HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Black both offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences, despite being linear switches. The Canglan V2 stands out with its thocky sound profile and an impressively smooth, light feel, appealing to users who enjoy tactile feedback without the clicky noise. Its meticulous construction, utilizing improved molding techniques and high-quality materials, delivers a satisfying auditory experience that has garnered a dedicated following among HMX enthusiasts. In contrast, while the Outemu Black lacks any particular accolades, it provides a straightforward, accessible experience ideal for gamers and typists seeking a solid linear option. Both switches offer a different tactile experience suited for various needs, making your selection dependent on what aspects of typing or gaming you prioritize. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best determine which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Canglan V2 and Outemu Black switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Canglan V2 utilizes a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its softer texture that contributes to a fuller and deeper auditory experience. This characteristic absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a more subdued and rounded resonance when keys are pressed. In contrast, the Outemu Black switches incorporate a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer plastic delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile, characterized by its ability to reflect sound in a more pronounced manner. Consequently, if one is aiming to achieve a more lively and bright acoustic experience while typing, the Outemu Black would be the superior choice due to its polycarbonate construction, while the Canglan V2 caters to those who prefer a soft and rich sound.
When examining the bottom housing, however, both the HMX Canglan V2 and Outemu Black switches share a common feature: the use of nylon. Both switches utilize this classic housing material in their bottom sections, which is fundamental to delivering a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon helps to absorb the sound during key presses, creating a consistent auditory experience regardless of the differences present in their top housings. Since typing sound is largely influenced by the bottom housing during the bottom-out phase, both switches provide a similar tactile and aural essence at this level, making them comparable in terms of overall experience when it comes to key presses.
Ultimately, the compound effects of the differing top materials and the shared bottom housings lead to a unique blend of sonic qualities in each switch. With the nylon bottom of both the Canglan V2 and Outemu Black enhancing the depth of sound regardless of the material choice in the top housing, the end result is a hybrid performance. While users seeking a bright, resonant typing experience may gravitate towards the Outemu Black for its polycarbonate top, those who appreciate a softer, more muted auditory feedback will likely favor the Canglan V2. Nonetheless, both switches maintain a certain level of auditory depth due to their common nylon bottom housing, illustrating how different materials in switch construction can complement and enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch present contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Canglan V2 features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams. This increased resistance offers a more substantial typing experience, catering to those who favor a firmer push. As a result, when choosing between these two switches, users looking for a gentler typing experience may opt for the Canglan V2, while those desiring a heavier feel would be better served by the Outemu Black. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces clearly define the intended user experience for each switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there is a distinct difference between the two. The Canglan V2 features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times, while the Outemu Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This additional millimeter in the Black switch may provide a more pronounced tactile feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Thus, if you favor a more responsive typing experience, the Canglan V2 would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Black may suit users who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes.
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 Black 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 Canglan V2 linear switch is celebrated for its deeply resonating "thocky" sound profile, a quality that many enthusiasts appreciate for a more satisfying auditory experience while typing. This deep sound signature is the result of the switch's carefully chosen materials and advanced molding techniques, which combine to create a rich acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch, while lacking a detailed description of its sound profile, is generally known to produce a firmer, more defined linear sound compared to its counterparts. However, it is important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard design and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 continues to shine with its smooth, light action, offering users an effortless typing experience that enhances overall comfort during extended use. The lightness of the switch adds a level of accessibility for different typing styles and speeds, making it an attractive choice for both casual and serious typists. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Black switch tends to be firmer, which might appeal to users who prefer a bit more resistance while typing. This difference in tactile feedback can significantly affect how each switch is perceived during daily usage.
In conclusion, while the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch stands out with its thocky sound and smooth, light feel, the Outemu Black offers a firmer feel with less emphasized sound characteristics. If you're torn between the two, opting for the Canglan V2 will provide a unique auditory experience, while the Black could be more suitable if you favor a more solid typing touch. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but both switches are designed to offer an enjoyable typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Black linear switches, your choice should align with your personal typing preference and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter actuation force that allows for a quicker and more responsive typing experience, especially during fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions, the Canglan V2 is an excellent pick. Its thocky sound profile and smooth feel cater to enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback without compromising on comfort. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more robust and tactile typing experience with greater resistance, the Outemu Black is likely the better option. The heavier bottom-out force provides a more deliberate and steady feedback, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer to feel a stronger connection with each keystroke, particularly in programming or other precision tasks. Overall, assess your typing style, the environment you’ll be using the keyboard in, and whether you appreciate a lighter touch or a more substantial feel to make the most informed decision between these two switches.
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