HMX Lucky vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky 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 switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two options that stand out are the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The HMX Lucky, known for its softer and glittery nylon housings, offers a lightweight and neutral typing feel that many users find deeply satisfying, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer smooth keystrokes without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are designed for those who desire a quieter yet tactile experience; their unique translucent jade yellow housing houses factory-lubed switches with a pronounced "thock" sound, delivering an engaging tactile bump while minimizing noise—perfect for shared workspaces. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches, it becomes clear that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared choice of material is foundational to the acoustic characteristics of both switches, as nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. The inherent properties of nylon allow it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience during typing. Consequently, both switches deliver a similar sensory output, creating a harmonious typing experience that is prized by enthusiasts who value sound dampening.
Despite the similarity in materials, the interaction between the top and bottom housings contributes to unique sound profiles and tactile experiences when the switches are engaged. With both the HMX Lucky and the Silent Yellow Jade utilizing nylon for their housings, users can expect a cohesive performance in terms of sound. When the switches are pressed, the nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the nylon top housing primarily affects the sound upon key release. While both switches may have similar sound profiles, the careful design of each entity may still offer subtle differences in feel and acoustics based on how the housing shapes affect the overall construction.
Ultimately, while the HMX Lucky and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches share the same nylon material for both their top and bottom housings, the experiential outcomes hinge on how these materials are utilized within the structure of each switch. This results in a consistent acoustic performance that caters to users seeking a particular typing sound and feel. Therefore, regardless of material similarities, personal preference will dictate the choice between the two switches, as slight design differences could lead to different user experiences despite their conventional acoustic promises.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Lucky boasts a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Thus, the Lucky switch is lighter overall, while the Silent Yellow Jade is heavier. This difference in weight means users will find the Lucky switch easier on the fingers during prolonged use, while the Silent Yellow Jade will provide more resistance, potentially leading to a more tactile engagement with each keystroke. Therefore, if one prefers lighter switches for comfort or longer durations, the HMX Lucky is the better option, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade caters to those who appreciate a firmer push.
Travel distance
The HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Lucky measuring 3.8 mm and the Silent Yellow Jade at 3.3 mm. This makes the Lucky switch the longer of the two, offering more travel distance which can provide a deeper, more pronounced key press. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. While both switches are within the contemporary trend of varying travel distances, if you lean towards a more responsive typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial key feel might prefer the HMX Lucky.
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 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Lucky linear switch is noted for its relatively quiet operation compared to other linear switches, but specific details about its sound profile are not provided. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a distinctly "thocky" sound, which is characteristic of its tactile feedback. This sound is typically dampened due to the switch's silent design, allowing for a more subdued atmosphere when typing. The overall auditory experience will vary depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the structural benefits of the Silent Yellow Jade suggest a more deliberate auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lucky switch is praised for its lightweight construction and neutral typing experience, leading to a very satisfying tactile sensation without any harshness. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch features a punchy tactile bump that provides clear feedback during key presses. This tactile feedback ensures that the typist can enjoy a sense of accomplishment with each keystroke, while still maintaining a level of quietness that minimizes distraction.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lucky provides a smoother and quieter experience, ideal for those who favor a more subtle typing experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade delivers a tactile and rich auditory profile that adds depth to each keystroke. Selecting between the two ultimately hinges on individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound, both of which can significantly contribute to one’s overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a softer touch and enjoy a lightweight feel with a neutral typing experience, the HMX Lucky switch is an excellent option. Its lighter bottom-out force of 43 grams allows for quicker key presses, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers seeking a smooth, uninterrupted experience. The glittery nylon housing adds a unique aesthetic appeal, further enhancing your overall typing pleasure. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a slightly heavier resistance, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is the better choice. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams and a satisfying "thocky" sound, it offers a quiet yet engaging typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. The factory-lubed switches and punchy tactile bump deliver a robust feel that many typists find gratifying. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards a lightweight, smooth experience or a more tactile and audible one.
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