Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a tactile and a linear switch can significantly affect your typing experience. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a unique combination of a quiet yet tactile feel, providing users with a "thocky" sound that is both satisfying and discreet. As part of Outemu's silent tactile lineup, these switches are ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile bump while wanting to minimize noise, making them perfect for office environments or late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switches deliver a completely different experience with their ultra-light actuation force, promoting a silky smooth glide with every keystroke. Their bouncy, creamy texture and clacky sound profile make them appealing for gamers or typists who favor speed and agility over tactile feedback. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, whether you seek a soft tactile response or a seamless linear travel. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Poro are identical, utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This shared material choice leads to a consistent and characteristic typing experience for both switch types. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound effectively, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. As a result, both switches produce a typing experience that is richer and more subdued compared to those constructed with harder plastics, allowing for an overall more pleasant acoustic environment.
Both the Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Poro, through their nylon housing, emphasize a similar sound signature. Users can expect a duller and rounder sound when typing, as the nylon material inherently minimizes high frequencies and sharp clicks commonly associated with mechanical switches made from harder plastics. Consequently, whether one chooses the Silent Yellow Jade or the HMX Poro, the acoustics of typing will remain consistent and enjoyable, providing a satisfying auditory feedback whether bottoming out or releasing the keys.
While the two switch models share the same material characteristics due to the use of nylon in both their top and bottom housings, it's essential to acknowledge that the overall typing feel and sound will depend on other factors such as key design and switch actuation. However, users can rest assured that the unified nylon construction ensures a comparable typing experience between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Poro, reinforcing the advantages of using nylon for sound absorption and profile depth, promoting a cohesive typing experience across both switch types.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch present distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Poro switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Poro switch is notably lighter overall, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. On the other hand, the heavier Silent Yellow Jade offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push during their typing experience. Because their actuation and bottom out forces differ, users will experience a distinct typing feel with each switch, catering to different preferences regarding typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, it is evident that the two switches differ in their travel lengths. The Silent Yellow Jade has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Poro offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel during gameplay, the Silent Yellow Jade may be the better choice due to its shorter distance. On the other hand, the Poro's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced key press, providing a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preference regarding response time and the overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch produces a unique combination of muted and thocky qualities. Users can expect a softer, quieter sound that minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard noise while still delivering a deep, satisfying thock with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is paramount but tactile feedback is still desired. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch generates a crisp and bright clacky sound profile. With its snappy acoustic feedback, key presses provide a more lively auditory experience, which may be more engaging for some users but potentially disruptive in quiet settings.
In terms of feel, the differences between the two switches are notable. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade features a sharp tactile bump that delivers high feedback intensity with every keypress. This distinct tactile sensation allows typists to feel each actuation clearly, making it a favorite for those who thrive on precision and responsiveness. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch boasts a bouncy and creamy feel, characterized by a smooth, gliding motion that provides a springy feedback sensation. The meticulous lubrication contributes to a buttery typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes with little resistance, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions.
In conclusion, while both switches offer enjoyable experiences, they cater to different preferences and environments. The Silent Yellow Jade excels in providing a quiet yet tactile experience with a satisfying thocky sound, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. Conversely, the HMX Poro linear switch is tailored for users who appreciate a smooth, effortless typing feel alongside a crisp, clacky sound. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying experiences, but your choice should depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and noise reduction or a smooth and lively typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and application. If you prefer a typing experience that is both quiet and tactile, the Silent Yellow Jade is an excellent option, particularly if you value a satisfying "thock" sound and a sharp tactile feedback that can enhance your typing precision. This switch is ideal for office settings or shared environments where noise levels need to be kept at a minimum, and its medium-heavy bottom-out force can provide an engaging typing experience for those who appreciate a bit more resistance. On the other hand, if you find yourself drawn to a smoother, lighter typing feel, the HMX Poro linear switch will likely be your go-to. With its ultra-light actuation force and silky glide, this switch excels in fast-paced gaming scenarios or for lengthy typing sessions where comfort is paramount; the poppy and clacky sound profile adds a fun dynamic to your experience. Ultimately, assess your typing habits, environment, and what sensations you enjoy while typing to make the most suitable choice between these two distinctive switches.
Mentioned in this article
