HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two intriguing options to consider are the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) is a linear switch that boasts a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and is celebrated for its bright, resonant sound. It offers a super bouncy feeling that transforms each keystroke into a delightful experience, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted feel. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that emphasizes a quieter typing experience without sacrificing satisfaction. With its punchy tactile bump and factory-lubed components nestled in a unique translucent jade yellow housing, it delivers a satisfying "thocky" sound while minimizing noise—ideal for those in shared workspaces or late-night typists. Each switch has its unique advantages, leading you to choose one over the other based on your personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
POM
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-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches, it is noteworthy that both use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant as nylon is recognized as a classic in the realm of switch construction. Both switches are designed to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's inherent properties, making them appealing to users who value an enriched auditory experience during typing. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, thus resulting in a more muted, rounded sound signature that is ideal for creating a pleasant typing environment.
Despite both switches sharing identical housing materials, their individual constructions and design features can subtly influence the typing experience. For instance, while both the Lotus (Heavy) and the Silent Yellow Jade aim for a duller sound due to their nylon housing, user perception may vary based on other factors such as the switch's internal design and actuation mechanism. This means that while both switches will provide a satisfying auditory feedback from typing, the nuances in feel, actuation force, and sound signature may still differ, creating unique tactile experiences even with a shared material foundation.
In terms of performance, since both the Lotus (Heavy) and Silent Yellow Jade switches utilize nylon in their top and bottom housings, users can reasonably expect a similar sound absorption quality that contributes to their overall sound profile. When pressing down on either switch, the contributions of the bottom housing will primarily dictate the bottom-out sound and tactile sensation. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, regardless of any differences in design or usage, both switches promise an engaging typing experience rooted in their common material choice, reinforcing why nylon is cherished in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, one can see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus (Heavy) requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it feel slightly heavier in operation. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that while the Jade switch is initially easier to trigger, it requires more force to bottom out compared to the Lotus (Heavy). Overall, the Lotus (Heavy) presents a more robust typing experience with its overall stronger forces, appealing to those who prefer a substantial push feel. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade, being lighter in terms of actuation force, may cater to those looking for a more forgiving typing experience, particularly during extended use. Thus, users seeking a balance between comfort and feedback might find a preference for either switch based on their typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, the HMX Lotus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Lotus switch provides a deeper feel, which might be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a shorter travel distance, appealing to those who favor a quicker, more responsive touch, especially useful for gaming. Overall, if speed and rapid response are key factors for you, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the better choice, while the HMX Lotus would cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch offers a bright and resonant auditory experience that can bring life to your typing, making each keystroke feel engaging. This lively sound can be quite appealing for those who enjoy an acoustic feedback aspect in their keyboard usage. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is designed for a quieter experience, producing a "thocky" sound that is satisfying without being disruptive. This makes it ideal for those in shared spaces or for users who prefer a muted typing experience. While both switches provide enjoyable auditory feedback, the Lotus (Heavy) is better suited for those who appreciate a louder, more vibrant noise, while the Silent Yellow Jade caters to quiet typing preferences.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g that contributes to a super bouncy sensation during each keystroke, allowing for a highly responsive typing experience. This dynamic feedback can enhance overall satisfaction while typing, making it feel almost effortless. Alternatively, the Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a punchy tactile bump that users will feel distinctly upon actuation. Its factory-lubed design ensures a smooth experience as well, combining a tactile response with a whisper-soft action ideal for those who appreciate feedback without the clatter of more traditional tactile switches. Overall, while both switches provide unique typing sensations, the Lotus (Heavy) emphasizes a more dynamic bounce, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade focuses on a velvety tactile feel.
In summary, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lotus (Heavy) stands out with its lively sound and bouncy feedback, making it a fun choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet, tactile punch perfect for focused or shared environments, featuring a satisfying yet subdued sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prioritize vibrant sound and a dynamic feel or a quiet, gentle tactile experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a bouncy, responsive feel with each keystroke and prefer a keyboard that emits a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus (Heavy) would be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams provides a satisfying balance that makes typing and gaming enjoyable. On the other hand, if you favor a quieter, more discreet typing experience while still appreciating tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is your best bet. With its medium-heavy actuation force and "thocky" sound, this switch offers a more subdued auditory experience alongside a pronounced tactile bump that can make typing feel gratifying without being disruptive, which is perfect for shared workspaces or late-night sessions. In the end, consider your typing style and environment: go for the Lotus (Heavy) if vibrant sound and an exhilarating feel enhance your usage, or opt for the Silent Yellow Jade if you value noise reduction without sacrificing that rewarding tactile sensation.
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