Outemu Silent Yellow vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often hinges on individual preferences, especially when comparing options like the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Silent Yellow is celebrated for its seamless linear actuation, making it an excellent choice for those who value a quieter typing experience without the tactile feedback often found in other switches. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is tailored specifically for gamers, featuring a remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm. This rapid-response capability enhances gaming performance, particularly for quick, successive key presses, while its bright, clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory experience. Both switches offer their own unique benefits—whether you prefer the whisper-quiet efficiency of the Silent Yellow or the speedy, dynamic responsiveness of the Vintage Citrus. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches' housing materials contribute significantly to their respective sound profiles and overall typing experiences, although they utilize different materials for the top housing. The Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which inherently produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for clearer resonation during key presses. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, which actively dulls the sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The fundamental differences in these materials influence the overall acoustic characteristics, with the Silent Yellow aiming for a brighter tone and the Vintage Citrus favoring a more subdued auditory response.
Both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, which lends to a consistent element in their sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound compared to stiffer materials, yielding a rounder and more efficient bottom-out sound for both designs. Since both switches feature nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing feel and resonant effect when the key bottoms out. This shared aspect can create a unified experience when considering the depth of sound produced, even though the top housing results in contrasting outcomes.
Moreover, the interplay between the different materials in each switch highlights how the combination shapes the overall typing sensation. The Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing heightens the release sound upon key release, resulting in a more distinct acoustic projection. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus complements its nylon top with a lower sound profile which merges harmoniously with the nylon bottom to create a more consistent auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches use nylon for the bottom housing that influences bottom-out feedback similarly, the sound quality produced during actuation significantly diverges due to the differing top housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between them comes down to the preference for either a sharper sound or a fuller, dampened experience during the typing process.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Vintage Citrus sports a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions, as users may find it less fatiguing during long hours of work or gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its heavier actuation force, offers a more substantial push feel, which some users might prefer for tactile satisfaction. Overall, while both switches provide a medium to medium-light experience, the Silent Yellow is ideal for those who favor a lighter touch, whereas the Vintage Citrus caters to those who appreciate a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Silent Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Silent Yellow the longer option, providing a more traditional feel that some users may prefer for a more pronounced keypress experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus's shallower travel distance caters to gamers and those seeking quicker responsiveness, as shorter travel distances are increasingly favored for faster actuation in competitive settings. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference; if you prefer a softer, more gradual press, the Silent Yellow is ideal, whereas if you lean towards a snappier response, the Vintage Citrus would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have any specific sound profile detail provided, leaving its acoustic characteristics somewhat of a mystery. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch delivers a bright, clacky sound that is particularly appealing to gamers who appreciate audible feedback during rapid keyboard inputs. However, it’s important to note that the sound of any switch can vary depending on additional factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Yellow switch lacks a detailed description, making it challenging to assess its tactile properties. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth push feel, which contributes to its attractiveness for gaming scenarios where quick and fluid keystrokes are essential. This enhanced smoothness can allow for a more enjoyable typing experience, especially during extended use.
In summary, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch remains somewhat undefined regarding its sound and feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch shines with its bright acoustic profile and smooth actuation, tailored for fast-paced gaming. If you are considering these switches, it's advisable to remember that both options can lead to effective performance; however, the Vintage Citrus may provide a more satisfying auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice hinges on your personal preference and intended use—if you enjoy a lively sound and responsive feel, the Vintage Citrus is likely the better fit.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately hinges on your preferences and intended use. If you're seeking a balanced switch that provides a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, ideal for general typing and gaming without the distraction of noise, the Silent Yellow would be an excellent choice for a quiet workspace or shared environments. However, if your primary focus is on gaming performance, particularly for fast-paced action where rapid key presses are essential, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for that purpose with its lighter 53-gram actuation force and exceptionally low 1mm actuation point. This switch not only promotes quick response times but also delivers a bright, clacky sound that many gamers find satisfying. Ultimately, if smooth and silent operation is your priority, go for the Silent Yellow; conversely, if you want a speedy response that complements a vibrant auditory experience while gaming, the Vintage Citrus will serve you well. Your decision should reflect your specific needs, whether prioritizing quiet comforts or exhilarating gaming feedback.
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