Outemu Silent Yellow vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves deliberating between options like the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX SU, both of which are linear switches designed to provide smooth keystrokes. The Outemu Silent Yellow is notable for its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a peaceful typing experience, whether at home or in shared workspaces. On the other hand, the HMX SU stands out with its robust PA12 housing and T5 stem, offering a unique sound profile that is subtly deep and satisfying, which may appeal to users who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback without the harshness of clicky or tactile switches. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches hinges on personal preferences regarding noise levels and the tactile 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX SU switches, one significant distinction lies in the top housing composition. The Silent Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality allows users to experience a more resonant and clear sound, especially beneficial for those who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing, a material that is softer and embodies a classic choice for switch casings. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder auditory experience—catering to users who may prefer a more muted sound signature.
Turning to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX SU switches employ nylon for this component. This similarity suggests that the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will be largely comparable due to the properties of nylon, which tend to absorb sound and contribute to a deeper auditory profile. Consequently, despite their differing top housing materials leading to distinct sounds when releasing keys, both switches will exhibit a rich, full-bodied sound at bottom-out resulting from the nylon used in their base. This commonality ensures that regardless of the top housing contrast, users can expect a certain level of auditory fullness during key presses with both switch types.
Overall, the differences in top housing materials between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX SU result in a unique auditory experience for users, tailored by their individual preferences—those who enjoy a more pronounced sound will lean towards the polycarbonate of the Silent Yellow, while those looking for a softer tone might favor the nylon top of the SU. However, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches harmonizes their bottom-out experiences, providing a fullness that complements the diverging characteristics of their tops. Ultimately, while distinct sounds are present, the interplay between the two housing materials facilitates a well-rounded typing experience across both models.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch have distinct characteristics when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in this regard; users can expect similar responsiveness when pressing down for a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly: the Silent Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the HMX SU is lighter at 50 grams. This difference in bottom out force suggests that while both switches feel similar during initial actuation, the Silent Yellow will require more force to fully depress compared to the HMX SU. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience suited for prolonged use, the HMX SU may be the better option, as its overall lighter feel will reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, typists who enjoy a firmer, more substantial feedback when typing might lean towards the Silent Yellow due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Silent Yellow boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the most traditional distance favored by many users who appreciate a more substantial depth when typing. In contrast, the HMX SU features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is indicative of the modern trend towards quicker response times that many gamers find advantageous. While both switches provide a linear action, the Silent Yellow's longer travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile experience, while the shorter travel distance of the SU may feel more abrupt, catering to those who prefer speed over depth. Thus, for individuals who prioritize responsiveness in their keystrokes, the HMX SU is the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a deeper typing experience would likely prefer the Outemu Silent Yellow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
The Outemu Silent Yellow 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 linear switch is relatively quiet, designed for a more subdued typing experience. This makes it an excellent option for settings where noise can be a concern, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch boasts a subtle, relatively deep sound profile thanks to its unique PA12 housing and T5 stem combination. This results in a sound that is more pronounced and may offer a richer auditory feedback experience compared to the Silent Yellow, making it well-suited for users who appreciate a bit more character in their typing acoustics. However, it’s important to note that the ultimate sound profile can vary significantly depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is generally characterized by its smooth and consistent keystrokes, providing a pleasant typing experience without any tactile bumps or clicks, which appeals to those who favor uninterrupted linear actuation. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is designed with a focus on a smooth action but coupled with its specific construction might impart a different tactile sensation during use. The full PA12 housing and T5 stem may influence how the switch engages, potentially delivering a slightly different feedback that could affect user preference between these two options.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch focuses primarily on quiet operation, the HMX SU linear switch offers a deeper sound with a potentially different tactile experience. Users considering these switches can expect the Silent Yellow to excel in noise reduction, whereas the HMX SU might appeal to those looking for a richer auditory profile without sacrificing the smoothness characteristic of linear switches. Depending on personal preference and usage context, either switch could cater to different needs; however, both would provide a linear experience that excels in smooth actuation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Silent Yellow may be ideal for your typing style, giving you a slight resistance that can enhance your typing accuracy and help prevent accidental key presses. It's worth noting that while the Silent Yellow excels in providing a fairly linear feel, it doesn’t carry a specific reputation for unique characteristics, making it a solid choice for those who seek a reliable and standard typing experience without any bells and whistles. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch, the HMX SU, with its 50 grams of bottom out force, could be your preferred option; it allows for faster actuation with less effort, which might be beneficial for gaming or rapid typing. Additionally, the SU's full PA12 housing and T5 stem provide a subtly deep sound profile that enhances auditory feedback, which can be pleasing if you enjoy a more robust acoustic experience while typing. In summary, if you prioritize moderate actuation and a straightforward typing feel, go with the Silent Yellow; however, if you lean towards a lighter and more acoustically gratifying switch, the HMX SU is likely the better choice for you.
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