HMX 1989 vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the HMX 1989 and the Bsun Olive present two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep and "thocky" sound, making it a favorite among users who appreciate a smooth, linear switch that delivers a consistently fluid keystroke without tactile disruption. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a serene typing experience or fast-paced gaming, where rapid key presses are essential. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch stands out with its pronounced tactile feedback and resonant sound, thanks to its all-POM housing and unique long pole stem design. This tactile switch provides a satisfying, sharp bottom-out sensation, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more interactive typing experience that offers both auditory and tactile clues with each keystroke. Both switches have their merits depending on your typing style and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX 1989 Linear

Bsun Olive Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX 1989 and the Bsun Olive both utilize distinct materials for their switch housings that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer structure that produces a sharper, more resonant sound. This transparency not only enhances sound clarity but makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, as the illumination can shine through the housing effectively. In contrast, the Bsun Olive opts for a POM top housing, which delivers a notably deeper and more muted sound profile. The difference in material leads to contrasting auditory experiences, with the Olive producing sounds that are less piercing and more subdued compared to the more vibrant pitches generated by the 1989.

Examining the bottom housing, the HMX 1989 employs nylon, a traditional choice that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its relatively softer nature. Nylon’s ability to absorb sound creates a soundscape that is rounder and more resonant. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive also incorporates POM for its bottom housing, which presents a sound profile that is similarly deep and muted yet unique to the properties of POM. Consequently, while both switches share a deep sound characteristic from their respective bottom housings, the 1989 with nylon offers a somewhat fuller and rounded impact, compared to the Olive's distinct muted tone derived from its POM construction.

Ultimately, the differences and similarities in materials create distinct auditory experiences when interacting with each switch. For the HMX 1989, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom allows for a sharper sound when releasing the key and a fuller tone upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Bsun Olive's unified POM design leads to a cohesive sound experience that is deeper and more muted throughout. When tested side by side, both switches will highlight how the unique characteristics of their materials influence their performance—while producing distinctive sounds, they can still offer overlapping qualities, particularly in how the bottom-out noise integrates with the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect a similar ease of triggering keystrokes with either option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the HMX 1989 has a lighter rating of 53 grams, while the Bsun Olive, at 65 grams, is considered medium-heavy. This difference indicates that the Olive switch requires more force to fully bottom out, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Therefore, while both switches provide a comparable actuation feel, the Olive's heavier bottom out force may lead to a more pronounced resistance during use, catering to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. For lighter typing experiences, particularly during long work hours or gaming sessions, the HMX 1989 might be the more suitable choice.

Travel distance

The HMX 1989 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the HMX 1989 offers a deeper, more pronounced key press, appealing to those who appreciate a hearty feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Olive's shorter travel distance allows for quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor rapid key presses. Overall, if you value a traditional, more substantial travel experience, the HMX 1989 might be the better choice. However, if you lean towards a more responsive and faster actuation, the Olive would serve you well with its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is known for its deep, thocky acoustics that provide a satisfying auditory experience, especially favored in gaming environments. The Bsun Olive switch, characterized by its all-POM housing, produces a distinctively resonant and deep sound that enhances its tactile feedback. While both switches offer rich sound profiles, the perceived depth and resonance can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, making it important to consider these factors in the overall auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch tends to deliver a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a clean actuation without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch presents a more dynamic experience with its pronounced tactile feedback. Described as medium-weight, the Olive provides an invigorating, snappy feel with a high feedback intensity and a sharp tactile bump, making it a more engaging option for typists who appreciate a notable reaction with each keypress.

Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. The HMX 1989 linear switch offers a smooth and deep sound with a consistent feel, ideal for gamers seeking rapid and seamless keypress actions. Meanwhile, the Bsun Olive switch's resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback create a lively typing experience that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, linear experience or a tactile, engaging one, but both can provide similar levels of satisfaction depending on individual typing styles and preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a smoother and softer typing experience, especially during gaming or fast-paced typing, the HMX 1989 would be ideal for you, given its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, which facilitates rapid keystrokes without much effort. Its unique sound and thocky feel can enhance your overall enjoyment, creating a satisfying auditory response that complements your gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy an invigorating and tactile feedback when you type, the Bsun Olive switch would suit you better. With a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Olive switches provide a more pronounced tactile bump that gives a sharp, snappy feel with each keystroke, making them an excellent choice for those who seek a rich, engaging typing experience. Furthermore, the deep resonant sound of the Olives can add to the overall sensory delight with their POM housing. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize smoothness and lighter feedback or a more tactile and heavier typing sensation.

Mentioned in this article

HMX 1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more