HMX Swift vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Swift and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their distinct characteristics. The Swift, a linear switch, is recognized for its deep sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it stand out from other linear switches. This switch is often described as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', 'feathery', 'bouncy', and 'creamy'. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, also a linear switch, offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. While the Swift excels in providing a unique sound experience, the Yellow Silver focuses on delivering a quick and efficient 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Swift and the Outemu Yellow Silver, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using both switches.
However, the stark difference lies in the top housing material used by each switch. The Swift utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound, whereas the stiffer polycarbonate material leads to a more clear and resonant sound. This contrast highlights the impact that the top housing material can have on the overall sound quality of a switch.
Considering the impact of housing materials on sound, it is essential to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in shaping the overall sound profile. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This distinction suggests that the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch can significantly affect the typing experience, as each material brings its unique qualities to the sound profile. Ultimately, understanding the role of housing materials in switch design is crucial for users seeking a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Swift linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Swift is lighter overall. The Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Yellow Silver requires 45 grams. When it comes to bottoming out, the Swift needs 50 grams of force, whereas the Yellow Silver needs 55 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, with the Swift being slightly lighter overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended periods of typing or gaming may lean towards the Swift, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might find the Yellow Silver to be more to their liking. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are relatively minor, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Swift linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Swift has a shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference between the two may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt feel may lean towards the Swift, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Yellow Silver. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Swift linear switch provides a unique clacky sound profile that stands out from the typical bright sound signature of HMX switches. This clacky sound is sharp, snappy, and crisp, adding a satisfying auditory feedback to each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, which is moderate and well-suited for various typing preferences. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced by each switch can be further modified to cater to your specific preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Swift linear switch boasts a variety of descriptors such as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. These qualities combine to provide a typing experience that is effortless, comfortable, and responsive, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing overall typing efficiency. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is currently unavailable. However, given its light actuation force and favorable reputation among gamers and typists, it is likely to offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience similar to the Swift in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Swift linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch each offer distinct sound profiles and qualities in terms of feel. While the Swift provides a clacky sound profile and a variety of feel descriptors that enhance the typing experience, the Yellow Silver is known for its neutral sound profile and light actuation force favored by gamers and typists. Depending on your personal preferences and typing habits, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience with the right customization of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Swift linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force. If you prefer a deeper, silky smooth sound profile with a light actuation force, the HMX Swift switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a neutral sound profile with a light actuation force that offers speediness and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the Swift and Yellow Silver switches comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider your typing habits, gaming style, and sound preferences to make the best choice for your keyboard setup.
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