HMX Game1989 vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch represent distinct approaches to typing and gaming experiences. The HMX 1989, renowned for its depth and thocky sound, delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in gaming or typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback with each press, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a more pronounced response and a slightly more deliberate typing experience. Each switch has its merits: if you seek a quiet, rapid-fire experience, the HMX 1989 linear switch might be the way to go; if you prefer tactile feedback to enhance your typing accuracy, the Crystal Brown could be your best bet. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Game1989 Linear

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, both models utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to their acoustic performance. The polycarbonate material is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness allows for a clear and resonant sound that is amplified through the switch's design. Additionally, both switches feature a translucent top housing, making them ideal for RGB lighting applications as the light can pass through effectively. As a result, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either switch due to the shared top housing material, enhancing the visual flair through lighting effects as well.

On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the HMX 1989 and Outemu Crystal Brown switches diverge in aesthetic quality and sound characteristics. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is significant for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature enables it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, making the bottom-out sound duller and rounder. This difference in sound characteristic leads to a unique typing experience, as the strengths of both nylon and polycarbonate are split between the top and bottom housings, creating a complementary acoustic property for each switch. Users can expect a richer bottom-out experience with the nylon bottom, regardless of whether they choose the HMX 1989 or the Outemu Crystal Brown.

In conclusion, while both the HMX 1989 and Outemu Crystal Brown switches share similarities in their top housing material, the impact of the different housing compositions creates nuanced auditory experiences. The polycarbonate top brings clarity and resonance, especially beneficial for RGB enthusiasts, while the nylon bottom adds a rounded and fuller sound to key presses. This combination ensures that both switches offer distinct yet complementary properties. Ultimately, users can enjoy the benefits of both worlds—the crispness of polycarbonate for the release sound and the depth provided by nylon for the impact, resulting in an overall satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, both exhibit a similar actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting that users will have comparable keystroke responsiveness and ease of typing. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the HMX 1989 having a bottom out force of 53 grams and the Crystal Brown featuring a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to activate, the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a firmer sensation when fully pressed down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, those seeking a lighter feel would appreciate both switches equally in terms of actuation, but may find the HMX 1989 marginally more comfortable due to its lower bottom out force.

Travel distance

Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they share the same measurement from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of key responsiveness and feel, since the actuation point and bottom-out distance are identical for both switches. This congruity in travel distance contributes to a comparable typing experience, allowing for a seamless transition between the two if a user is considering them for their keyboard preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX 1989 linear switch produces a sound profile that is notably deep and thocky, which many enthusiasts enjoy for its satisfying audio feedback during typing or gaming. This quality contributes to an immersive experience, as the sound resonates through the keys and provides a sense of richness and depth. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics are less defined, leaving room for speculation about its auditory performance. Overall, while specific auditory details for the Crystal Brown are lacking, the combination of switch, board, and keycap choice will influence the final sound output.

Regarding feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is celebrated for its smoothness, making it perfect for those who prefer a consistent and uninterrupted typing experience. This linear design lacks tactile bumps, allowing for fluid movements with minimal resistance, ideal for fast-paced gaming and typing. The Outemu Crystal Brown, being a tactile switch, is expected to offer a noticeable bump at the actuation point, providing feedback that many users appreciate for added precision and assurance during use. This tactile feature can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a little extra sensation when they hit their keys, differing significantly from the smoothness of a linear switch.

In summary, the HMX 1989 linear switch stands out with its deep thocky sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate auditory depth and fluidity in their keystrokes. The Outemu Crystal Brown, while lacking detailed sound descriptions, offers a tactile feedback experience that appeals to those who prefer a more engaged typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound richness and smoothness or tactile feedback, but both can undoubtedly deliver satisfying results when paired with the right keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the type of experience you're looking for. If you lean towards a smooth typing experience with a notable "thock" sound, the HMX 1989 switch would likely be your best choice, especially if you enjoy gaming or require quick, uninterrupted keypresses. Its bottom-out force of 53 grams makes it comfortable for extended use, and its deeper acoustics can enhance the enjoyment of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that can help improve typing accuracy and provide a more traditional feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 55 grams, it offers a solid feel with each keystroke, making it suitable for both typing and casual gaming. Ultimately, consider what feels better in your hands and the type of sound you enjoy—this will guide you in making the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Game1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more