HMX SU vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX SU and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX SU and the Outemu Yellow Silver provide unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The HMX SU switch, characterized by its sturdy PA12 housing and T5 stem, offers a deeper sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This switch’s subtle yet resonant acoustics can enhance the tactile experience, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a bit of depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, favoring both gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. This switch allows for fast and precise key presses, which can be a game-changer in competitive scenarios or for prolonged typing sessions. While each switch has its merits—be it the rich audio quality of the HMX SU or the nimble efficiency of the Yellow Silver—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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX SU and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, one of the most significant differences lies in their top housings. The HMX SU features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This attribute comes from nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound more than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer nature. This stiffer plastic creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, which is particularly advantageous for those seeking a more precise auditory feedback during typing. Thus, while both materials serve a similar purpose in housing the switch components, they contribute differently to the overall sound signature of each switch.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material for their bottom housing: nylon. This consistency means that both the HMX SU and the Outemu Yellow Silver will provide a similar foundational sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller acoustic response. The nylon bottom housing enhances the bottom-out feel of each switch, which is tactile and pronounced due to its sound-absorbing qualities. As a result, even though their top housings diverge significantly in materials and associated sound profiles, both switches will still create a complimentary experience through their shared nylon bottom layer, resulting in a combined auditory effect that benefits from both housing characteristics.
In summary, the differences between the HMX SU and the Outemu Yellow Silver's housing materials create a nuanced comparison in their overall performance. With the HMX SU's nylon top housing producing a warm, rich sound and the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top offering a bright, resonant tone, users can expect distinct typing experiences based on the specific switch chosen. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the tactile experience remains consistent, providing depth and fullness regardless of the top housing's material. Consequently, this interplay between different materials allows users to tailor their typing experience according to personal preference while still achieving some comparable qualities in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX SU linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in this aspect. However, their bottom out forces differ; the HMX SU has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Yellow Silver requires a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar tactile response for the initial keystroke, the Yellow Silver switch provides a more substantial feel when fully depressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push feel during typing or gaming. In terms of overall weight, the HMX SU is the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force. Those looking for a switch that minimizes fatigue during extended use may benefit more from the HMX SU, while those desiring a heavier feel might favor the Outemu Yellow Silver.
Travel distance
The HMX SU linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the SU measuring 3.6 mm and the Yellow Silver at 4 mm. This difference means that the HMX SU offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers and those who prioritize quick actuation and response times. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver, with its longer travel distance of 4 mm, provides a more traditional feel that some users might find more satisfying or robust. Ultimately, if you prefer a snappier response, the HMX SU would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may lean towards the Yellow Silver.
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 Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 HMX SU linear switch presents a subtle and relatively deep sound profile owing to its PA12 housing and T5 stem. This depth contributes to a more satisfying acoustic experience, making it ideally suited for those who appreciate a richer auditory feedback in their typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch features a neutral sound profile, which is characterized by a moderate sound level that doesn’t draw too much attention. This neutrality makes the Yellow Silver versatile, as it can accommodate a wide range of environments, from quiet offices to bustling gaming setups. While both switches offer distinct sound experiences, users can achieve favorable acoustics depending on their choice of keyboard and keycaps; therefore, similarities can be found with the right setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX SU linear switch is likely to deliver a smooth and consistent keystroke. As a linear switch, it provides no tactile bump or audible click, allowing for an uninterrupted pressing experience that many typists and gamers find desirable. The feel is generally satisfying, particularly when performing rapid key presses. The Outemu Yellow Silver, also a linear switch, offers a light actuation force that enhances the responsiveness of each key press. This quality is especially appreciated by gamers who require quick reactions but may be less satisfying for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. The overall smoothness of both switches means that users can expect a similar keystroke experience in terms of fluidity.
In conclusion, both the HMX SU linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have their unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The SU presents a deeper, more pronounced sound, while the Yellow Silver offers a neutral sound that blends well with various settings. In terms of feel, the smooth experience of both switches will appeal to users who enjoy linear switches, although the Yellow Silver's lighter actuation force may cater more to those seeking rapid responsiveness. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on individual sound preferences and desired actuation dynamics, but both switches promise satisfying performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX SU linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you find yourself favoring a lightweight key press and appreciate a deeper sound profile, the HMX SU, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, is likely the better option for you. Its full PA12 housing and T5 stem contribute to a unique sound experience that may enhance your typing comfort and enjoyment, making it an excellent choice for both casual and dedicated typists. On the other hand, if you're a gamer or a typist who values quick responsiveness and prefer a neutral sound environment, the Outemu Yellow Silver is the way to go. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, it strikes a balance that makes it versatile for various tasks while providing that slight edge in speed when you need it. In essence, assess your priorities—be it sound, feel, or actuation force—and choose accordingly to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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