HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing keyboard switches, the HMX Canglan V2 and Outemu Silent Grey exemplify two distinct yet popular approaches to mechanical keyboard feel and sound. The Canglan V2, a linear switch, is praised for its thocky sound profile and an ultra-smooth, light action that many HMX enthusiasts adore. Its carefully crafted design promises a deep auditory experience, making it an enticing option for those who prioritize a seamless typing feel without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is a tactile switch that balances a pronounced tactile bump with a quieter operation, appealing to users who revel in feedback during their typing while needing a more subdued sound environment. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Canglan V2 is ideal for those seeking an unbroken, fluid typing experience, whereas the Silent Grey is perfect for individuals desiring comfort with tactile cues in quieter settings. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey, a stark contrast emerges between the two switches, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer characteristics. This material absorbs sound well, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Silent Grey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This difference in material not only affects the tonal quality of the switches but also plays a role in the aesthetics; polycarbonate, being translucent, is particularly effective for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice among those seeking vibrant backlighting effects.
In terms of their bottom housing, both the Canglan V2 and Outemu Silent Grey utilize nylon. As a classic housing material, nylon promotes a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile that is true for both switches. By sharing this common bottom housing material, both switches deliver a similar auditory experience when bottoming out. This uniformity lends a sense of cohesion to the overall typing experience, ensuring that the sound produced resonates with similar characteristics regardless of the differences in their top housings.
The impact of top and bottom housing materials on the overall performance of a switch becomes particularly relevant. The top housing significantly influences the musicality of the sound as the key is released, while the bottom housing primarily affects the feel and sound at the point of bottoming out. This means that even though the Canglan V2 and Silent Grey employ different materials for their top housings—nylon versus polycarbonate—their shared nylon bottom housing assures that the essential qualities of a deeper sound profile are maintained, creating a delightful blend of auditory signatures that cater to different user preferences. This design strategy allows users to achieve similar bottom-out sound characteristics while enjoying distinct sound profiles during key release.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces become evident. The Canglan V2 features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel while typing. As a result, the Canglan V2 is the lighter option, whereas the Silent Grey is considered medium-heavy. Given these differences, users looking for a softer touch should lean towards the Canglan V2, while those who desire a more pronounced tactile feedback may find the Silent Grey more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we see a clear distinction. The Canglan V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter of the two switches, while the Silent Grey features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional measurement. This difference means that users of the Canglan V2 may experience a quicker, more responsive feel that caters well to gaming preferences, while those who opt for the Silent Grey can enjoy a deeper, more substantial keypress that some may find more satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness over a more pronounced tactile experience.
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 Silent Grey 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Canglan V2 switch produces a satisfyingly deep and thocky sound signature that enthusiasts have come to appreciate. This distinctive auditory quality not only enhances the typing experience but also resonates with those who value the tactile feedback that comes with a heavier sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a quieter typing experience due to its design, which emphasizes noise reduction. It offers a more muted sound, making it ideal for environments where silence is preferred, yet still maintains a satisfying auditory response through its pronounced tactile bump. The choice of keyboard and keycaps will also influence the overall sound profile, but the fundamental character of the Canglan V2 leans towards a robust thock, while the Silent Grey skews more towards a subdued click.
When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 switch is characterized by its smooth and light keystroke. This ensures a fluid typing experience that minimizes resistance during rapid typing sessions, catering to users who prefer a lightweight touch. The smoothness of the Canglan V2 stands in contrast to the Outemu Silent Grey, which is known for its pronounced tactile bump. This tactile feedback provides clear indications of actuation, creating a more engaging experience for the typist. While the Silent Grey is smoother than many traditional tactile switches, it still maintains a distinct feeling of that tactile bump, making it satisfying in its own right.
In summary, the HMX Canglan V2 and Outemu Silent Grey switches each have their unique qualities tailored to different user preferences. The Canglan V2 offers a deep, thocky sound with a smooth and light feel, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback and fluidity in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Grey presents a quieter, more tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize silence without sacrificing tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on whether you prefer a more resounding typing experience or a quieter, tactile feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a lightweight, smooth typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice. Its 48-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, where rapid key presses are essential and fatigue should be minimized. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with a pronounced bump, coupled with a slightly heavier resistance at 65 grams, the Silent Grey might be the better option for you. This switch is especially suitable for office environments or shared spaces, as its quiet operation can help maintain a more serene atmosphere while still providing a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, assess your typing style, the environments in which you will be using the keyboard, and the kind of feedback you enjoy to determine which switch will best suit your needs.
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