HMX Macchiato vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato 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 greatly affect your typing experience. The HMX Macchiato, developed by YG Studio, caters to users who crave a silky smooth feel with a bright sound profile, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy linear switches that allow for effortless keypresses without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are designed for individuals who prefer a tactile experience while keeping noise levels to a minimum. With their unique translucent jade yellow housing and satisfying "thocky" sound, these factory-lubed switches provide a punchy tactile bump that enhances typing accuracy without the distraction of loud clicking sounds. Depending on your preferences for smoothness versus tactility and the importance of sound to your typing environment, your ideal switch will differ. 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
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both feature nylon as their housing material, which plays a significant role in defining their acoustic profiles. Given that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, one can expect the same fundamental characteristics when typing on either switch. Nylon is known for its softer composition compared to harder plastics used in some other switch types, making it effective at absorbing sound. This absorption translates into a deeper and fuller sound, resulting in a quieter typing experience with a more rounded acoustic profile, which is a hallmark of these two switches.
Although the housing materials for the Macchiato and Silent Yellow Jade switches are the same, the overall typing experience might vary depending on other design elements, such as switch actuation points or spring tension. However, since both switches derive the same sound-absorbing qualities from their nylon housings, users can expect similar sound output when comparing bottom-out sounds and sound feedback on release. The result is a typing experience that is cohesive between the two options, even if other factors might differentiate them in feel or responsiveness.
In practical terms, this similarity in housing materials means that regardless of which switch is chosen, the user can anticipate a consistent auditory experience influenced heavily by the nylon used. The quality of the bottom housing will contribute more significantly to the bottom-out feel and sound when the key is pressed, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, having nylon in both top and bottom housings ensures that the overall typing acoustic is harmonious, helping users enjoy a similar feel and sound with both the Macchiato and Silent Yellow Jade switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Macchiato switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which provides a more substantial feel that some users appreciate for its tactile feedback. Consequently, the Macchiato is the lighter option, offering a gentler typing experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade is heavier, catering to those who favor a stronger push. If you are looking for a softer touch, the Macchiato would be ideal, whereas if you prefer a firmer keystroke, the Silent Yellow Jade might be the better choice.
Travel distance
The HMX Macchiato linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing the Macchiato, you can expect a deeper and more substantial keystroke, which some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade will provide a quicker response time due to its shorter 3.3 mm travel distance, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming and rapid key presses. Ultimately, while the Macchiato offers a more pronounced depth with its longer travel distance, the Silent Yellow Jade caters to those who favor a responsive, albeit shallower, pressing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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 Macchiato switch offers a bright and cheerful auditory profile that can provide an uplifting experience while typing. Its design allows for a more resonant sound, lending a lively character to each keystroke. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is engineered for a more muted, "thocky" sound that prioritizes discretion, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments. While the Macchiato’s sound might be more pronounced, the Silent Yellow Jade ensures a serene typing experience without sacrificing the audible feedback that tactile enthusiasts appreciate.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Macchiato is celebrated for its silky smoothness, allowing users to glide effortlessly across the keyboard with minimal resistance or friction. This creates a fluid typing experience that can be enjoyable for long typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade features a pronounced tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback upon actuation. This tactile sensation is crisp and punchy, which can help typists feel more connected to their keystrokes. While the Macchiato offers a seamless feel, the Silent Yellow Jade delivers a more engaging tactile feedback that many users find pleasurable.
Overall, both the HMX Macchiato and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Macchiato is ideal for those who appreciate a brighter auditory experience combined with a smooth motion, while the Silent Yellow Jade is perfect for users who desire a quieter setting without sacrificing the tactile pleasure of typing. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or tactile feedback, but both are designed to enhance the typing experience in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should consider your personal typing preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a lightweight, smooth typing experience and enjoy the bright, satisfying sound profile offered by the Macchiato, particularly in quieter settings or for casual gaming, then this switch will likely suit you well. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with a noticeable bump and appreciate the quieter operation suitable for office environments or shared spaces, the Silent Yellow Jade with its medium-heavy force and thocky sound would be a better match. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a silky smooth typing experience or a more tactile and muted feel, both of which cater to different preferences and situations.
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