HMX 1989 vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience, with the HMX 1989 and the Keygeek Keylin both offering unique attributes as linear switches. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its "thocky" feel and deeper sound profile, making it an appealing option for those who cherish a satisfying auditory and tactile response while typing or gaming. Alternatively, the Keygeek Keylin, with its innovative molds, provides a premium typing experience characterized by smooth actuation and rich acoustics, appealing to users who prioritize a seamless and whisper-quiet keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you fancy the deep thock of the 1989 or the refined smoothness of the Keylin—offering distinct advantages depending on your typing style. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Keygeek Keylin, we see both similarities and differences in their design philosophy and acoustic characteristics. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its clarity and crispness in sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for a sharper sound that resonates well, especially in conjunction with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Keylin employs a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer texture of nylon naturally absorbs sound, resulting in a less piercing but warmer acoustic experience. This difference highlights how the HMX 1989 aims for a brighter sound signature while the Keylin leans towards a mellower tone.
However, when we examine the bottom housings of both models, we find that they share the same material—nylon. Both the HMX 1989 and the Keygeek Keylin utilize nylon in their bottom housing, which plays a crucial role in the overall sound profile. Regardless of the materials used in the top housing, the use of nylon in both cases ensures a similar depth in sound, as it tends to create a rounder bottom-out sound. This consistency indicates that while the top housings might deliver different auditory experiences, the bottom housing's impact on sound absorption and resonance will be quite aligned between the two, resulting in a cohesive performance when these switches are activated.
In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 and Keylin differ in their choice of top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a unified auditory experience. The differing characteristics of the top housing will affect the overall feel and sound when pressing a key versus releasing it. Thus, while the HMX 1989 may produce a sharper and brighter sound with its polycarbonate top, the warmer depth provided by the nylon bottom will help bridge the gap, allowing both switches to potentially deliver satisfying auditory feedback despite their structural differences.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch differ in both their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact typing and gaming experiences. The HMX 1989 features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Keylin has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Keylin will provide a lighter and potentially less tiring typing experience, making it a good option for long work sessions or extended gaming marathons. Conversely, the HMX 1989, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, offers a more substantial feel, which might appeal to those who prefer a stronger typing experience. Thus, the Keylin is the lighter option, while the HMX 1989 is the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The HMX 1989 boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional switch standards and offers a deeper, more tactile feel for users who appreciate substantial keypress depth. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times particularly favored by gamers. This shorter travel can enhance speed and efficiency, although some users may find it feels a bit abrupt compared to the longer travel of the HMX 1989. Ultimately, the 1989 linear switch is the longer option, providing a more cushioned feel, while the Keygeek Keylin is the shorter choice, suitable for those who prioritize rapid actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for producing a particularly deep and thocky sound profile, which is often appreciated by typists who enjoy an audible feedback during use. This acoustic quality enhances the overall typing experience, making it not just functional but also satisfying to the ear. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch boasts rich acoustics, suggesting a distinctive sound that complements its premium feel. While both switches aim to provide enjoyable auditory experiences, the 1989 emphasizes a more pronounced thockiness, which may appeal to those looking for a more resonant typing session. Ultimately, the sound produced by either switch can vary based on the keyboard build and the materials used in keycaps, ensuring that users might find unique auditory results even among similar switch types.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is celebrated for its smooth action, combining the tactile satisfaction of its robust design with the seamless experience one expects from high-quality linear switches. The Keylin switch also promises exceptional smoothness, courtesy of Keygeek's new mold technology, which aims to elevate the typing experience markedly. Users of both switches are likely to encounter a satisfying and streamlined feel that encourages prolonged typing sessions without discomfort. Those who value a silky-smooth keypress may find that both options meet their needs effectively, allowing for a pleasant and fatigue-free experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and Keygeek Keylin linear switches present compelling options for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. The 1989 is distinguished by its deep, thocky sound and smooth actuation, while the Keylin offers rich acoustics paired with exceptional smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience. Given their similarities in feel, users can expect rewarding tactile interactions regardless of their choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will hinge on personal preferences regarding sound and the aesthetic quality of the sounds produced, as well as the specific typing experience one seeks.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you lean towards a switch that offers a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams and delivers a deeper, thocky sound with a tactile experience that many gamers appreciate, then the HMX 1989 would be your ideal choice. Its unique design caters well to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic presence and a satisfying feel during gaming or intensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch at 48 grams and a typing experience characterized by exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, the Keylin switch might suit you better. Its new molds enhance the overall feel and sound, making it an excellent option for long typing sessions or a quieter work environment. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a heavier, more tactile switch or a lighter, smoother action, as both have unique benefits that accommodate different preferences.
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