Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and HMX Twilight offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Silent Yellow Jade switches are celebrated for providing a quiet yet tactile typing experience, characterized by a satisfying "thocky" sound. As the third iteration in Outemu's silent tactile lineup, these factory-lubed switches boast a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, making them ideal for users who appreciate feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switches feature an extended 3.85mm travel distance, delivering a smoother keystroke with slightly quieter sound while preserving the signature clacky characteristics of HMX switches. This makes the Twilight an enticing option for those seeking a seamless typing experience without the tactile interruption. Each switch has its own appealing qualities, whether you're leaning towards the subtlety of the Silent Yellow Jade or the fluidity of the Twilight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style and preferences.
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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Twilight utilize nylon for both their top and bottom switch housings, providing a comparative foundation for evaluating their acoustic properties. As described, nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material due to its softer nature, which effectively absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic leads to a sound signature that is rounder and duller, enabling a more muted keypress experience. As both the Silent Yellow Jade and Twilight switches employ nylon for their housing, users can expect similarly nuanced auditory feedback during typing sessions.
In evaluating the similarities between the Silent Yellow Jade and HMX Twilight, it becomes evident that the overall acoustic signature derived from the nylon housing will be quite comparable. The dual nylon construction in both switches reinforces their ability to create a satisfying yet subdued typing experience. The impact of the softer nylon material means that the keypress gives off a consistent sound profile across both models, allowing for a range of preferences for typists seeking a quieter experience. Whether utilizing the Silent Yellow Jade or the HMX Twilight, individuals can anticipate a sound quality that aligns closely, with both switches delivering a smooth and engaging feedback while typing.
Despite the shared material composition, it is essential to recognize how the distribution of sound and feel can be influenced by the top and bottom housings within the switches. The bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out feel and sound when the key is fully pressed, while the top housing primarily affects the sound during key release. Therefore, even though both switches utilize nylon, the full typing experience may vary slightly depending on build quality, internal mechanics, or other factors, potentially leading to distinctions in feel and preference. However, since both models share the same housing material, users can expect to enjoy a generally unified sound experience irrespective of the minor differences in feel during activation and release.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to varying preferences among users. The Silent Yellow Jade features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade requires more force to activate, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Conversely, the Twilight’s lighter forces make it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, reducing finger fatigue. Consequently, users seeking a lighter touch should gravitate towards the HMX Twilight switch, while those desiring a heftier feel may find the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Silent Yellow Jade has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the Twilight boasts a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This variation may impact user experience significantly; those who prioritize responsiveness might lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade for its quicker actuation, whereas users who prefer a more pronounced key press may opt for the Twilight switch, which provides a deeper travel experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences for tactile feedback and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is renowned for its quiet yet satisfying "thocky" sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. This is complemented by its factory-lubed design, which minimizes any additional noise from friction between the switch components. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch, with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, maintains a slightly quieter sound compared to traditional linear switches but still embraces the characteristic clacky aural feedback associated with HMX switches. While the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more muted sound, both switches offer sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the HMX Twilight leaning more towards a lively sound but remaining relatively quiet due to its construction.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a punchy tactile bump that users find satisfying, imparting a noticeable feedback during key presses without being overly harsh on the fingers. This tactile nature helps typists to feel confident in each keystroke while enjoying a more controlled typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a smooth and consistent feel throughout its travel, delivering a fluid typing experience devoid of tactile bumps. For users who favor a seamless pressing motion without interruptions, the Twilight excels, while the Silent Yellow Jade caters to those who appreciate distinct tactile feedback.
In summary, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and HMX Twilight switches present unique sound and feel characteristics that appeal to different types of users. The Silent Yellow Jade promotes a quieter, tactile experience with a satisfying sound, ideal for those in quieter environments, while the Twilight provides a smooth, extended linear feel, suitable for users who prefer a more fluid pressing action. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preferences for sound and typing feedback, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience no matter which path you choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, consider your typing needs and environment. Opt for the Silent Yellow Jade if you value a tactile response and prefer a medium-heavy actuation force, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback while typing. This switch is particularly well-suited for quieter environments, as it offers a satisfying yet discreet "thocky" sound, making it a great choice for office settings or shared workspaces. On the other hand, choose the HMX Twilight if you favor a lighter, smoother action and don’t mind the slightly more pronounced sound that comes with its clacky characteristics. Its extended travel distance and lower actuation force make it perfect for rapid typing or gaming, where swift keystrokes matter. In essence, your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound levels, and use case scenarios will guide your decision, ensuring that you end up with the switch that most enhances your typing experience.
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