HMX 1989 vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Cream Pink both offer unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound profile, making it a favorite among gamers who appreciate auditory feedback during intense gameplay. Its linear characteristics provide a smooth keypress without tactile bumps, allowing for swift and uninterrupted typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Cream Pink also features a linear design but is often noted for its smooth actuation and relatively soft feel, which can appeal to those seeking a quieter experience or longer typing sessions without finger fatigue. While both switches provide a linear experience devoid of tactile resistance, they differ in sound and overall feel, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference. 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
2.00 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 Pink switches, a notable distinction lies in their top housing compositions. The HMX 1989 utilizes polycarbonate for its upper housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This property is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, making the sound more resonant and clear, especially beneficial for RGB applications due to its translucency. Conversely, the Outemu Cream Pink features nylon as its top housing material, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller, rounder acoustic experience. This fundamental difference in materials directly impacts the auditory feedback and overall typing experience of each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Cream Pink switches employ nylon, which is consistent across both options. This uniformity in material means that both switches share similar characteristics when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, providing that deeper and fuller auditory response that nylon is known for. This shared nylon material in the bottom housing helps create a more cohesive experience, as both switches will exhibit similar qualities when pressed down, ensuring a degree of consistency in tactile feedback and sound profile, regardless of the differences in their top housings.
Ultimately, while the switches differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing unifies some aspects of their performance. The polycarbonate's ability to project a sharper sound aligns with the RGB lighting aesthetic, while the nylon in both switches enriches the bottom-out experience, resulting in a well-rounded typing feel. Consequently, users can expect different tonal qualities depending on the top housing material, but the underlying similarities due to the nylon bottom housing will yield comparable tactile feedback, reinforcing a harmonious blending of features across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX 1989 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience that is well-suited for extended writing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Pink requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that users looking for a more substantial push feel might gravitate towards the Cream Pink, while those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing or gaming would find the HMX 1989 more comfortable. Ultimately, the HMX 1989 is the lighter option, making it ideal for users seeking a softer touch, whereas the Cream Pink offers a firmer resistance that caters to those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they offer an identical experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will have comparable results in feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming with either switch. Since both switches share this measurement, they can be considered equal in terms of travel distance, providing a consistent linear key press experience.
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 Outemu Cream Pink 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
In the realm of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is best known for its deep and thocky acoustics, which create an enjoyable auditory experience often favored by users who appreciate a fuller, more resonant sound profile. This makes it particularly well-suited for gaming and typing, as the sound complements the tactile feedback without being overly sharp. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch does not have a specific sound profile ascribed to it. However, it is important to remember that the sound output can still vary based on the choice of keyboard construction and keycap material, meaning both switches could potentially offer similar experiences depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the 1989 switch provides a smooth linear response that many users describe as satisfying and responsive, catering to those who enjoy a seamless keystroke without the bump associated with tactile or clicky switches. The feel is enhanced by its deeper sound, contributing to a more immersive typing experience. Meanwhile, the feel of the Cream Pink is less documented, making it difficult to provide a definitive comparison. Nonetheless, being a linear switch, it likely delivers a smooth keypress as well, suggesting that practitioners of touch typing or gaming would find it comfortable.
In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 linear switch stands out for its unique sound and well-regarded feel, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch lacks detailed information in both respects. However, as they are both linear switches, you can expect a smooth experience with either one, though the HMX 1989 will provide a deeper auditory feedback that could appeal more to enthusiasts. If sound is a significant factor for you, the 1989 is likely your best choice, while the Cream Pink may still be a viable option if you're seeking a straightforward linear experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter key feel and enjoy a thocky sound with a deeper actuation, the HMX 1989 might be the better choice for you, especially if you're into gaming or tasks that require quick repeated keystrokes. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams provides a satisfying typing experience with less finger fatigue over extended periods of use. On the other hand, if you lean towards a sturdier feel and don’t mind a bit more resistance, the Outemu Cream Pink is worth considering. With a bottom-out force of 65 grams, it offers a firmer typing experience that many typists find gratifying during long writing sessions. Although the Cream Pink lacks a specific sound profile that stands out, its build quality is solid. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a softer, thocky sound with a lighter press or a firmer typing action that is more definitive.
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