Outemu Silent Yellow vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two great options, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Silent Yellow is best known for its silence, providing a quiet typing experience that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch boasts a distinctive PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched sound profile. While the Silent Yellow offers a noiseless typing experience, the Xinhai switch provides a bouncy, clacky, and creamy feel. Both switches have their own advantages, but ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preference. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for switch housings designed for visual aesthetics. As such, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual appeal from both switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both the Silent Yellow and Xinhai offer a different typing experience compared to their polycarbonate top housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite having different top housings, the similarity in using nylon for the bottom housing means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback from both switches.
The division of housing materials in switches can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. With the qualities of polycarbonate and nylon split between the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Silent Yellow and HMX Xinhai, users can differentiate the typing experience based on whether they are pressing down or releasing a key. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division allows for a nuanced typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feedback.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a significantly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch. The Silent Yellow requires 65 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 80 grams to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai only needs 37 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. The difference in weight between the two switches highlights the importance of considering actuation and bottom out forces when choosing a switch that best suits individual preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm compared to the Silent Yellow's 4 mm. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai switch may be more appealing. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch with its slightly longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying tactile feel to those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 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 switch is best known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch has a unique and distinctive clacky sound profile. The Xinhai's sharp and snappy sound provides a crisp, bright, and percussive tone when pressed. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, as sound can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycap material.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch offers a smooth and linear typing experience, with a consistent actuation force throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel. The bouncy sensation of the Xinhai switch provides a lively feedback that gives a spring-like rebound when keys are pressed. Additionally, the creamy feel of the Xinhai switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, contributing to a silky sensation with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a linear and consistent feel or a bouncy and creamy typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is best for those seeking a quiet and linear typing experience, while the HMX Xinhai switch is ideal for individuals looking for a clacky sound profile with a bouncy and creamy feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it's important to consider your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel when choosing between the two. Keep in mind that the overall typing experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build, keycap material, and personal typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a heavier bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound profile along with a bouncy and creamy feel, the HMX Xinhai linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style, sound preference, and desired key feel. Consider these factors carefully before making a decision to ensure you choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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