HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often hinges on the desired typing experience and personal preferences. The HMX Canglan V2 stands out as a linear switch, celebrated for its thocky sound profile and smooth, light feel. This switch is meticulously crafted with enhanced materials, delivering a satisfying deep sound signature that appeals to enthusiasts seeking fluid keystrokes without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch offers a tactile experience, characterized by its lightweight design and subtle tactility. These features make the Lime an excellent choice for users who want a delicate typing sensation while still appreciating the feedback that tactile switches provide. Whether you lean towards the seamless and quiet nature of the Canglan V2 or prefer the mild resistance of the Lime, each switch offers unique advantages. 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
42g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Lime both feature nylon as their primary housing material, which sets a foundation for their sound characteristics and tactile performance. Nylon is a well-regarded choice in the mechanical keyboard community due to its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The Canglan V2 utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, ensuring a consistent sonic experience. Likewise, the Outemu Lime employs nylon housing materials for both the top and bottom as well. This shared use of nylon means that both switches are likely to produce similar auditory experiences—characterized by a sound that is rounder and more muted compared to switches made from harder plastics.
Despite the commonality in materials, the different designs of the switches may still yield nuanced differences in typing feel and sound. When using both the Canglan V2 and the Outemu Lime, the impact of the nylon bottom housing will be felt more prominently when bottoming out a key. This is due to the inherent properties of nylon as a softer material, which dampens the more pronounced 'thock' sound typically associated with harder plastics. While the qualities of each switch’s bottom housing influence more of the sounding aspect during pressing, the top housing contributes to the sound profile heard upon key release. The identical nylon materials will create a synergy that results in a similar auditory performance during key releases as well.
In summary, the resemblance in housing materials for both the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Lime allows users to expect a comparable sound experience. Both keyboards' nylon housings—top and bottom—respond similarly in their ability to absorb sound and provide a satisfying typing experience, characterized by deeper resonance. While minor tactile differences could arise from the specific designs of the switches, the fundamental qualities of nylon as a housing material unify their performances, making both switches appealing choices for users seeking a muted typing sound and a comfortable feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, both exhibit relatively lightweight characteristics, making them suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions. The Canglan V2 has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Lime features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Lime switch requires less force to register a keystroke, providing a softer touch that may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Canglan V2, while also light, offers a slightly firmer feel, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Outemu Lime is the lighter option, and its lower actuation force may lead to similar results in terms of ease of typing, especially for those who value minimal resistance during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it becomes clear that the Canglan V2, with its travel distance of 3.5 mm, offers a slightly longer stroke than the Outemu Lime, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Canglan V2 provides a more pronounced feel that some users may prefer for typing. Conversely, the Lime's shorter distance could cater to gamers seeking rapid response times, making it an ideal choice for competitive play. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user’s preference for responsiveness versus a more pronounced depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
The Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 Canglan V2 linear switch produces a satisfyingly deep sound signature, which has been described as "thocky," appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a more resonant auditory experience. The lightweight feel of the Canglan V2 complements this deep tone, allowing it to stand out distinctly against other options, though it is often not detailed further. In contrast, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is known for its muted and neutral sound profile. This switch produces a softer auditory output, making it suitable for shared spaces, with its muted characteristics minimizing the typical clatter associated with keyboard use. Overall, the Canglan V2 offers a more pronounced and richer sound experience, while the Lime emphasizes a quieter, more subdued auditory presence.
When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 is characterized by its smooth and light actuation, providing a delightful typing experience that enthusiasts gravitate towards. However, specific details on how it feels, like resistance or feedback, weren't provided. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches offer a mild, feathery typing experience, characterized by gentle actuation and subtle resistance. This makes them ideal for those looking for a more comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue, especially beneficial during extended sessions of typing or gaming. The polished nature of the Lime switches suggests that they have undergone quality control that results in smooth key travel and an overall refined feel.
In summary, the HMX Canglan V2 and Outemu Lime switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Canglan V2 offers a deeper, more resonant sound paired with a smooth typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a richer auditory feedback, while the Outemu Lime focuses on a softer sound profile complemented by a comfortable and approachable feel. Enthusiasts may gravitate toward the thocky experience of the Canglan, while casual users or those in shared environments might prefer the muted and gentle characteristics of the Lime, offering a satisfying experience in either case.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a smooth and light typing experience combined with a richer sound profile, the Canglan V2 makes an excellent choice. Its thocky linear feel and deep sound signature cater to those who appreciate a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback while typing or gaming. However, if you prefer a gentler touch with a hint of tactile feedback, the Outemu Lime switches are ideal. Their feathery light feel and muted sound make them perfect for users who want a more subtle typing experience, minimizing noise in shared environments while still enjoying a comfortable and approachable tactility. Thus, consider what matters most to you—whether that’s the immersive acoustics and smooth action of the Canglan V2 or the light and muted characteristics of the Lime—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
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