HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly 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 between the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade can significantly influence your typing experience. The Jelly is celebrated for its smooth, linear action paired with a low-pitched, deep thocky sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a silky typing feel without tactile feedback. With a lightweight 42g actuation force, it's an excellent option for users seeking rapid keystrokes, perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a tactile experience without the noise often associated with tactile switches. Their factory-lubed design and distinctive translucent jade yellow housing provide a satisfying tactile bump, delivering feedback while remaining unobtrusive during use. This makes them a strong contender for office environments or shared workspaces where noise can be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: whether you prioritize smoothness and speed or tactile feedback and quiet operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
3.80 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches, it is evident that both employ nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is pivotal in determining the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, inherently dampens sound vibrations, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Hence, both the Jelly and Silent Yellow Jade switches will produce a relatively muted and rounded sound upon actuation and release, making them appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Despite sharing the same housing material, the impact each housing has on the overall feedback and sound profile can differ slightly due to the design and construction of the switches. For instance, while both switches utilize nylon's sound-absorbing properties, the specific geometries and internal mechanisms of each switch can influence how these sonic qualities are expressed. For the Jelly and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, the consistent use of nylon means that users can expect a comparable sound experience, with both switches encouraging a more subdued tone due to the material's innate dampening abilities. Ultimately, users seeking a deep auditory experience can find satisfaction in either choice.
Moreover, while the HMX Jelly and Silent Yellow Jade might share the same material properties, the differentiation in their design elements—such as the stem shape, spring tension, and actuation point—can still result in unique typing experiences. It is essential to note that while nylon serves to unify the sound aspects, the combination of top and bottom housings along with the switches' engineering will ultimately define the feel and engagement users experience during typing. Therefore, although both the Jelly and Silent Yellow Jade switches promise similar acoustic results due to their shared nylon composition, the overall characteristics of each switch will offer a distinct tactile sensation that might cater to different preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their unique typing experiences. The Jelly switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who desire a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. This medium-heavy resistance provides a more tactile feedback, which some find more satisfying. Overall, the Jelly switch is the lighter option, making it suitable for extended use, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a firmer typing experience for those who enjoy increased resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, the Jelly stands out with a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the HMX Jelly switch provides a deeper feel when pressed, which could appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade is beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier action. Ultimately, if quickness and responsiveness are your priorities, the Silent Yellow Jade's 3.3 mm travel distance would be preferable, whereas the HMX Jelly would appeal to those who favor a more pronounced key press with its 3.8 mm distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 Jelly linear switch offers a distinct low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, creating a satisfying auditory experience that is both pleasant and resonant. This can make typing feel enjoyable, especially in a quiet environment. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch also produces a "thocky" sound, but with the added benefit of being quieter due to its design aimed at a more subdued typing experience. Both switches exhibit thocky qualities, suggesting that users might enjoy a similar acoustic profile, although the Jelly may be slightly louder overall due to its linear nature.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch excels with a super smooth operation that benefits from excellent factory lubrication, making it lightweight with a 42g actuation force. This contributes to an effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. The Silent Yellow Jade, on the other hand, features a prominent tactile bump that gives feedback without the abruptness often found in clicky switches. This allows for a satisfying tactile sensation without compromising the quiet nature of the switch. While the Jelly focuses on smoothness and light actuation, the Yellow Jade's tactile quality engages users differently, ensuring that both switches offer unique yet enjoyable experiences.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch have their own strengths in sound and feel, catering to different user preferences. The Jelly’s deep thocky sound and smooth operation appeal to those who prioritize a luxurious typing experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a quieter yet tactile feedback perfect for environments that require discretion. Depending on your priorities—sound profile versus tactile response—you can expect gratifying typing experiences from either switch, even if they cater to different preferences both acoustically and in terms of tactile sensibility.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch should ultimately align with your specific preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter, smoother typing experience with minimal resistance, the Jelly switch would be your go-to option, offering a delightful low-pitched, deep thock sound and a fluid feel due to its excellent factory lube. This makes it perfect for fast typists or those who enjoy a lightweight keypress for gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you require feedback while typing, appreciate a slightly heavier key feel, and prefer a quieter operation without sacrificing tactile satisfaction, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be more appropriate. Its medium-heavy actuation force and pronounced tactile bump provide that satisfying feedback while maintaining a subdued sound profile, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, consider how much you value sound profile, actuation force, and tactile feedback to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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