HMX Game1989 vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can dramatically affect both typing experience and overall enjoyment. The HMX 1989 switch, a linear option, is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound and smooth keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter experience without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue switch is a clicky switch that offers an audible and tactile response, providing satisfying feedback with every keystroke that many find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. If you lean towards a quieter, more fluid typing experience, the HMX 1989 may be your ideal match; however, if you thrive on the engaging sounds and sensations of clicky feedback, the Outemu Cream Blue could be the switch for you. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Cream Blue switches, a noticeable contrast emerges in their top housings. The HMX 1989 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which has been praised for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue features a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that promote a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a sound profile that is duller and rounder compared to that of polycarbonate. Thus, although both housings impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, they do so in fundamentally different ways.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a uniformity between both switches. Both the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Cream Blue utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which consistently elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The characteristics of nylon, being a softer plastic, allow for sound absorption that leads to a rounded acoustic experience. Given that the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out feel and sound of a switch, users can expect a similar tactile and auditory response when engaging with both switches from this aspect. While each switch's top housing produces contrasting sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing creates a foundational acoustic signature that ties them together.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings of these switches contributes to their overall performance and user experience. In the case of the HMX 1989, the polycarbonate top enhances brightness upon key release, while the nylon bottom softens the sound during bottoming out. The Outemu Cream Blue, on the other hand, relies on nylon for both the top and bottom housings, producing a sound profile that is consistently rounded throughout both the actuation and release phases. Therefore, while the two switches showcase differing materials in their top housings and subsequent sound profiles, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housings ensures a commonality in user experience with respect to sound depth and key feel.
Weight
Comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 53 grams to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, which has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, reveals notable differences in their typographical engagement. The HMX 1989 is considered medium-light, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons; on the other hand, the Cream Blue, with its medium-heavy resistance, provides a more substantial feel that caters to users who enjoy a stronger push during key presses. Consequently, if you desire a lighter switch for prolonged use, the HMX 1989 would be the preferable choice, whereas the Outemu Cream Blue would appeal to those seeking a heftier tactile response. Both switches, however, offer distinct experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, emphasizing the importance of personal preference in selecting the right keyboard switch for your needs.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users will experience an identical distance when pressing down on either switch. This equal travel distance can lead to similar tactile feedback during typing or gaming, providing a consistent experience regardless of which switch is used. Therefore, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of key responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Outemu Cream Blue 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
The HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for producing a deep, thocky sound profile, giving it a rich auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. This sound is often perceived as satisfying, particularly for gamers and typists who enjoy the tactile aural feedback associated with keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch offers a pronounced click that stands out with every actuation. This distinct sound not only announces a successful key press but also adds a layer of engagement for those who prefer auditory signals to signal their tactile input. It's important to note that the overall sound of these switches can fluctuate, depending on the chosen keyboard construction and keycap material, so personal preference and setup play a significant role.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 provides a smooth linear action that delivers a consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or click, allowing for uninterrupted gliding from top to bottom. This makes it an ideal choice for rapid key presses, especially during gaming. Conversely, the Cream Blue switch is designed with a tactile click that not only offers auditory feedback but also features a pronounced tactile bump at the actuation point. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and make the experience more engaging, particularly for those who enjoy a more tactile interaction with their keyboard.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences and styles. The HMX 1989 excels in providing a deep sound and smooth linear feel, making it suitable for those who value silent, steady performance. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue stands out with its distinct click sound and tactile feedback, appealing to typists who enjoy auditory cues and feel more engaged with their keyboard. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smoother, quieter experience or a more tactile and audible interaction during your typing and gaming sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, your decision should ultimately hinge on your personal preferences regarding tactile feedback, switch weight, and sound profile. If you enjoy a smooth and quiet typing experience without the characteristic click, the HMX 1989, with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, would be ideal for you. It provides a thocky and satisfying feel, making it perfect for gaming and long typing sessions where you seek comfort and responsiveness without distraction. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced feedback with auditory confirmation, the Outemu Cream Blue, featuring a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, would be your go-to switch. This switch delivers a classic clicky sound and tactile bump that many typists and gamers find satisfying, especially if you relish the audible feedback while you type. In essence, your choice will reflect whether you prioritize a quiet, smooth experience or a lively, clicky interaction, shaping the sound and feel of your mechanical keyboard according to your unique typing style.
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