Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g often highlights the personal preferences of typists. The Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying and muted "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy feedback with each keystroke, allowing for a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is a linear switch designed for an ultra-quiet operation and ultra-light actuation force of just 43g, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless, smooth typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. While both switches cater to different tastes—tactile feedback versus silent linear action—it ultimately boils down to your typing style and environment. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g highlights both similarities and distinctions in their construction. Both switches feature a nylon top housing, which is renowned for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is primarily due to nylon's inherent properties as a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a sound that is more rounded and muted. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience when pressing down on the key, with the nylon material contributing to a satisfying and subdued tone.
However, the bottom housing materials introduce a notable contrast between the two switches, influencing the overall sound and feel during typing. The Silent Yellow Jade employs a nylon bottom housing, mirroring its top housing qualities and ensuring continuity in sound absorption characteristics. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which brings a sharper and crisper sound profile to the table. Polycarbonate's composition—being a stiffer plastic—creates a more resonant sound, particularly noticeable when bottoming out the key. This fundamental difference in the bottom housing material means that while both switches share a similar auditory quality when pressed, the manner in which they express sound upon key release and bottoming out diverges significantly.
The implications of these differences in housing materials highlight the multifaceted nature of switch design. With both switches having nylon top housings, users experience consistency in how the sound behaves on key release. However, the contrasting bottom materials ensure that there is a distinct difference in acoustic feedback when the keys are bottomed out. Essentially, while both switches can offer comparable overall typing experiences in terms of sound profile when pressed, the unique characteristics of their bottom housing materials serve to enrich the user experience, providing a layer of complexity that caters to different auditory preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the two will often come down to an individual's preference for either the mellow consistency of nylon or the pronounced clarity offered by polycarbonate.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch differ significantly in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Yellow Jade features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that might appeal to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is notably lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This lower force makes it potentially more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to engage. Thus, while the Silent Yellow Jade may cater to users who enjoy a firmer push, the Silent Sakura - 43g presents a comfortable option for those who prioritize ease of use and reduced finger fatigue. Overall, the Silent Yellow Jade is the heavier option, while the Silent Sakura - 43g is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a clear difference. The Silent Yellow Jade features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can facilitate rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura’s 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, which some users may find preferable for its deeper, more substantial actuation. Ultimately, those who prioritize responsiveness might lean towards the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, whereas others who appreciate a more pronounced depth might opt for the HMX Silent Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g 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 switches provide a “thocky” acoustic signature that adds a pleasing depth to each keystroke, making it enjoyable for typists who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback. The muted nature of the sound embodies a balance between quiet operation and tactile satisfaction, striking a good compromise for those in quieter environments. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches focus on delivering an extremely subdued acoustic experience, characterized by a whisper-quiet typing sound akin to the gentle patter of raindrops. This makes them ideal for users looking for minimal noise, particularly in shared spaces or during late-night typing sessions. While both switches aim for quiet operation, the character of the sounds they produce is quite different, with the Silent Yellow Jade offering more auditory personality compared to the Silent Sakura’s extremely subtle approach.
In terms of feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switches are known for their tactile bump, which provides a satisfying degree of feedback without being overly aggressive. This tactile response ensures that users can feel when their keystrokes register, enhancing typing accuracy and speed. The switches possess a certain firmness that caters to those who value a more deliberate typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches present an ultra-light bottom-out force, making them particularly suited for users who prefer a soft and responsive typing experience. Their linear action means less tactile feedback, offering a smoother keystroke progression, which can appeal to those who favor rapid typing without the resistance of tactile bumps. While both switches offer unique feels, the Silent Yellow Jade's tactile presence contrasts sharply with the Silent Sakura's focus on effortless keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to specific typing preferences, though they deliver very different experiences. The Silent Yellow Jade provides a mix of quiet operations paired with a pronounced tactile sensation, whereas the Silent Sakura’s features a whisper-quiet linear action with an ultra-light touch. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback combined with sound or a smooth, silent typing experience with minimal resistance. If sound and feel are paramount to your typing style, considering these qualities will help steer you toward the switch that best fits your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more tactile experience with a punchy bump and don't mind a slightly heavier actuation force of 65 grams, the Silent Yellow Jade will provide you with a satisfying "thocky" sound that enhances your typing rhythm. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback while they type and appreciate a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter touch and a seamless, linear experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch is your go-to option. With its whisper-quiet operation and gentle 43-gram bottom-out force, it's perfect for creating a serene work or gaming environment, especially for those who type lightly or enjoy long typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only how much tactile feedback you desire but also the kind of sound profile and weight that best suit your typing habits.
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