HMX Game1989 vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Green offer distinctly different experiences that cater to varying preferences among typists and gamers. The HMX 1989, renowned for its deep, thocky sound and feel, is a linear switch designed to provide a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a quiet and fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch that delivers an audible "click" with each keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory cue while typing. If you prefer a switch that allows for rapid keystrokes without distraction, the HMX 1989 might be your best bet. Conversely, if you enjoy the satisfying feedback of a click with each key press, the Outemu Green could be the right choice. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the Outemu Green switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a distinct sound signature characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer properties allow for greater sound clarity and resonance, which is beneficial for those who enjoy a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate means that both switches can effectively showcase RGB lighting, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts who value both aesthetics and performance. Given these similarities in the top housing material, users can expect comparable sound results when pressing the switches down, providing a consistent auditory experience across both models.
In contrast, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs sound more than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This acoustic quality is particularly important as it impacts the bottom-out sound and the tactile feel when the switch is engaged. Given that both the HMX 1989 and Outemu Green share this material for the bottom housing, users can anticipate a similar sensation and sound experience while bottoming out, leading to a pleasingly rounded audio signature regardless of which switch is chosen.
The combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a unified auditory experience characterized by a blend of sharpness and depth. While the top housing contributes to the higher-pitched sound when releasing the key, the nylon bottom housing ensures a fuller and rounded sound upon bottoming out. This harmonious interaction indicates that, despite potential variations in design or specifications, the two switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and feel due to the consistent materials employed. As a result, users can choose between the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Green with confidence, knowing they will enjoy a comparable typing experience influenced by the same foundational materials.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch present a contrasting experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option that can benefit users looking for comfort during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch features a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some typists may prefer for a tactile experience. This means that while the HMX 1989 is the lighter option suitable for extended use, the Outemu Green caters to those who favor a firmer typing sensation. Overall, the HMX 1989 is ideal for users who prioritize ease and comfort, while the Outemu Green appeals to those who enjoy a stronger keystroke response.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel and actuation distance from both switches, resulting in similar typing experiences. Since both switches have the same travel distance, the feedback and response they provide during key presses will likely feel identical in this regard.
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 Green 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 its deep and thocky sound profile, which delivers a satisfying auditory feedback that many enthusiasts cherish. This quality makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy the thump of each keystroke without the sharpness that comes with clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch offers a distinctly different experience, characterized by its audible click upon actuation, providing clear and crisp feedback that many users find satisfying and rewarding. The enhanced sound of the Green switch can create an engaging typing experience, especially in a quiet environment where the click can be a defining feature of the interaction.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 switch offers a smooth actuation that linear switches are known for, providing an uninterrupted keystroke experience devoid of any tactile bumps. This smoothness can help facilitate faster typing speeds and is often favored by gamers looking for precision. Conversely, the Outemu Green switch incorporates a tactile bump paired with a click sound, requiring a bit more force at the actuation point which can be more satisfying for those who prefer tactile feedback and sensations during typing. The resistance and feedback of the Green switch can enhance typing accuracy for those who enjoy the tactile cue, making it popular among typists who appreciate a sense of engagement with each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The 1989's deep, thocky sound and smooth linear action attract users who seek a quiet and fluid typing experience, while the Green's clicky sound and tactile bump appeal to those who enjoy a definitive auditory and physical response. Depending on your priorities—whether it's a smooth and silent experience or a loud and tactile one—both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results, but in distinctly different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth typing experience, the HMX 1989, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, offers a satisfying thocky sound and feel that is ideal for both gaming and typing. Its design is particularly suited for those who enjoy rapid key presses without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and pronounced feedback when you type, the Outemu Green with its heavier 80 grams bottom-out force will provide a classic clicky sound and feel that many typists appreciate, especially for touch typing or when you want to hear a clear auditory cue with each key press. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—whether it's the smoothness and ease of the HMX 1989 or the tactile feedback and resistance of the Outemu Green—and choose the switch that aligns best with your personal typing habits.
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