HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. The HMX Jelly switch stands out with its low-pitched, deep thocky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback along with a smooth typing experience thanks to its excellent factory lubrication. With a lightweight 42g actuation force, it caters to those who enjoy a more laid-back typing style while still delivering an engaging acoustic experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a nimble and responsive feel, featuring a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile that makes it an ideal choice for both gamers and typists seeking speed and precision. While the Jelly switch emphasizes a more tactile and acoustically pleasing experience, the Yellow Silver prioritizes quick responsiveness and versatility. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Yellow Silver, it is evident that the two switches diverge significantly in their choice of top housing materials. The HMX Jelly features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon’s relatively softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a sound that feels rounder and warmer. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate allow it to resonate more clearly, providing a striking audio experience, particularly when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, the distinct materials not only affect the auditory experience but also influence the overall aesthetic appeal when envisioned in use.
The bottom housings for both switches present an interesting aspect of comparison, as they are consistent in material; both the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Yellow Silver utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This shared choice in material results in a similar core acoustic quality, whereby the nylon absorbs sound, fostering a deep and full typing experience. Regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can expect a similar acoustic foundation from the nylon bottom housing, enhancing the characteristics of keypress feedback and bottom-out sound. Thus, the bottom characteristics of both switches will foster a cohesive auditory experience, arguably reducing the overall impact of the top housing difference in sound profile.
When reflecting on the combined effects of both the top and bottom housings in the HMX Jelly and Outemu Yellow Silver, we see that each switch's sound and feel can be attributed to their unique configurations. The Jelly's nylon top housing emphasizes warmth and depth, while the Yellow Silver’s polycarbonate top contributes sharpness and clarity. However, the uniformity in their nylon bottom housings ensures a consistent feel and sound quality that resonates well across both switches. In practice, this means that while the top housings may create distinct sound profiles during key release, the overall keypress experience remains rich and full-bodied due to the shared bottom housing material. Hence, users of either switch can delight in the nuanced differences while enjoying the complementary feel and sound they provide.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch with its actuation force of 42 grams and bottom out force of 48 grams to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, which features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, key differences in weight become evident. The HMX Jelly switch is noticeably lighter, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, being medium-light, provides a slightly stronger push feel that some users may find more satisfying for a substantial typing experience. Both switches exhibit differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, with the Jelly requiring less effort to trigger a keystroke and to reach the bottom, whereas the Yellow Silver demands greater force for each action, catering to those who appreciate a firmer feedback. Consequently, the choice between the two will mainly depend on personal preference for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Jelly measuring at 3.8 mm and the Yellow Silver at 4 mm. This makes the HMX Jelly the shorter of the two, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times during gameplay. In contrast, the Yellow Silver offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a deeper key press experience. While both switches offer a linear experience, the distinction in their travel distances indicates that users aiming for faster actuation might lean towards the Jelly, while those wanting a more traditional and hearty key feel may opt for the Yellow Silver.
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 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
The HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that gives it a rich auditory presence. This sound profile is quite distinct and lends itself well to a satisfying typing experience, especially since the Jelly switches are engineered with excellent factory lubrication, providing a smoother acoustic experience when compared to many others. On the opposite end, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile, which might be less exciting than the Jelly's deep thock, but it appeals to those who prefer versatility. The Yellow Silver's moderate actuation force and sound make it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting, making it a practical choice for both gamers and typists.
When it comes to the feel, the Jelly switch excels with its incredibly smooth operation, enhanced by the factory lubrication, which minimizes friction and creates a more enjoyable tactile experience. Its lightweight actuation force of 42g allows for quick key presses, making it ideal for fast typists. Meanwhile, the Yellow Silver also boasts a light actuation force, which facilitates speedy actuation and responsiveness, likely contributing to a competitive gaming edge. However, it lacks any specific mention of smoothness, so it may not feel as polished as the Jelly switch. Overall, while they both offer lightweight actuation, the feel could differ significantly due to the Jelly's smoother operation versus the generally neutral experience of the Yellow Silver.
In conclusion, if you're searching for a switch that provides a rich, thocky sound along with butter-smooth keystrokes, the HMX Jelly would be an excellent fit. On the other hand, if you're leaning towards a versatile and effective switch that can excel in a variety of settings while still supporting speed, the Outemu Yellow Silver is a sound choice. While they both embody lightweight actuation, their sound and feel differ substantially, which can influence your decision based on your personal preferences and intended use.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. You might prefer the HMX Jelly if you enjoy a light actuation force and a thocky sound signature that can add a satisfying auditory element to your typing experience. This switch's smoothness, combined with its lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or if you're simply looking for a switch that feels effortless to press. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your gaming or typing, the Outemu Yellow Silver may be more suitable for you due to its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and neutral sound profile. This makes it a versatile choice that can perform well in various scenarios, whether at home or in an office setting. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value a deeper sound and lighter actuation with the Jelly, or a slightly firmer switch with a balance of responsiveness and versatility offered by the Yellow Silver.
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