HMX Game1989 vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Tom can greatly influence your typing experience and gaming performance. The HMX 1989, recognized for its deep and thocky sound profile, stands out as a linear switch that offers a smooth keypress with no tactile bump, making it an ideal option for gamers who prioritize uninterrupted keystrokes and fast response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom, categorized as a tactile switch, provides a discernible bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and offer satisfying feedback for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. While the HMX 1989 excels in delivering a silent yet responsive action, the Tom caters to users who appreciate the sensory confirmation of each keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Outemu Tom switches have some fundamental similarities in their housing materials that lend to comparable sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is prized for its stiffness and translucency. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a clear and resonant typing experience. The polycarbonate also allows for effective diffusion of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of keyboards equipped with these switches, regardless of whether they are from the HMX 1989 or the Outemu Tom.
When we turn to the bottom housing of both switches, we find another point of convergence; both utilize nylon, a classic material in the realm of switch housings. The nylon's relatively softer nature contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, effectively absorbing sound in a way that produces a duller and rounder auditory experience. This characteristic contrasts significantly with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Whether a user opts for the HMX 1989 or the Outemu Tom, the interplay of these materials results in a unique auditory experience that harmonizes the clearness of the top with the depth of the bottom.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing creates an interesting dynamic in both the HMX 1989 and Outemu Tom switches. The respective qualities of the materials influence the overall sound profile in a distinctive manner: the polycarbonate contributes brightness and clarity during release, while the nylon lends a deeper, rounder tone during bottom-out. Consequently, whether one's preference leans towards the HMX 1989 or the Outemu Tom, users can expect a harmonious blend of sound characteristics from a switch made with these complementary materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Outemu Tom remains unspecified. The HMX 1989 has a moderate actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it a medium-light switch, offering users an easier keypress that can be advantageous for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Tom has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. This makes the HMX 1989 the lighter option, potentially offering a more comfortable experience for prolonged use. The bottom out force for the HMX 1989 is measured at 53 grams, providing a definitive feel once the key is fully depressed. Without the bottom out force for the Outemu Tom, it's unclear how it would compare in that regard. Overall, users seeking a lighter, more comfortable experience might lean towards the HMX 1989, while those who prefer a firmer push should consider the Outemu Tom.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we find that the HMX 1989 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom measures 3.3 mm. This shows a clear contrast in their design, with the HMX 1989 offering a longer travel distance that may provide a more pronounced feeling of depth and resistance when typing. On the other hand, the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Outemu Tom is likely to appeal to gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness, as it enables faster actuation. Therefore, for those who enjoy a more traditional and hearty feel, the HMX 1989 would be the favored choice, while those seeking a quicker response should opt for the Outemu Tom.
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 Tom 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, thocky sound, providing a rich auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate, especially when paired with the right keycaps and board. This characteristic of being the deepest in sound within the HMX Film switch series gives the 1989 a satisfying acoustic profile that can evoke a sense of robustness and quality, enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch, while not having specific accolades in sound, typically features a more traditional tactile bump, which tends to deliver a quieter and more subdued sound profile. The contrast in auditory experiences is notable; while the 1989 boasts a resonant thock, the Tom provides a softer response that may appeal to those who prefer a less intrusive typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the 1989 switch offers a smooth linear experience that allows for uninterrupted keystrokes, making it ideal for gamers and typists who seek speed and responsiveness without any tactile feedback. This fluid action contributes to a sense of effortless typing, particularly favored in fast-paced environments. Conversely, the Outemu Tom switch is characterized by its tactile feedback, which provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This tactile sensation allows users to feel when a key has been activated, making it a preferred choice for typists who enjoy the tangible feedback that can improve typing accuracy and satisfaction. The fundamental difference in feel between the linear and tactile switches caters to distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
In conclusion, the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch each offer unique sound and feel experiences that cater to different user preferences. The 1989's deep, thocky sound and smooth linear action provide a robust and responsive typing experience, whereas the Tom's quieter and tactile feedback caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced response with their keystrokes. While the sound and feel are different, both options can lead to an enjoyable typing experience, depending on whether one values auditory richness and linear action or tactile feedback and subdued sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on what qualities are most important to your keyboard usage style.
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch comes down to your personal preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke for tasks like gaming or typing, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice; its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams allows for effortless key presses, making it ideal for rapid inputs and long typing sessions without excessive finger fatigue. Moreover, the thocky sound profile and deep feel of the 1989 adds a pleasing auditory and tactile feedback that many users find satisfying during use. On the other hand, if you're someone who appreciates tactile feedback while typing or gaming, the Outemu Tom, despite lacking detailed specifications, is typically preferred for its tactile bump, which offers a more pronounced response at actuation. This can enhance your typing accuracy and help you feel more connected to your keystrokes. Therefore, if you enjoy distinctly feeling each key press and want a more traditional typing experience, the Tom would be the switch for you. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you value the smoothness and sound of a linear switch like the HMX 1989 or the tactile engagement of a switch like the Outemu Tom.
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