HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice largely depends on your typing preferences and use cases, and two popular options to consider are the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Green switches. The Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky linear action, offering a unique blend of smoothness and a satisfying deep sound signature, making it an appeal especially to HMX enthusiasts seeking a quiet yet engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch is a clicky switch, renowned for its tactile feedback and audible click, which can provide a more engaging experience for typists who enjoy a pronounced response with every keystroke. While the Canglan V2 caters to those who prefer a seamless and muted typing journey, the Outemu Green switches attract users who relish the nostalgia of classic typewriter sounds. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Green switches, a significant distinction arises in their top housing materials. The Canglan V2 utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound, creating a softer auditory experience upon keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Green switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clearer resonance, enhancing the sound profile, especially under RGB lighting conditions where its translucency can highlight the visual effects. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver auditory feedback, the Canglan V2 leans towards a warmer, rounder sound, whereas the Outemu Green provides a more vibrant auditory experience.
On the other hand, both the Canglan V2 and Outemu Green switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This shared material contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile, as nylon's softness helps to absorb sound and round out the acoustics. When the switch is actuated, the qualities of nylon in the bottom housing promote a softer bottom-out feel, which can appeal to typists who prefer a more muted experience. This commonality in bottom housing material creates a consistent user experience for both switches, ensuring that, regardless of the top housing differences, users can expect a comparable tactile response and auditory feedback during key presses.
Overall, while the HMX Canglan V2 and Outemu Green switches diverge in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a foundation for similar tactile response and bottom-out feedback. The combination of a nylon bottom and differentiated top materials will naturally influence the overall sound profile and user experience. Depending on personal preference, users seeking a warmer sound with the Canglan V2 can still achieve a satisfying typing experience, while those aiming for a sharper auditory response with the Outemu Green will find their needs met. The interplay between soft and hard plastics at both ends of the switch showcases how housing materials significantly shape the characteristics of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, their actuation and bottom out forces illustrate a clear contrast in terms of weight and typing experience. The Canglan V2 features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions, such as in an office or during long gaming marathons. In stark contrast, the Outemu Green clicky switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to those who favor a stronger push feel. Consequently, users who want a lighter switch for comfort over prolonged use should opt for the Canglan V2, while those who desire a firmer feedback should go for the heavier Outemu Green switch. Overall, these differences highlight the varying preferences in switch weight and typing dynamics between these two options.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, there is a clear distinction. The Canglan V2 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Green has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that when pressing down on the Canglan V2, you will experience a shorter key press compared to the Green switch. For those who prioritize responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience, the Canglan V2 may be the preferable option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Green’s longer travel distance might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke and a sense of depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
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 Green 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 produces a satisfyingly deep sound signature that contributes to its reputation among enthusiasts. Its sound profile is characterized as thocky, giving a rich and resonant auditory feedback that many find appealing. In contrast, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch, which typically produces a pronounced click sound at the actuation point. This clicky feedback not only alerts the user that the key has been actuated but also adds an element of auditory satisfaction that many typists enjoy. Overall, the sound quality of the Canglan V2 emphasizes a smooth and resonant tone, while the Green is focused on a sharper, more distinct auditory cue.
Regarding feel, the Canglan V2 is known for its smooth, light action, allowing for effortless typing and gaming experiences. This linear characteristic means there's no tactile bump to navigate during key presses, which many users appreciate for its fast and fluid experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Green provides a tactile bump associated with its clicky mechanism, giving users a distinct point of actuation that can aid in typing accuracy. Some typists may find this tactile feedback motivating and satisfying, while others may prefer the unimpeded keystrokes of the Canglan V2.
In summary, while both the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Green switches serve different preferences in sound and feel, they cater to distinct types of users. The Canglan V2's deep, thocky sound and smooth feel appeals to those who enjoy a more serene typing experience, while the Outemu Green’s clicky sound and tactile feedback are ideal for individuals who thrive on auditory confirmation and tactile engagement. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches should be guided by personal preference, with each offering unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and auditory tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the intended use of your mechanical keyboard. If you favor a light touch and enjoy a smooth keystroke, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice. Its bottom-out force of 48 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, allowing for quick repeated presses without much effort. The deep sound signature also adds a pleasurable auditory experience that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you require tactile feedback and a more robust typing experience, the Outemu Green with its heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams is the better option. The clicky sound and feel of the Green switch can improve your accuracy while typing, making it well-suited for tasks that benefit from tactile confirmation, such as programming or data entry. In essence, choose the Canglan V2 if you prefer a lighter, smoother feel, and the Outemu Green if you want a more tactile, clicky feedback.
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