HMX Game1989 vs. Outemu Gold

Overview

When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing and gaming experience, the choice often narrows down to personal preference, with options like the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Gold representing two distinct categories. The HMX 1989, celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, offers a linear switch experience that is smooth and consistent with no tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter and fluid keystroke for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch, designed to provide auditory and tactile feedback with each keystroke, appealing to typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of their inputs, particularly in a traditional typing environment. Each switch caters to unique preferences—whether you seek the stealthy smoothness of the HMX 1989 or the pronounced feedback of the Outemu Gold. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Game1989 Linear

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX 1989 and the Outemu Gold both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a remarkably similar auditory experience. This choice of material allows both switches to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is characterized by clarity and resonance. The mechanical rigidity of polycarbonate helps enhance the crispness of the keystrokes, making both switches an excellent choice for users looking for responsive and defined acoustic feedback. Additionally, since polycarbonate is translucent, it provides an attractive aesthetic for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setups. This commonality suggests that users of either switch can expect a similar sound quality and illumination effect.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Gold are both made of nylon, which contrasts with the polycarbonate top in both material properties and sound characteristics. Nylon is renowned for its softer nature, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, contributing to a more muted acoustic experience that contrasts the sharper tones produced by the top housing. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon for a warm and rounded bottom-out sound, the combination of polycarbonate on top and nylon below creates a fascinating interplay of sound dynamics, allowing users to enjoy a rich audio experience when typing.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the HMX 1989 and Outemu Gold creates distinct yet complementary sound profiles that enhance typing experiences. The shared polycarbonate top housing promotes a clear and vibrant sound upon key release, while the nylon composition on the bottom softens the bottom-out impact, rounding off the auditory experience. Users can anticipate a dynamic typing experience across both switches, characterized by responsive keystrokes that capitalize on the specific acoustic properties offered by each material. This thoughtful integration of materials allows for a nuanced and enjoyable typing sound and feel, ensuring satisfaction for users regardless of their choice.

Weight

The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally effortless to trigger keystrokes. However, they differ in their bottom out forces: the 1989 peaks at 53 grams, while the Gold requires a heftier 60 grams to fully depress. As a result, the HMX 1989 can be considered the lighter of the two switches, providing a medium-light typing experience that may appeal to users who favor extended use without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Gold's heavier bottom out force offers a more substantial typing feel, suitable for those who prefer a firmer resistance when striking the keys. Overall, while both switches may be similar in actuation force, the difference in bottom out force influences the overall typing experience, catering to varied user preferences.

Travel distance

Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning users will experience the same distance when pressing down on either key. This uniformity in travel distance suggests that the tactile feedback and overall keypress sensation will be quite similar for both switches, allowing for a consistent typing experience. The HMX 1989's linear design offers smooth actuation throughout its travel, while the Outemu Gold, being a clicky switch, will provide an audible and tactile feedback at the same travel distance, appealing to different user preferences while maintaining the same core keypress movement.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky acoustics, providing an enjoyable auditory experience for those who appreciate a rich sound profile. This makes it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced and resonant sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch offers a distinct click feedback when pressed, creating a sharper and more mechanical sound that is often favored by typists seeking audible confirmation of their key presses. Regardless, it's important to consider that the overall sound experience can be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard frame and keycaps, potentially leading to variations in sound quality.

Regarding feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is noted for its smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless and uninterrupted experience across its travel distance. This can be particularly enjoyable for gamers and typists who prioritize fast, fluid movements without any resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch delivers a tactile bump alongside its click sound, allowing for a more pronounced feedback during typing. This tactile feel can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfaction for users who like to "feel" each key press, making each action more intentional.

In summary, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The HMX 1989 offers a deep sound profile and a smooth linear feel, ideal for those who seek a quiet yet lush typing experience, while the Outemu Gold delivers a crisp click and tactile feedback that can invigorate the typing experience. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on whether you prefer the linear, thocky qualities of the HMX 1989 or the audible and tactile characteristics of the Outemu Gold. Each switch has its unique charm, allowing users to tailor their keyboard experience to their specific needs.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider your primary uses and preferences. If you enjoy a smoother typing experience with a softer bottom-out force, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation at 53 grams provides a conducive feel for both gaming and typing, while its depth and thocky sound can enhance your overall satisfaction, creating a more immersive experience, especially during intense gaming sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile feedback combined with audible clicks for a typing experience reminiscent of traditional mechanical keyboards, the Outemu Gold, with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 60 grams, will give you that satisfying click with every stroke. This could be particularly appealing for typists who appreciate auditory confirmation with each keystroke, contributing to an engaging and dynamic atmosphere in your workspace. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize sound and feedback or prefer a uniform and smooth keystroke, making one switch more suitable for your needs than the other.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Game1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more