HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and Outemu Silent Yellow both present appealing options for those who prefer linear switches. The HMX Lucky, with its softer and glittery nylon housings, delivers a lightweight and neutral typing experience that many users find deeply satisfying. Its tactile feel makes it an excellent choice for typists seeking comfort during long sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch focuses on minimizing noise without compromising on performance, making it perfect for users who work in shared spaces or prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Lucky offers a delightful tactile response, while the Silent Yellow prioritizes sound dampening. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches, the most noticeable difference lies in the material composition of their top housings. The HMX Lucky uses a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which effectively absorbs sound. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This distinction means that while the Lucky's sound is more rounded and subdued, the Silent Yellow's sound is crisper and more resonant, making them suitable for different user preferences based on auditory feedback and typing experience.
On the bottom housing front, both the HMX Lucky and Outemu Silent Yellow utilize nylon, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches when bottoming out. This commonality in bottom housing materials means that while users might experience differences in the top-end sound characteristics when releasing a key, the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel remains consistent across both switches due to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties. Thus, both switches can elicit a satisfying tactile response when pressed down, despite the auditory differences created by their respective top housings.
In terms of overall experience, the differences in material between the top housings may appeal to users looking for distinct sound signatures. Those who prefer the muted, rounded tones will likely favor the nylon top of the HMX Lucky, while individuals seeking clarity and a more pronounced auditory feedback may lean toward the Outemu Silent Yellow’s polycarbonate top. However, the similarities fostered by the nylon bottom housing create an overlap in the typing experience, ensuring that users will still appreciate a deep sound profile upon bottoming out regardless of their chosen switch. Ultimately, both switches cater to varying preferences by providing tailored auditory experiences, while maintaining common ground with the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, which cater to different preferences among users. The HMX Lucky features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for those who favor a lighter keypress for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and an even more pronounced bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial and resistant typing experience. As a result, while both switches might provide good performance, the HMX Lucky is clearly lighter overall, while the Outemu Silent Yellow is heavier. Users seeking a more effortless typing feel might lean towards the Lucky, while those desiring a firmer tactile response should consider the Silent Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it's clear that they are not the same. The Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Yellow, with a travel distance of 4 mm, is the longer switch. This distinction means that users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker key actuation may prefer the HMX Lucky, as its shorter travel distance can provide faster response times, which is especially beneficial in gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper keypress, offering a more substantial tactile feedback. Hence, the choice ultimately depends on whether one values a quicker actuation or a more pronounced key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
The Outemu Silent Yellow 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 Lucky linear switch is noted for its subtle and satisfying acoustic profile, thanks to its nylon housing, which helps create a softer typing experience. The sound is relatively muted while providing a touch of richness that can enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is engineered for quietness, aiming to minimize sound with a design that emphasizes silent key presses. Both switches can produce similar results in terms of acoustic performance, especially when paired with the right keycaps and keyboard frame, but the Lucky offers a slightly more pronounced sound due to its material properties.
In terms of feel, the Lucky switch is characterized by a smoother and more forgiving actuation, making it appealing for both typing and gaming. The lightweight construction adds to its comfort, allowing for faster key presses without feeling overly strenuous. Conversely, the Silent Yellow linear switch is designed to deliver a very light and smooth keystroke, ensuring minimal resistance during typing. While both switches offer a satisfying linear feel, the Lucky provides a more nuanced experience thanks to its softer housing, which might lead to a slight edge in overall comfort during extended use.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch present unique qualities that cater to different preferences, particularly in the areas of sound and feel. The Lucky switch offers a balanced auditory experience with a touch of richness, while the Silent Yellow focuses on a quiet typing experience. Although their tactile performances are similar, the Lucky might be more satisfying for those who favor a softer typing experience. Ultimately, whichever switch you choose will depend on your specific requirements for sound and feel, as both types offer compelling advantages.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch and a typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying, the HMX Lucky switch is an excellent option. Its lower bottom-out force of 43 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions, allowing for quick keystrokes with less fatigue. Additionally, if you enjoy a slightly softer and more textured feel that the Lucky’s nylon housing provides, this switch will meet your needs well. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a bit more resistance with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Silent Yellow may be your better choice. This switch might be more suitable for those who prefer a firmer feel to enhance typing accuracy, especially if you tend to type vigorously. While the Silent Yellow does not have a specific reputation in terms of sound, its heavier actuation may lead to a more substantial feel, which some users find comforting. In summary, select the HMX Lucky if lightness and a breezy typing experience are what you seek, and go for the Outemu Silent Yellow if you desire a more controlled resistance and a firmer typing experience.
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