Outemu Silent Yellow vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that each switch offers unique advantages. The Silent Yellow is a linear switch that is best known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Swift linear switch stands out for its deep sound profile and smooth feel, with a delicate 42g actuation force. While the Silent Yellow is categorized as being silent, the Swift is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy', offering a different 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX Swift, we find that both switches use nylon for their bottom housings. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Silent Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The Swift, on the other hand, features a nylon top housing, which is also known for producing a deeper sound compared to polycarbonate. Overall, while both switches have nylon bottom housings in common, their top housings provide differing sound profiles due to the materials used.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Outemu Silent Yellow gives it an advantage in terms of sound clarity and resonant tones. This stiffer plastic material creates a more distinct sound profile, especially when coupled with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Swift's nylon top housing offers a classic switch material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience. While both materials have their merits, the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing may be preferred for those seeking a crisper and more defined sound, while the Swift's nylon top housing may appeal to those wanting a richer and rounder sound.
When considering the overall typing experience, the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and HMX Swift play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each switch. The split between the top and bottom housings means that the qualities of each material are divided between the bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key. The Silent Yellow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a mix of sharp, crisp sounds and deeper tones. In comparison, the Swift's nylon top and bottom housings provide a consistent, deeper sound profile throughout the typing process. Ultimately, while the housing materials may vary between the two switches, they both contribute to creating a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams compared to the HMX Swift linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Yellow also requires more pressure at 80 grams, while the Swift is lighter at 50 grams. These differences in force make the Silent Yellow better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Swift is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches greatly impact the typing experience, providing options for users who have varying preferences in terms of weight and feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Silent Yellow being slightly longer than the Swift. Gamers may prefer the Swift switch for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 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 switch is known for its quiet operation with minimal noise compared to other mechanical switches. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is described as having a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This clacky sound is attributed to its full nylon housings, which provide a deeper and more resonant tone. The choice between these two switches in terms of sound ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Silent Yellow offering a quieter typing experience while the Swift delivers a more audible and tactile feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, offering a linear feel with no tactile bump. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. These qualities indicate that the Swift switch provides a light actuation force, minimal finger fatigue, and a smooth typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Silent Yellow focuses more on a linear and consistent feel, while the Swift caters to those who prefer a lighter touch and a more tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Yellow provides a quieter typing experience with smooth and consistent keystrokes, while the Swift switch delivers a louder and more tactile feedback with easy-to-press actuation and a bouncy feel. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with these switches, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to the specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you would want to choose the Outemu Silent Yellow if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a deeper sound profile, and a silky smooth typing feel, then the HMX Swift would be the ideal choice for you. Consider your preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel to determine which switch best suits your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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