Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Perky can significantly shape your typing experience. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its quiet operation and satisfying "thocky" sound, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the clatter typically associated with mechanical keyboards. With its factory-lubed design and unique translucent jade yellow housing, this switch provides a punchy tactile bump that enhances the overall typing experience while keeping noise levels to a minimum. In contrast, the HMX Perky, a linear switch, offers a softer and notably quiet typing experience thanks to its glittery nylon housing. The Perky's appeal lies in its neutral feel and shorter travel distance, resulting in a more condensed typing experience, ideal for those who prefer smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. Each switch offers distinct advantages depending on your typing preferences—whether you value the tactile feedback of the Silent Yellow Jade or the fluidity of the HMX Perky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
T2
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and HMX Perky feature a nylon housing for both their top and bottom components, which results in similarities in their acoustic profiles. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound when typing, attributed to its relatively soft plastic composition. This characteristic allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, creating a sound that is rounder and less piercing. As a result, users of both switches can expect a muted yet satisfying auditory experience, reinforcing the notion that the fundamental properties of both switches will deliver similar performance.
When examining the housing materials more closely, it becomes clear that the uniformity of using nylon for both the top and bottom housings in both models contributes to their sound quality. Each switch's bottom housing notably influences the bottom-out sound and feel upon actuation, while the top housing predominately impacts the sound when releasing a key. This means that even though the switches come from different brands, the construction using nylon throughout leads to a coherent sound profile. Users can expect tactile feedback and auditory characteristics that are consistently satisfying irrespective of the brand differentiation.
However, while the materials are identical, the overall experience might vary based on additional factors such as design, spring type, and the specific tuning of each switch. Variations in these elements could lead to distinctions in typing feel and performance. Nevertheless, the shared essence of nylon as the housing material ensures a fundamental similarity in sound production and tactile response. Users who prioritize deeper, muted sounds in their typing experience will find satisfaction in both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and HMX Perky switches, highlighting that while they may appear distinct, their shared nylon construction underlines their common acoustic qualities.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience; this can provide a satisfying push feel, which is beneficial for those who enjoy feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Perky features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it allows for less strain on the fingers. Therefore, while the Silent Yellow Jade is the heavier option, providing a stronger push, the Perky is lighter, offering ease and comfort for prolonged use. Overall, these switches cater to different preferences, with the Silent Yellow Jade favoring those who enjoy a heavier feel and the Perky appealing to users who prioritize a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Silent Yellow Jade measures at 3.3 mm, while the Perky has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. The difference in travel distance is minimal, with the Silent Yellow Jade offering a shorter distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Conversely, the HMX Perky, with its greater travel of 3.4 mm, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a heartier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in keypresses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch produces a quiet, yet satisfying "thocky" sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. This allows users to enjoy a tactile feedback without disturbing others in the vicinity. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch delivers a neutral sound profile that may not be as pronounced as the Yellow Jade, but still offers a pleasant auditory feedback thanks to its deeper construction. Importantly, the sound of both switches can be influenced by the type of keyboard you use and the keycaps you select, meaning you may achieve similar results if you choose the right components.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is known for its punchy tactile bump, which provides a clear sensation of actuation that many typists find engaging and satisfying. This tactile feedback is complemented by the switch's factory-lubed nature, contributing to a smooth typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Perky switch is characterized by a softer feel, allowing for a more neutral typing experience that lacks the pronounced tactile feedback but still registers nicely under the fingers. The shorter travel distance of the Perky switch enhances its responsiveness, making it suitable for those who prefer quick keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and HMX Perky switches provide unique typing experiences with their distinct auditory and tactile characteristics. While the Silent Yellow Jade excels in delivering a quiet yet tactile experience with its "thocky" sound, the Perky offers a more neutral feel with a condensed typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, as well as the configuration of your keyboard setup, which can help you achieve your desired typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences for typing feel, sound, and force. If you value a tactile bump that provides feedback during typing while also prioritizing quietness, the Silent Yellow Jade is an excellent choice, especially in environments like offices or shared spaces where noise may be an issue. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams gives a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing experience if you prefer a sturdier feel beneath your fingers. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter and smoother typing experience with a more neutral feedback, the HMX Perky linear switch may be more suitable for you. With a softer actuation force of 50 grams and a focus on shorter travel distances, the Perky provides a fast and fluid typing experience, making it great for rapid gaming or prolonged typing sessions where fatigue might be a concern. In essence, choose the Silent Yellow Jade for its tactile prowess and quiet operation, while opting for the HMX Perky if you lean towards a lighter, more streamlined typing experience.
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