HMX KD200 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX KD200 and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade represent two distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The KD200, renowned for being the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, provides a linear switch experience that many enthusiasts relish for its smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, making it a great choice for fast-paced gaming and repetitive typing tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a quieter, tactile experience, featuring a satisfying "thocky" sound that many users appreciate for its auditory feedback without the disruptive noise often associated with tactile switches. The Silent Yellow Jade, as the third iteration of Outemu's silent tactile lineup, boasts a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a pronounced tactile bump, appealing to those who seek a nuanced typing experience with a touch of elegance. Each switch has its merits—whether you prioritize the smoothness of the KD200 or the tactile feedback of the Silent Yellow Jade—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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilize nylon as their housing material for both the top and bottom sections. This shared material choice contributes significantly to the overall acoustics and tactile experience of the switches. The nylon composition in both models provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily due to its softer plastic properties that absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. As a result, typing on either switch will yield a similar auditory output, characterized by a duller and rounder sound, which many users find to be more pleasing and conducive to quieter environments.
Examining the specifics of the housing between the KD200 and the Silent Yellow Jade reveals that both switches, while identical in their use of nylon, will still produce a nuanced typing experience influenced by their design elements. The top housing, common to both switches, plays a critical role in shaping the sound produced when keys are released. In contrast, the bottom housing's design predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel—ushering in tactile differences that can arise when the switches are implemented in various keyboard setups. Although the housing materials are the same, the overall feel may vary slightly depending on the other design characteristics of the switches.
In conclusion, despite the commonality in housing materials, the HMX KD200 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade could still provide differentiated experiences based on how their designs are optimized. However, with both utilizing nylon, users can expect a level of acoustic similarity that makes them feel in harmony with each other, especially when creating a quieter typing environment. As both models are designed to encapsulate the auditory advantages of nylon, typing on either will inherently bring a comparable balance of sound absorption and resonance, ensuring that they both align closely in quality performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The KD200 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for prolonged typing sessions and gaming, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a satisfying typing experience. This makes the KD200 lighter overall, while the Silent Yellow Jade leans towards a medium-heavy preference. Consequently, those considering a keyboard for extended use may find the KD200 more comfortable, whereas those who appreciate a firmer feel may gravitate towards the Silent Yellow Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we see distinct differences. The KD200 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade boasts a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This indicates that the KD200 offers a deeper feel, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as the reduced distance allows for faster actuation. Overall, if you prioritize a more responsive experience, the Silent Yellow Jade is the better choice, while the KD200 may be preferable for those who appreciate a more pronounced key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 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, the HMX KD200 linear switch stands out as the clackiest option within its family, implying that it produces a sharper, more pronounced auditory signature, which can be appealing for users who enjoy the classic auditory feedback of mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a much quieter experience characterized by a satisfying "thocky" sound. This makes it ideal for environments where noise levels are a concern, as it minimizes distraction while still offering notable auditory feedback during typing.
Regarding feel, the KD200 offers a smooth, linear experience with no tactile bump to interrupt the keystroke, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming where uninterrupted key presses are desirable. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch introduces a distinct tactile bump that enables users to feel the actuation point, enhancing typing precision and satisfaction. This tactile feedback caters to those who prefer a more engaged typing experience, making it suitable for both casual and serious typists.
In summary, while both the HMX KD200 and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches have their own unique qualities, they cater to different preferences. The KD200 excels in creating a loud and pronounced typing sound with a fluid keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a quieter experience with a tactile bump, making it ideal for quieter settings. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes sound and speed or prefers tactile feedback and a reduced noise level.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the HMX KD200 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a lighter feel and enjoy the clackiness often associated with a linear switch, the KD200, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, would be the right choice for you. It's ideal for those who type quickly and enjoy a springy response without the added resistance that heavier switches provide. On the other hand, if you value a quieter and more tactile experience, the Silent Yellow Jade with its 65-gram bottom-out force would suit you better. This switch offers a pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying "thocky" sound, making it perfect for office environments or shared spaces where noise could be an issue. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard—if you're a gamer or a speedy typist looking for a linear feel, go with the KD200; if you prefer a more deliberate typing experience with subtle feedback and minimal sound, the Silent Yellow Jade is the better option.
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