Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a quiet, tactile experience that is ideal for those who appreciate a subtle bump without the distraction of noise. With their unique translucent jade yellow housing and factory-lubed design, these switches produce a satisfying "thocky" sound that enhances the tactile feedback, making them great for both work and gaming environments where noise reduction is preferred. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam switches present an entirely different experience with their linear design, characterized by a smooth keystroke and a delightful clack at the top-out. Manufactured by HMX, known for their quality lubrication, these switches are perfect for those who seek a fluid typing experience without any tactile interruptions. Whether you prioritize a quiet, textured feel or a seamless, clicky response, both options present compelling reasons to choose them. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Sunset Gleam, the most significant distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Silent Yellow Jade utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is renowned for producing deeper and fuller sound profiles due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a more muted auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam employs polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate not only enhances clarity and resonance but also allows for a more vibrant sound profile, especially appealing for typists who prefer a more pronounced auditory response. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it an attractive option for RGB lighting setups, as it effectively diffuses light for a visually captivating display.
The bottom housings of both switches reflect a different story, as they both feature nylon materials. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent sound experience at the bottom of the keystroke, where nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a deeper, more rounded sound profile regardless of whether they are using the Silent Yellow Jade or the Sunset Gleam. The universal use of nylon in the bottom housing results in a tactile experience that shares common attributes, providing a solid base feel while typing. However, it is essential to note that the interaction between the two different top housing materials and the shared bottom housing will influence the overall sound and feel of each switch.
In essence, while the Silent Yellow Jade and Sunset Gleam diverge in their top housing materials, resulting in different sound profiles during key release, they remain aligned in their bottom housing composition, yielding similar deeper sound characteristics when bottoming out. The contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate offer typists a choice based on their sound preference and aesthetic needs, allowing for a tailored experience. When pressing the keys, one can expect to feel the depth and fullness brought by the nylon bottoms of both switches, ensuring a cohesive typing experience despite the varying sounds produced when released.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Yellow Jade features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which positions it as a medium-heavy option ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for those who prioritize longer typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. Consequently, if users seek a lighter touch and quicker keystrokes, the Sunset Gleam would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if they appreciate a firmer response, the Silent Yellow Jade would be more appealing. Overall, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences for typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find that the Silent Yellow Jade features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sunset Gleam offers a slightly longer distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response time, the Silent Yellow Jade is the better choice with its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers aiming for efficiency. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and pronounced keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Overall, if you're seeking more responsiveness, go for the Silent Yellow Jade, whereas if you enjoy a more substantial key press, the HMX Sunset Gleam would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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 offers a notably subdued auditory profile characterized by a quiet, yet satisfying "thocky" sound. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. The HMX Sunset Gleam, on the other hand, produces a more pronounced sound with its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, catering to users who enjoy a more audible typing experience that still maintains a linear smoothness. While both switches provide a distinctive acoustics experience, the choice between them primarily comes down to whether a user prioritizes silence or expresses a preference for sound during their usage.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is renowned for its punchy tactile bump, making each keypress perceptibly engaging without being overly distracting. This tactility provides a satisfying response whether you're typing or gaming, ensuring a responsive feel with each action. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam is a linear switch that boasts a smooth keystroke without any tactile resistance. This fluidity allows for rapid key presses with minimal friction, making it particularly appealing for gamers who appreciate glide and speed over tactile feedback. Both switches serve different user preferences: the Silent Yellow Jade excites with its tactile response, while the Sunset Gleam champions a smooth and unhindered experience.
Overall, the decision between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch largely hinges on individual preference for sound and feel. If you prioritize a quiet yet tactile typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade is ideal, while the Sunset Gleam is perfect for those who favor a smooth, linear action with a bit more auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality typing experiences tailored to different tastes, meaning that regardless of your choice, you can attain satisfying results with either option.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you find yourself in a shared space where noise could be a distraction, or if you prefer a tactile feedback that offers a satisfying bump while remaining quiet, the Silent Yellow Jade would be an excellent choice. Its heavier actuation force of 65 grams may provide a more deliberate typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a robust tactile response. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and enjoy the smoothness of a linear switch, the HMX Sunset Gleam is likely the better option for you. With its light 48-gram bottom-out force, it allows for swift key presses, ideal for fast typists or gamers who value speed over tactile feedback. The Sunset Gleam's unique clack sound adds a lively touch to your typing experience, making it appealing for those who appreciate the auditory feedback that accompanies each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style, the environment you type in, and whether you prioritize tactile engagement or a fluid linear feel.
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