HMX Lotus vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The HMX Lotus is a linear switch, offering a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound for a super bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that provides a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, featuring a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. The Lotus switch may appeal to those who enjoy a smooth and consistent keystroke, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch could be ideal for typists who prefer a tactile feedback. 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
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
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches both feature nylon in their construction, which allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material suggests that both switches will likely offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, while both switches share the same nylon top housing material, they may differ in their bottom housing construction. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material can have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. The difference in bottom housing material between the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches could lead to variations in the typing experience, with each switch offering a slightly different tactile sensation when pressed.
Overall, the use of nylon in both the top and possibly the bottom housing of the HMX Lotus and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches highlights the importance of material choice in creating a desirable typing experience. The ability of nylon to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller sound profile suggests that both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality. The potential differences in bottom housing material between the two switches may offer users a choice in terms of tactile feedback and typing feel.
Weight
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer a smooth keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Lotus switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 linear switch offers a bright, resonant sound that adds a sense of liveliness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound that is perfect for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. Both switches have their own unique auditory characteristics, so the choice between them will ultimately come down to personal preference and the overall sound profile you are aiming for in your keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a super bouncy feeling with a medium weight of 50g bottom out, making each keystroke a delightful tactile experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch features a punchy tactile bump that adds a satisfying feedback to your typing. Both switches provide a different tactile sensation, allowing users to choose the one that aligns best with their typing style and preferences.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch provides a bright, resonant sound and a bouncy typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches are excellent options that will enhance your typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from either choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should consider the type of experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you prefer a light, bouncy feel with a bright, resonant sound, the Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch that offers a quiet and satisfying typing experience with a unique translucent housing, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel and sound in a keyboard switch.
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