Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are distinct qualities that set them apart. The Silent Yellow Jade is favored for its 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 Xinhai boasts a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, achieved through its PA12 top housing and POM stem. While the Silent Yellow Jade provides a tactile typing experience, the Xinhai offers a bouncy and clacky feel, making it a great option for those seeking a creamy typing experience. 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
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Xinhai, it is evident that they both share nylon as the material for their bottom housing. This results in both switches having a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. However, the Xinhai stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing. The translucency of the polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade's decision to use nylon for both the top and bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience with a deeper sound profile. This uniformity in housing material may appeal to users looking for a more balanced and predictable typing feel. In contrast, the Xinhai's variation in housing materials creates a distinct difference between the bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key. This could provide a more dynamic typing experience for users who appreciate nuanced feedback while typing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both switches highlights the importance of material selection in determining the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While the Silent Yellow Jade offers a consistent typing experience with nylon housing throughout, the Xinhai provides a contrast with its polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches demonstrate the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences and needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is the lighter option. 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. On the other hand, the Xinhai features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Xinhai make it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being better for extended use and heavier switches offering a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how each travel distance feels when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 switch offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound due to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and factory-lubed components. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Silent Yellow Jade's tactile bump provides a noticeable feedback during typing, but specific descriptors are not provided. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is described as both "bouncy" and "creamy," offering a spring-like sensation with elastic feedback as well as a smooth and buttery typing experience due to factory lubrication or specific materials. The Xinhai excels in providing a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance, catering to those who value both feel and sound in their typing experience.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the HMX Xinhai switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound, the Xinhai switch delivers a clacky sound and a bouncy or creamy feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, one switch may be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards and keycap setups will allow you to determine which one best suits your preferences for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a quiet, tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a satisfying "thocky" sound, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics, and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, then the HMX Xinhai switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a lighter typing feel.
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