HMX Game1989 vs. Outemu Silent Grey

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. The HMX 1989, renowned for its deep and "thocky" sound profile, delivers a smooth keystroke that is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a responsive and uninterrupted experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are designed for those who prioritize a quiet and tactile feedback, boasting a pronounced bump that adds to the satisfaction of each press without causing too much noise—making them an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces. While the 1989 is geared toward an exhilarating and immersive typing experience, the Silent Grey appeals to users who appreciate a more subtle yet engaging feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Game1989 Linear

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of both the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Silent Grey switches exhibit remarkable similarities, particularly in their top housing made from polycarbonate. This material is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its rigidity. As both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect a consistent sound experience characterized by clarity and a resonant quality. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances aesthetic appeal, making it an ideal choice for RGB LED lighting, which will illuminate the switches beautifully and uniformly, further enriching the visual experience.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches utilize nylon, a material known for its softer characteristics that significantly influence sound dynamics. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to produce a duller, rounder acoustic experience. This means that while the top housings of both the 1989 and Silent Grey will yield similar sound qualities related to the key release, the bottom housings will distinctly impact the bottom-out sound and feel during typing. The combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom in both switches creates a balanced overall sound profile by mixing the high notes with the rich tones of nylon.

Ultimately, while the HMX 1989 and Outemu Silent Grey share the same materials for both their top and bottom housings, they effectively illustrate how different acoustic properties can achieve a pleasing and harmonious result. Users can expect a cohesive performance across both switches, with the sharper sounds from the polycarbonate top balanced by the rounded tones from the nylon bottom. This demonstrates how the interaction between the materials can create a multifaceted typing experience, catering to both tactile and auditory preferences. Thus, regardless of the brand, the employment of similar materials ensures that users will enjoy a blend of high clarity and depth in their auditory feedback.

Weight

When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Silent Grey features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the HMX 1989 is better suited for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use during long work hours or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Grey appeals to those who like a stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the HMX 1989 provides a lighter touch, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey carries a heavier weight, catering to different user preferences.

Travel distance

Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which means users will experience the same distance between the top and bottom of each switch when pressing down on a key. This identical travel distance allows for similar tactile feedback and ensures that both switches provide a comparable typing experience in terms of key depth. Therefore, whether one opts for the HMX 1989 or the Outemu Silent Grey, they can expect a consistent key press feel, making either choice equally suitable for those who prioritize travel distance in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch delivers a deep, thocky resonance that creates a rich auditory experience, often appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced sound profile. This makes it suitable for a satisfying typing environment, especially when used with the right keycaps and board. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch prioritizes quiet operation, producing minimal noise while maintaining a highly tactile experience. The sound produced by the Silent Grey is subdued, making it ideal for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a more discreet typing experience. While both switches cater to different auditory preferences, sound quality can vary based on other components in the keyboard setup.

Regarding feel, the HMX 1989 switch is characterized by its deeply satisfying travel and smooth action, which provides a unique tactile experience that many gamers and typists find enjoyable. The pronounced thockiness adds to the sensation of each keystroke, enhancing overall feedback during use. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a smooth keystroke paired with a distinct tactile bump, which provides a satisfying sensation without the noise. This tactile feedback is perfect for users who desire a precise feel while typing, ensuring they can recognize actuation points without needing auditory cues. In this regard, both switches deliver on tactile feedback, albeit through different experiences that cater to user preference.

In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 and Outemu Silent Grey switches differ in sound and feel, they each offer compelling advantages based on user priorities. The 1989 excels in delivering a rich, thocky sound and satisfying linear action, while the Silent Grey focuses on providing a quiet yet tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or a quieter, tactile feedback while typing. Regardless of your preference, both switches are designed to offer an enjoyable typing experience tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a responsive and satisfying typing experience with a lighter key actuation, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy gaming due to its thocky sound and deep feel that can enhance gameplay. Its medium-light bottom-out force means you can type and game for extended sessions without feeling fatigued. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more tactile feedback with a pronounced bump and prefer a typing experience that is both satisfying and quiet, the Outemu Silent Grey will serve you well. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force, it provides that solid resistance you might appreciate for serious typing tasks or office environments where noise reduction is a priority. Therefore, consider your primary use case and environment; if silence and tactility are essential, go for the Silent Grey, but if you favor a lighter and speedier experience, the HMX 1989 would be the optimal choice.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Game1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more