HMX 1989 vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Silent White both offer distinct experiences for users seeking a linear switch. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, making it particularly appealing for gamers and typists who enjoy rich auditory feedback with each keystroke. Its construction emphasizes a satisfying bottom-out feel, perfect for those looking for a more pronounced tactile experience without the click of traditional switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White prioritizes a quieter operation, catering to individuals who need to minimize noise while typing or gaming in shared environments. Although both switches deliver the smooth pressing action characteristic of linear switches, the choice between the two largely depends on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the Outemu Silent White share notable similarities in their top housing materials, both constructed from polycarbonate. This commonality contributes to a sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the typing experience. Furthermore, its translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications, allowing the light to shine through and create an attractive visual effect. Thus, users can expect similar auditory and aesthetic outcomes when employing these switches if RGB lighting is a consideration in their setup.
In contrast, the two switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, highlighting a significant convergence in their design philosophies. Like the top housing of both switches, nylon contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than the stiffer materials found in other switch designs. This results in a rounder and more muffled sound experience when typing, as the nylon effectively dampens the impact noise associated with bottoming out keys. Despite the differences—the rigidity of the polycarbonate top versus the softness of the nylon bottom—this design approach ensures a well-rounded auditory signature by blending the sharper tones produced by the top with the muted characteristics of the bottom.
The combined effects of these materials underscore the importance of their respective contributions when typing on both the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Silent White. The polycarbonate top enhances the sound when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom significantly influences the bottoming-out sound and tactile feedback during key presses. As both switches utilize the same materials for their respective components, users can anticipate a harmonious balance between the crispness of the top and the fullness of the bottom, creating a cohesive typing experience. Ultimately, whether using the 1989 or the Silent White, the shared characteristics of their materials lend themselves to an enjoyable and consistent performance suitable for various typing preferences and lighting setups.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel equally light when it comes to triggering a keystroke, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly; the HMX 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Outemu Silent White measures a heavier 60 grams. This means that while both switches provide a similar touchpoint for actuation, the Silent White requires more force to fully depress, resulting in a more substantial typing experience favored by those who appreciate a firmer feel. In summary, if you prefer lighter switches for comfort during long use, both switches act similarly in terms of actuation, but if you desire a heavier feedback when bottoming out, the HMX 1989 would be the better choice.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the former featuring a traditional travel distance of 4 mm and the latter having a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that pressing down on the HMX 1989 provides a deeper and more substantial feel, making it more suited for users who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Outemu Silent White, with its 3.3 mm travel, is designed for faster response times, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Silent White is the better choice, while those who enjoy a more tactile experience may find the HMX 1989 more appealing.
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 Silent White 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky acoustic profile, which is often sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during their typing experience. This rich sound can contribute to an immersive typing environment, enhancing the overall enjoyment for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White linear switch is designed with sound dampening in mind, resulting in a quieter operation that is ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. It is essential to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard, plate material, and keycap design used in conjunction with each switch.
Regarding feel, the HMX 1989 switch offers a satisfying linear actuation, characterized by a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. This creates a seamless typing experience that allows for rapid and fluid key presses, making it particularly appealing to gamers who benefit from the quick response. The Outemu Silent White switch, while similarly linear, focuses on providing a softer touch and might feel a bit more refined in terms of smoothness, adding to the comfort during prolonged typing sessions. Both switches cater to users who prefer a linear feel but deliver distinct experiences that may come down to personal preference.
In summary, both the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Silent White linear switches have their own unique qualities that can cater to different types of users. The 1989 offers a deep, thocky sound with a smooth linear feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more expressive auditory experience, while the Silent White provides a quieter option with a slightly softer feel, suitable for quieter settings. Ultimately, you'll find that choosing between these switches will come down to whether you prioritize sound or a muted experience, as both will yield an enjoyable linear feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you're a gamer or typist who enjoys a deeper, thocky sound profile and prefers a slightly lighter actuation force, the HMX 1989 would be an excellent fit. Its 53-gram bottom out force allows for quicker key presses, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more subdued typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Outemu Silent White, with its 60-gram bottom out force, provides a medium feel that may cater to those who prefer a tactile feedback without the distraction of noise. While the Silent White may lack the same depth and sound characteristics as the 1989, its design is suited for environments where quiet operation is a priority. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it’s sound, actuation force, or feel—and choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
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