HMX Cheese vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent White mechanical keyboard switches, two linear switches with different characteristics stand out. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, delivering a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are in a class of their own, being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch is known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the HMX Cheese excels in providing a tactile and audible typing feedback, the Outemu Silent White prioritizes a noiseless operation. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent White switches, one major difference is the material used in the top housing. The Cheese utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softness, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The choice of top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and typing experience of these switches, with the Cheese providing a more rounded sound and the Silent White offering a clearer and more resonant sound.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housing materials of the two switches, both the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Silent White utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties. The similarities in the bottom housing material suggest that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with both switches offering a duller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a critical role in determining the sound profile and typing experience for users. While the HMX Cheese and Outemu Silent White switches differ in their top housing materials, with one utilizing nylon and the other polycarbonate, they share the same nylon bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar sound profile in terms of depth and fullness when typing on both switches. However, the differences in the top housing material will result in distinct sound characteristics, with the Cheese offering a deeper sound and the Silent White providing a crisper and higher-pitched sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese switch is lighter in both aspects. The Cheese switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Silent White switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Cheese switch is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent White switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different weights that cater to individual preferences, with the Cheese switch being lighter and the Silent White switch being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience. If the actuation force and bottom out force of the two switches are similar, users can expect to get similar results in terms of typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we can see that the Cheese has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5mm compared to the 3.3mm travel distance of the Silent White. While both switches have relatively short travel distances, the Cheese offers a slightly deeper feel when pressed. For those who prefer a more substantial keypress, the HMX Cheese may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White may appeal to users who prefer a slightly shallower and quicker keypress. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch is a top choice for those seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience with its unique clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch is a bit of a mystery in terms of sound and feel. Given the information provided, one can expect a similar level of smoothness with both switches but with a distinct difference in sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound and further testing to determine the feel that best suits your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a lighter touch and a satisfyingly smooth and crisp sound, the HMX Cheese switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Silent White switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
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