HMX Hibiscus vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can lead to a significantly enhanced typing or gaming experience. The HMX Hibiscus is renowned for its silky smoothness and a delightful sound signature that combines clackiness and crispness, making it an excellent choice for those who value auditory feedback alongside performance. With an ultra-light actuation force that surpasses 80% of all switches, it’s perfect for users who enjoy a lighter touch while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a balanced, neutral sound profile and is designed for speed and responsiveness, catering to gamers and typists who thrive on quick, decisive keystrokes. This switch also features a light actuation force, making rapid inputs effortless. While both switches boast linear characteristics and light actuation, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, a notable distinction can be observed in their top housings. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer texture, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is fundamentally different in terms of sound production. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature lends itself to creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more resonant auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches serve different audio preferences, the Hibiscus favors a warmer and mellower tone, whereas the Yellow Silver introduces a brighter and clearer sound.
On the other hand, both the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This similarity results in a comparable auditory experience concerning the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to generating a deep and full sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. Thus, when pressed, users will experience a consistent bottom-out sound, characterized by the rounder acoustic signature provided by the nylon material. This shared housing material suggests that despite the differences in top housing, users can expect a consistent auditory experience during activation, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in producing a unified sound profile across both switch types.
Ultimately, while the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Yellow Silver switches diverge significantly in their top housing compositions, they share a commonality in their bottom housings that unifies their performance. The differences in top housing materials correspond to distinct auditory experiences—one that is deeper and more subdued versus another that is bright and crisp. However, both switches benefit from their nylon bottom housing, enhancing that deep sound profile during actuation. This interplay between the differing top materials and the identical bottom housing illustrates how the overall user experience can vary significantly based on sound preferences while still retaining a sense of consistency where it counts, ensuring that both switch types deliver enjoyable typing feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more comfortable typing experience, especially for prolonged use. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which will appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. While the Hibiscus is more suited for extended sessions with less strain, the Yellow Silver caters to users looking for a firmer resistance. Given their differences, these switches will provide distinct user experiences, with the Hibiscus being the lighter option while the Yellow Silver is the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the Hibiscus switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yellow Silver measures 4 mm. This makes the Hibiscus the shorter of the two switches, catering to gamers and typists who prefer quicker response times and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial keypress and a deeper tactile experience. Ultimately, your preference will guide you in choosing between the two: the Hibiscus for a snappier action, or the Yellow Silver for a more traditional and robust feel.
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 Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 Hibiscus linear switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, which adds an engaging auditory element to the typing experience. This character makes it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, providing a more balanced auditory response. This neutrality makes the Yellow Silver versatile, appealing to a broad audience from gamers to typists who prefer a less pronounced sound, making it suitable for use in various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Remember that the ultimate sound experience will still depend on other components, such as the keyboard's build and keycap choices.
Regarding feel, the HMX Hibiscus boasts unparalleled smoothness coupled with an ultra-light actuation force, making it exceptionally easy to press and ensuring a pristine typing experience. This combination can be particularly enticing for users who prioritize comfort and speed in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch also features a light actuation force but is designed with responsiveness in mind, catering to both gamers and typists looking for quick and efficient actions without straining their fingers. While both switches offer light actuation forces, the distinguishing factor lies in the Hibiscus's standout smoothness compared to the straightforward responsiveness of the Yellow Silver.
In summary, the HMX Hibiscus linear and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches both provide light actuation forces, but they differ notably in sound and feel. The Hibiscus switch delivers a more vibrant auditory experience with its clacky sound and superior smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's neutral sound and responsive feel cater to a diverse audience seeking versatility. Ultimately, either switch can yield a satisfying experience depending on personal preference, and understanding these nuances will help newcomers make an informed choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you value an incredibly smooth typing experience along with a light actuation force, the Hibiscus switch is an excellent choice, especially for those who enjoy a clacky, poppy sound signature that adds character to your keystrokes. This makes it ideal for typists who prioritize comfort and auditory feedback, perhaps for long typing sessions or creative work. On the other hand, if you're a gamer or someone who prefers a more neutral sound profile with a slightly firmer typing feel, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch might better suit your needs. With its medium-light actuation force, it offers an appealing balance of speed and responsiveness, making it a versatile option for both gaming and everyday tasks. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize sound and smoothness or a balanced feel and speed in your mechanical keyboard experience, and choose accordingly.
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