HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Tom

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Tom switches. The Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky linear feel, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate a smooth and light keystroke along with a rich sound profile that adds an engaging auditory element to typing. It's a great choice for gamers and typists seeking a responsive switch without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switch offers a tactile response that provides a noticeable bump when the key is activated, making it ideal for those who enjoy both feedback and a more traditional typing experience. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and comfort during extended use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Tom switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Canglan V2 utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer, more sound-absorbing properties. This results in a sound experience that is duller and rounder, appealing to users who prefer a more muted auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Tom incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness that fosters a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material choice leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, making the Tom an ideal option for those who appreciate a pronounced acoustic feedback, especially in RGB-aware setups where translucency enhances lighting effects.

However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both the Canglan V2 and Tom use nylon for this component. This means that regardless of the differing properties manifested in their respective top housings, both switches will generate a deeper and fuller sound when bottomed out due to the nylon material at the bottom. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the feeling and sound when the key is fully pressed down, users can expect a similar auditory experience when engaging with either switch, particularly at the actuation point. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing brings a certain level of consistency in terms of sound and tactile experience, regardless of the differences introduced by the top housing materials.

In summary, while the HMX Canglan V2 and Outemu Tom switches showcase divergent top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—their nylon bottom housings ensure a shared baseline sound experience. This synergy means that while users might enjoy distinct auditory feedback during keystrokes depending on whether they use the Canglan V2 or Tom, the overall bottom-out sensation will remain consistent due to the nylon. Hence, users can mix and match their switch preferences based on the auditory profiles they prefer while still enjoying a unified feel from the nylon bottom housing across both options.

Weight

The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, which influence the typing experience for users. The Canglan V2 features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing action, beneficial for long work sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Tom has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. Although the bottom out force for the Tom switch is unavailable, the Canglan V2's bottom out force is recorded at 48 grams, confirming its lighter overall feel compared to the Tom switch. Therefore, users seeking a light switch for lengthy usage should lean towards the Canglan V2, while those desiring a firmer push experience may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Tom.

Travel distance

The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you choose the Canglan V2, you’ll experience a deeper press compared to the more abrupt feel of the Tom switch. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the Tom's shorter travel distance may be preferable, providing a snappier keypress. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial and fulfilling typing experience might lean towards the Canglan V2. Overall, if you aim for rapid key response, the Tom switch would suit you better; however, for a deeper feel, the Canglan V2 is the ideal choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch is known for its satisfyingly deep sound signature, which produces a thocky sound that resonates well with enthusiasts. This deep auditory quality results from the careful selection of materials and the attention to detail in the molding process. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch lacks any specific sound characteristics documented, making it harder to compare directly. However, generally speaking, the sound output of each switch can also be influenced by other components such as the keyboard plate and keycap design, which means that both switches might still provide a pleasant auditory experience depending on the overall setup.

When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 offers a smooth and light tactile experience, which contributes to its desirability among users who prefer a seamless keystroke without any abrupt feedback. This smoothness is amplified by the quality of engineering behind the switch. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch has not been detailed, leaving an uncertainty about its tactile response and overall keystroke comfort. For those looking for tactile feedback, the performance difference might be significant, as tactile switches generally provide physical resistance that enhances typing feel.

Overall, if you're leaning towards a defined auditory experience and a smooth typing feel, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch would be an excellent choice that lives up to enthusiast expectations. Meanwhile, the Outemu Tom's lack of specific qualities makes it tricky to gauge its performance in comparison. Therefore, if you're seeking particular characteristics in your mechanical keyboard experience, the Canglan V2 offers clarity and assurance, while the Tom may present an unknown variable that might or might not meet your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth, light keystroke experience and appreciate a satisfying audio feedback hailing from deep sound signatures, the Canglan V2 is undoubtedly the right choice for you. It’s particularly ideal for those who enjoy rapid, uninterrupted typing sessions or gaming, as its 48-gram actuation force allows for quick keystrokes without fatigue. Conversely, if you find tactile feedback more satisfying and prefer a switch that provides distinct physical bumps to signal actuation—although the Tom’s specifics are a bit elusive—you might be inclined to seek alternatives that offer a more pronounced tactile response. Thus, if you appreciate the innovative feel and sound profile of the Canglan V2, embrace its linearity; but if your typing style leans towards tactile sensations, consider exploring more options within that realm.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more