Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your overall typing experience, and two popular options are the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its quiet operation combined with a satisfying "thocky" sound, making it ideal for those who seek a tactile sensation without disturbing others. Its factory-lubed design enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, while the distinct jade yellow housing adds a unique aesthetic touch. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, a linear switch, offers a whisper-quiet experience that appeals to typists who prefer a lighter keystroke with no tactile bump. With its balanced 53g bottom-out force, it delivers a smooth and consistent feel, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming where quick, unencumbered movements are essential. Both switches present compelling attributes depending on user preference—whether you favor tactile feedback or a smooth, linear feel—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
53g
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 Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches both utilize nylon for their top housing, showcasing a common choice that emphasizes sound characteristics while typing. Nylon's inherent properties contribute to a rich and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing soundwaves and resulting in a deeper tone when a key is pressed. As a classic switch housing material, this similarity means that users of both switch types will enjoy a muted auditory experience upon keystrokes, enhancing the overall typing environment by reducing sharp or clattering sounds. Thus, in terms of sound production from the top housing, both switches can provide a comparable level of acoustic comfort.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches present a fundamental difference that significantly influences the overall typing experience. The Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon bottom housing that, like its top counterpart, continues the trend of softer sound production. This consistency in material fosters a uniform auditory experience that is deeper and rounder at the base level. In stark contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which introduces a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. While the nylon base leads to a more cohesive overall auditory experience, the stiffness of polycarbonate allows for sharper sound production, impacting the bottom-out feel and tone during typing.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing materials will slightly alter the overall sound experience when typing on these switches, despite their shared nylon top housings. With the Silent Yellow Jade, users can expect a mellower and more integrated sound throughout the typing action, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g will deliver a varied auditory experience, blending both softer and crisper tones. However, both switches can still yield satisfying results for users, especially when considering the top housing's shared qualities. Consequently, those looking for a consistent sound profile may prefer the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory distinction may gravitate towards the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Yellow Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that requires a bit more pressure to both trigger and fully press down compared to the Silent Sakura, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, designating it as medium-light. This means that the Silent Sakura is better suited for users who prefer lighter keystrokes for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Silent Yellow Jade may appeal to those who favor a more substantial push feel and are comfortable with the heavier resistance. Ultimately, users should consider their typing preferences and ergonomics when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Silent Yellow Jade features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Silent Sakura measures 4 mm, making the Jade the shorter of the two options. This means that users of the Silent Yellow Jade may experience a quicker response time, which is especially beneficial for gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's 4 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer a more traditional and deeper typing experience, as it provides a more pronounced feedback with each key press. Ultimately, if you favor rapid responses and a more tactile feel, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade would likely be more appealing, while the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance might suit users who appreciate a fuller keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade comes in at $3.10, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50.
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 tactile switch produces a satisfying "thocky" sound that enhances the typing experience without being overly loud. This characteristic makes it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern, while still providing an audible feedback for typists who enjoy the acoustic enjoyment of their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features a whisper-quiet operation that resembles the gentle patter of raindrops, allowing for an extremely muted sound profile. This makes the Silent Sakura switch ideal for those who prioritize an ultra-quiet setting. While both switches aim to minimize noise, each offers a distinct auditory signature to cater to different preferences.
Regarding feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch delivers a tactile bump that is both pronounced and satisfying, making it an excellent option for typists who appreciate tactile feedback during their typing sessions. The tactile nature contributes to an engaging and responsive typing experience as users can distinctly feel when their keys register. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is characterized by its linear feel, offering a smooth keystroke with a balanced bottom-out force of 53g. This provides a consistency that many typists find soothing, especially for long typing sessions when a lighter touch is preferred. While the two switches differ in tactile feedback, they each provide their own unique appeal to various users.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch present distinct qualities tailored to different typing preferences. The Yellow Jade is perfect for those who enjoy a tactile bump and a “thocky” sound, making it engaging for active typists. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura caters to individuals seeking an ultra-quiet and smooth typing experience, ideal for maintaining a serene working environment. Depending on your specific needs for sound and feel, either option could serve you well, but the choice will ultimately hinge on whether you prefer tactile feedback or a linear, muted touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a satisfying tactile bump combined with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Silent Yellow Jade is an excellent choice. Its "thocky" sound adds a rich auditory experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback and don’t mind a bit more effort when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and smooth linear experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g might be better suited for you. With its medium-light 53-gram actuation force, it provides a soft touch that’s perfect for extended typing sessions, particularly in quieter environments where noise might be an issue. Ultimately, consider not just how each switch feels under your fingers, but also how their sound profiles and actuation forces align with your personal preferences and usage scenarios.
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