Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch, to the HMX Swift, a linear switch, two prominent options emerge for users seeking different typing experiences. The Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. On the other hand, the Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, attributed to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Silent Yellow Jade provides a tactile feel for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience, the Swift appeals to users looking for a smooth and quiet linear switch. 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
42g
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
3.90 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 extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Swift, both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housing. This means that typing on these switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both switches creates a softer feel when typing, making them suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Swift differ in their overall design and construction. The Silent Yellow Jade may have specific features or enhancements in its housing that cater to a certain typing experience, such as reduced key wobble or improved stability. On the other hand, the HMX Swift may prioritize a different aspect of the typing experience, such as key actuation force or key travel distance. These differences in design can impact the overall feel and performance of the switches, even though they both use nylon housing.
In terms of sound and feel, the nylon housing of the Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Swift will provide similar results due to the inherent properties of nylon plastic. However, subtle differences in the design and construction of the switches may result in slight variations in the typing experience. It is important for users to consider not only the housing material but also other factors such as switch design, actuation force, and key travel distance when choosing between the Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Swift for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Swift switch is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch is heavier, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Swift switch requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out compared to the Silent Yellow Jade switch, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, some users may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade switch for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Swift switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade switch. The shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade switch may be preferred by individuals who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Swift switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, contrasting with the clacky sound profile of the HMX Swift switch. The Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a more subdued auditory experience, perfect for those looking for a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the Swift switch delivers a sharper and snappier sound when pressed, adding a distinct percussive quality to keystrokes. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches comes down to personal taste and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is known for its tactile typing experience with a punchy tactile bump, providing feedback to the user during keystrokes. In comparison, the HMX Swift switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a smooth and low-impact typing feel with a light actuation force of 42g. The Silent Yellow Jade switch focuses on delivering a tactile and responsive typing experience, while the Swift switch aims to provide effortless and comfortable typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue. Choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more tactile feedback or a lighter keypress with smooth actuation.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch and the HMX Swift switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet and tactile typing experience with a "thocky" sound, the HMX Swift switch offers a clacky sound profile with easy-to-press and feathery keypresses. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so it is essential to consider the desired sound and feel when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a quiet, tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a deeper sound profile, the HMX Swift linear switch would be more suitable for you. With its silky smoothness and delicate 42g actuation force, the Swift switch provides an easy-to-press typing feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound profile, so consider these factors when making your decision.
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