing a unique auditory experience marked by its muted yet thocky sound. With a deeper "thud" or soft "knock" on each keypress, it offers a satisfying auditory feedback that complements its tactile nature while minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical switches. Overall, while the FJ400 offers a more moderate sound profile, the Silent Yellow Jade delivers a richer auditory experience that many enthusiasts find appealing.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the FJ400 is a linear switch, which means it offers a smooth keypress without tactile bumps or resistance until bottoming out. This makes it ideal for users who favor a fluid and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade features a sharp tactile bump, providing a pronounced tactile feedback that can be felt distinctly with each keystroke. This tactile sensation can enhance typing precision and overall enjoyment, which many tactile switch users prioritize. Consequently, while both switches provide engaging typing experiences, the FJ400 favors fluidity and smoothness, while the Silent Yellow Jade focuses on tactile feedback with a crispness that some typists cherish.
In conclusion, the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The FJ400 offers a more muted, balanced sound profile alongside a smooth typing experience, making it versatile for various settings. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade excels in producing a deeper, thocky sound and provides strong tactile feedback, appealing to those who seek an engaging and responsive typing experience. Whether you prefer a linear switch's fluid motion or a tactile switch's pronounced feedback, both options can deliver satisfying results, though they cater to slightly different keyboard experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that delivers a balanced sound profile and a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, the FJ400 is an excellent choice, particularly for those who enjoy a smooth, linear feel without pronounced tactile feedback, making it ideal for both fast typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you seek a more pronounced tactile experience with a satisfying bump and a muted yet "thocky" sound, the Silent Yellow Jade is the way to go. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, this switch caters well to those who appreciate a notable tactile response that enhances typing precision without overwhelming key noise, making it perfect for quiet office environments or late-night gaming sessions. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and auditory sensitivity when selecting the switch that best aligns with your needs.
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