Outemu Silent Yellow vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer distinct tactile experiences and acoustical profiles. The Outemu Silent Yellow switch stands out for its serene operation, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience, particularly in shared spaces or during late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch appeals to those who appreciate heft and precision in their keystrokes; its construction—featuring a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for crisp feedback—promises a more robust feel and a distinctively higher-pitched sound. Both switches cater to different preferences, offering unique benefits that can enhance your typing or gaming 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
The Outemu Silent Yellow and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches showcase a fascinating contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Silent Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This stiffer plastic creates a more resonant sound, which can be particularly appealing for users who value clear and bright feedback during typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs nylon for its top housing, yielding a notably different sound profile that leans towards a deeper and fuller resonance. This is attributed to nylon's softer characteristics, which help to absorb sound and create a more subdued auditory feedback. As a result, the choice of top housing material plays a crucial role in defining the overall sound attributes of these two switches.
When examining the bottom housings, it becomes evident that the Outemu Silent Yellow and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon for both components. This commonality contributes to a similar auditory effect when users bottom out the switches, as the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities are prominent regardless of the top housing material. Therefore, while the Silent Yellow may provide a sharper sound on the release due to its polycarbonate top, the deeper and rounder sound produced by the nylon bottom remains consistent across both switches. The shared nylon material in the bottom housing enhances the overall typing experience, creating a fuller sound that can satisfy users looking for a solid feel and sound feedback.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials differentiate the Outemu Silent Yellow and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) in a way that impacts the typing experience meaningfully. The combination of polycarbonate in the Silent Yellow's top and nylon in its bottom creates a unique auditory experience with a bright attack and full bottom-out sound. Conversely, the nylon top housing in the Xinhai (Heavy) yields a more uniform sound profile characterized by warmth and depth. Despite their differences, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which ensures that users will experience a richer sound when pressing down on either switch. Consequently, those who appreciate a clear sound with a sharp finish may lean towards the Outemu Silent Yellow, while those who prefer a deeper, more muted auditory feedback may find the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) more to their liking.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch exhibit some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Yellow has a lower actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Xinhai's heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which makes the Silent Yellow a lighter option for users who prefer less resistance while typing or gaming. This lighter force can contribute to extended typing sessions without fatigue, making it an excellent choice for those who need to bring their keyboard to work or engage in long gaming marathons. Conversely, the Xinhai switch, with its stronger actuation force, offers a more substantial typing feel, catering to users who enjoy a firmer push for a more tactile experience. In terms of bottom out forces, the Silent Yellow bottoms out at 60 grams, while the Xinhai achieves a slightly higher force of 62.5 grams. This further emphasizes the heavier nature of the Xinhai switch overall, as it not only requires more force to actuate but also to bottom out. In summary, the Outemu Silent Yellow is the lighter option, ideal for those seeking a softer touch, whereas the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch provides a firmer resistance suitable for individuals who favor a stronger typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Silent Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with the more traditional standard, offering a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial keypress experience. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This reduced distance caters to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, though some may find it feels too abrupt. As a result, if you prioritize depth and the tactile sensation of a full keystroke, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be the better choice. Conversely, if responsiveness and speed are your main concern, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a slight advantage with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have a defined acoustic profile indicated in the information, which means its characteristics may be relatively neutral or less described. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is engineered with a unique PA12 top housing that provides a softer acoustics profile, complemented by a POM stem that delivers a crisp and higher-pitched resonance. This combination suggests that the Xinhai (Heavy) switch leans towards a more refined auditory experience, allowing for more pronounced sound dynamics, while the Silent Yellow might produce a more muted, understated sound, making it ideal for quieter environments. However, it's essential to consider that the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by the keyboard's structure, materials, and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Silent Yellow switch lacks a specific description, which leaves its tactile feedback a bit of a mystery. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, however, is celebrated for its blend of weight and precision, which implies a solid, satisfying keypress experience. This heavier variant is likely to provide a more substantial downstroke and an enjoyable, controlled tactile sensation, appealing to users who prefer a more tangible feedback during typing. Without specific information about the Silent Yellow's feel, it's difficult to make a direct comparison, but if one were to prefer a lighter touch based on its naming, they could contrast the experience directly with the more tactile confirmation offered by the Xinhai (Heavy).
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch presents an uncertain sound profile and an undisclosed feel, making it a more enigmatic choice for those who may prioritize subtlety and silence. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch stands out with its sophisticated acoustics and a strong tactile response, aimed at users seeking precision and a pronounced auditory experience. Overall, for newcomers, considering personal preferences along with these descriptions can significantly aid in selecting the most suitable switch for their mechanical keyboard setup, keeping in mind how factors such as the keyboard base and keycaps will ultimately influence the experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, your preferences and priorities will guide your decision. If you value a balanced typing experience with medium actuation that focuses on a quiet performance, the Silent Yellow is a solid choice, especially in environments where noise reduction is essential or when you prefer a more subdued acoustic profile. However, if you're looking for a slightly heavier feel with a crisper resonance and appreciate the sophisticated design cues of the Xinhai switches, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) may be more suitable for you, providing a richer auditory experience and a tactile reward during your typing sessions. Ultimately, consider what aspect holds more weight for you—sound or feel—whether you enjoy the serene typing experience of the Silent Yellow or the refined acoustics and heft of the Xinhai (Heavy). By evaluating your typing style and environment, you'll be able to make an informed choice that enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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