HMX EVA vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX EVA and the Outemu Cream Blue can significantly influence your typing experience and gaming performance. The HMX EVA, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing feel and resonant sound signature, making it a fantastic option for those who prioritize a quiet and fluid keystroke without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch that gives users an audible and tactile response with each keystroke, providing a distinct feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment, particularly for typists who thrive on physical sensations while typing. Each switch offers unique benefits: the EVA is great for silent focused sessions, while the Cream Blue caters to those who appreciate the satisfying click of each key press. 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
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX EVA and the Outemu Cream Blue switches share a key similarity: both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This is significant because nylon, known for its softer, more flexible properties compared to harder plastics, contributes to a unique sound profile that many typists appreciate. Both switches are designed to produce a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing, as the nylon material effectively absorbs sound. This absorption leads to a duller and rounder sound, distinguishing the typing experience from switches made with harder housings, which tend to create sharper, more piercing sounds.
Despite their use of identical nylon materials for both top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials can differ depending on the overall design of the switch. The characteristics of the bottom housing tend to be more pronounced during the key's bottom-out phase, while the top housing primarily influences the sound and feel upon release. In both the HMX EVA and Outemu Cream Blue, the nylon housing ensures that users will experience a similar sound and feel throughout the typing journey, reinforcing a sense of consistency in performance. Therefore, while the aesthetics and design may differ, the end-user experience in terms of auditory feedback remains aligned due to the shared material composition.
In conclusion, the common use of nylon in both the HMX EVA and Outemu Cream Blue switches not only facilitates a comparable typing sound and feel but also showcases the importance of housing material in the overall switch design. Since both switches utilize the same kind of nylon for their housings, typists can expect a consistency in sound profile, which is characterized by a deep, rounded resonance. This suggests that regardless of the switch's branding or nominal differences, the inherent qualities of nylon ensure a familiar and enjoyable typing experience across both models.
Weight
Comparing the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch reveals notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX EVA boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a significantly higher bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feel while typing. This difference indicates that the Cream Blue provides a firmer keystroke, which some users might find more satisfying. Therefore, while both switches serve different preferences, the HMX EVA is lighter and better suited for prolonged use, whereas the Outemu Cream Blue appeals to those seeking a stronger push sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, there's a clear distinction. The EVA has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Blue measures 4 mm, which is the more traditional travel distance. This difference indicates that if you're looking for a more responsive keypress, the EVA switch would be advantageous due to its shorter travel distance, making it potentially better suited for gaming where rapid actions are essential. Conversely, the Cream Blue's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel during each keystroke, providing a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the HMX EVA is the better choice, whereas the Outemu Cream Blue caters more to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
The Outemu Cream Blue 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 EVA linear switch is known for its resonant sound signature that adds a unique character to typing, offering a more subdued yet satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch produces a distinctly sharper and more pronounced sound due to its clicky mechanism, which creates an audible feedback that can be quite pleasing for those who enjoy a more engaging auditory experience while typing. It's important to note that the final sound profile of each switch can be affected by the choice of keyboard, the materials of the keycaps, and the overall build of the keyboard, potentially enhancing or muting these inherent qualities.
When considering the feel, the HMX EVA switch is celebrated for its silky smooth action, providing a seamless and fluid typing experience that minimizes resistance and friction. This smoothness can lead to a more enjoyable and effortless typing session, especially for those who prefer linear switches. In contrast, the Cream Blue is characterized by its tactile bump and click mechanism, offering a distinct point of feedback during operation. This tactile response not only makes every keystroke more pronounced but also provides a more satisfying and engaging typing feel, particularly for users who appreciate tactile sensations and audible confirmation with each press.
In conclusion, the HMX EVA linear switch and Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The EVA excels in providing a smooth and resonant experience, while the Cream Blue offers a clicky and tactile sensation that is sure to please those who enjoy auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. The HMX EVA switch, with its light 48-gram bottom-out force, offers a smoother and more fluid typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where speed and precision are key. If you enjoy a quiet environment or prefer a more understated sound while typing, the EVA's resonant sound signature further supports a serene workspace, prioritizing tactile satisfaction without the distraction of audible clicks. On the other hand, if you appreciate the tactile feedback and audible confirmation of each keystroke, then the Cream Blue's medium-heavy 65-gram force and pronounced click sound will provide an engaging typing experience. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy the rhythmic feedback and prefer a more classic mechanical keyboard experience. In conclusion, choose the HMX EVA for a smooth, quiet, and efficient experience, whereas the Outemu Cream Blue will satisfy your need for tactile feedback and pronounced sound.
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