HMX Hibiscus vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often hinges on the typing experience you're seeking. The HMX Hibiscus, a linear switch, is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and lightweight actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a quick and effortless keystroke. This switch also boasts a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that many enthusiasts find appealing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a distinctly different experience with its tactile feedback and quieter operation, ideal for users who appreciate a tactile bump without the distraction of loud keystrokes. This switch's factory-lubed design ensures a smooth feel alongside its unique "thocky" sound, perfect for silent gaming or office environments where noise control is paramount. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it's clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity in materials leads to a consistent typing experience across both switches, as the properties of nylon contribute to the overall sound profile. Specifically, nylon's softer nature helps absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, users of both the Hibiscus and Silent Yellow Jade can expect a rounder, more dulcet auditory effect when typing, making either switch enjoyable for those who prefer quieter operation.
However, while both switches share the same nylon material for their housings, it is essential to recognize the potential variations in switch design and feel that can occur due to factors beyond just the material itself. Although both switches may produce similar sound profiles due to their nylon makeup, their tactile sensation when pressed could differ based on design elements or spring characteristics. Users may experience nuances in typing feedback and bottom-out sound that can influence their overall satisfaction. In this regard, while the materials provide a foundation for similarity, the engineering behind each switch may introduce contrasts.
Ultimately, the full impact of each housing is felt through the cumulative qualities of both the top and bottom housings. Since the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilize nylon for both components, the strengths of this material are apparent in their construction. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the release sound upon key release. For users who prioritize typing noise and sound profile, both switches should deliver seamless and similar results given their identical material compositions—provided that their designs are tuned well.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch present a clear contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more robust typing experience. This difference means that users of the Hibiscus can benefit from quicker, less strenuous keystrokes, while those who opt for the Silent Yellow Jade may find the added resistance more satisfying. Overall, the Hibiscus is the lighter option, ideal for prolonged use, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade offers a firmer feel for those who prefer a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there is a measurable difference between the two. The Hibiscus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Hibiscus switch allows for a deeper key press, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade's shorter travel distance tends to offer a quicker response time, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking speed and efficiency in their key presses. Therefore, if you gravitate toward faster responsiveness, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is the better choice, while the HMX Hibiscus is ideal for those who appreciate more depth in their keyboard experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that enhances the auditory experience of typing. This liveliness in sound appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback during their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch presents a quieter "thocky" sound, designed to minimize noise while still providing satisfying acoustic feedback. Users who prefer a more subdued typing experience will appreciate this quality, especially in shared or quiet environments. It’s important to remember that sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard boards and keycaps, which may affect how each switch sounds in practice.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness, delivering an ultra-light actuation force that surpasses 80% of all switches on the market. This results in a fluid and effortless typing experience, allowing users to glide from key to key with ease. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch features a punchy tactile bump that provides a distinct tactile response without the click, ensuring that typists can still feel when a keystroke has been registered. This combination of satisfying feedback with a quieter profile makes the Silent Yellow Jade particularly appealing for those who appreciate tactile stimulation while aiming to reduce noise levels during use.
In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches present unique attributes suited to different typing environments and user preferences. The Hibiscus excels with its lively sound and fluidity, making it a great choice for those seeking an engaging and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade caters to those who seek a more muted atmosphere without sacrificing tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prefer an audio-rich experience or a calm, tactile-focused environment, as both switches are designed to offer unique, enjoyable typing experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a smooth and lightweight typing experience, the Hibiscus switch is an excellent choice. With its light actuation force of just 48 grams, you can enjoy a rapid and effortless keypress, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who value quick response times. The Hibiscus is also particularly well-suited for environments where a little sound is acceptable, thanks to its clacky and poppy sound signature that brings a joyful auditory feedback to your sessions. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more robust typing experience with tactile feedback, the Silent Yellow Jade switch might be the better option for you. With a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams and that distinctive ‘thocky’ sound, this switch not only provides satisfying tactile bumps with each keypress but also excels in quieter settings where noise control is crucial. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing style and want a switch that feels weighty yet smooth, enhanced by its factory-lubed internals. Therefore, your choice should align with whether you seek a lightweight and lively feel or a more solid and muted tactile experience.
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