HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the comparison between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Silent White is illuminating for typists and gamers alike. The HMX Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky linear feel, combining top-notch materials and advanced molding techniques to produce a smooth, light typing experience complemented by a satisfying deep sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a touch of auditory pleasure with every keystroke. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silent White lacks extensive accolades, it is designed with noise-sensitive environments in mind. This switch provides a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where sound distraction should be minimized. Both switches cater to distinct preferences: the Canglan V2 charms with its acoustic richness, while the Silent White ensures a more discreet interaction. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Silent White switches exhibit a notable contrast in their top housing materials, which contributes significantly to their respective sound profiles. The Canglan V2 utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, enabling it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. As a result, the Canglan V2 yields a more muted auditory experience during key presses, providing a more subdued and rounded acoustic output. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity. This material generates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, enhancing the crispness of each keystroke. The translucence of polycarbonate also offers an aesthetic advantage for RGB lighting enthusiasts, amplifying the visual appeal of illuminated keyboards.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it is interesting to note that both the Canglan V2 and Silent White rely on nylon for this component. Given that nylon is a classic switch housing material, both switches naturally inherit a similar sound quality from their nylon bottom housings. The use of nylon here ensures that both switches deliver a deeper sound profile when bottoming out, resulting in a dull and rounded acoustic experience. As the bottom housing significantly influences the feel and sound when pressing down on the switches, users can expect a comparable tactile and auditory sensation from both models during that phase of typing.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials create unique auditory experiences between the two switches. The Canglan V2's nylon top produces a more blended sound, while the Silent White's polycarbonate top generates a clearer, crisper sound profile. However, when bottoming out, both switches deliver a familiar nylon-infused tactile response and sound, leading to a similar sensation in that aspect. Thus, while the top housings impart distinct sound qualities, the shared material in the bottom housing facilitates a cohesive experience when users depress the switches, allowing them to appreciate both the varied top-end acoustics and the common bottom-end characteristics.
Weight
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch differ in both their actuation and bottom out forces, providing distinct typing experiences. The Canglan V2 has 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 prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent White switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a more substantial bottom out force of 60 grams, which caters to those seeking a firmer push feel for a more robust typing experience. Overall, while both switches provide linear feedback, the Canglan V2 is the lighter option, ideal for extended use, whereas the Silent White offers a heavier feel that may appeal to users who favor additional resistance when typing.
Travel distance
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Canglan V2 provides a deeper key press compared to the Silent White, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Silent White might be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation. However, those who enjoy the sensation of key presses that extend further might gravitate towards the Canglan V2 for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired 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 Silent White 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 is well-regarded for producing a deep, thocky sound signature that many enthusiasts appreciate. This auditory quality is the result of careful material selection and enhanced molding techniques, giving the switch a distinctly rich resonance that elevates the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch's specific sound characteristics are not mentioned, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard chassis and choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 is celebrated for its smooth and light action, allowing for a pleasant typing experience that encourages prolonged use without fatigue. This combination of smoothness and lightness contributes to its appeal among those who favor linear switches. Conversely, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Silent White switch, leaving a gap in the subjective comparison of tactile feedback and keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch offers enthusiasts a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with its thocky sound and smooth feel. The Outemu Silent White lacks specific details in both sound and feel, which makes it more challenging to assess its qualities comparatively. Ultimately, if you're drawn to the characteristics of the Canglan V2, you'll likely find pleasure in its unique presentation, while the performance of the Silent White remains an unknown, making it a less reliable option for those seeking particular tactile or auditory traits.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a light touch with a satisfying thocky sound that enhances your typing experience, the Canglan V2 is the ideal choice. Its 48 grams of bottom-out force provides a smooth and effortless keystroke, making it particularly suitable for long typing sessions where you want to minimize fatigue. On the other hand, if you prioritize a bit more resistance and a less pronounced audio profile, the Outemu Silent White, with its 60 grams of bottom-out force, may cater to your needs better. This medium force can provide a more deliberate feel, which some users prefer for precise typing or gaming. Additionally, if you seek a quieter experience, the Silent White is designed to operate with minimal noise, fitting perfectly into shared spaces or environments where sound could be an issue. Ultimately, each switch has its strengths depending on your typing style and context; selecting between the two should reflect your personal criteria for comfort, feedback, and sound.
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