HMX EVA vs. Outemu Purple

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the HMX EVA and the Outemu Purple can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX EVA, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and resonant sound signature, making it an attractive option for gamers and typists seeking a fluid and uninterrupted keypress without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch designed to provide a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and is often preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during their keystrokes. While the EVA may appeal to users who prioritize sound and smoothness, the Purple's tactile nature caters to individuals who value feedback and precision in their typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.

By the numbers

HMX EVA Linear

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX EVA and Outemu Purple switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The EVA utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition and sound absorption properties. As a result, switches with nylon housings typically produce a deeper and fuller sound when typed on. In contrast, the Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing that is inherently stiffer, leading to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This difference in materials contributes to an audible distinction that typing enthusiasts might seek depending on their preferences—choosing between the warmer, duller tones of nylon or the clearer, crisper sounds produced by polycarbonate.

On the other hand, both the EVA and the Purple utilize nylon for their bottom housing, bridging some of the tonal qualities experienced in both switches. Since both switches share a nylon bottom housing, this commonality results in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when pressing down on the keys. This shared material allows users to experience a consistent fundamental tone when bottoming out, regardless of the differences present in the top housing. This aspect can create a harmonizing effect, whereby the bottom housing's characteristics would mitigate the more pronounced effects of the top housing designs, creating an overall cohesive typing experience.

Together, these materials illustrate how the interplay between top and bottom housings in switches can influence sound and tactile feedback. While the EVA offers a more rounded auditory experience due to its nylon top, the Purple provides a distinct clarity with its polycarbonate housing. Nevertheless, due to the nylon bottom housing commonality, typing enthusiasts can achieve a sound experience that balances these characteristics, allowing a unique flavor of depth and resonance that is a hallmark of both designs. Ultimately, knowing the contributions of each material offers users the ability to select a switch that aligns more closely with their sonic and tactile preference while benefiting from shared realities in their construction.

Weight

The HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, with the EVA featuring a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Purple’s heavier 50 grams. This means that the EVA is more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it reduces finger fatigue over time. In contrast, the Purple's heavier force may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback as they type. Additionally, the EVA has a bottom out force of 48 grams, establishing a clear measure for how much force is required to press the key all the way down. Meanwhile, the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple switch is unknown, making direct comparisons in that regard challenging. This lack of information on the Purple switch means that, while users seeking a lighter experience should opt for the EVA, those who prefer a stronger push feel might gravitate toward the Purple, although the specific bottom out force remains a point of uncertainty.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX EVA has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Outemu Purple features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which aligns more closely with the traditional feel. For users who prefer quicker response times typically favored by gamers, the EVA's shorter travel distance can provide a more responsive experience. In contrast, the Purple's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke sensation, offering a deeper feedback that some users find more satisfying. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the HMX EVA would be the better choice, while the Outemu Purple caters to those who appreciate a more grounded typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX EVA linear switch features a resonant sound signature that adds a distinct auditory character to your typing experience. This resonance, influenced by the design and materials of the switch, can evoke a satisfying acoustic profile, which enhances the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a specific sound quality associated with it, leaving its sound signature relatively unexplored. However, one must remember that the sound of any switch can also be shaped by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps, meaning that both switches can yield different auditory experiences based on their setup.

When it comes to feel, the HMX EVA is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, allowing for seamless key presses that greatly enhance comfort during prolonged use. This smoothness can be particularly appealing for typists who value fluidity in each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch, while lacking detailed descriptions of its feel, typically offers a tactile bump that can provide a different sensation compared to linear switches. Tactile switches are generally designed to provide feedback upon actuation, which could contribute to a more responsive feel during typing.

In conclusion, while both the HMX EVA and Outemu Purple switches may cater to different preferences, the EVA's resonant sound and silky smooth feel set it apart as a unique option for those seeking an enjoyable typing experience. Although the Purple lacks a rich sound profile and has an undefined feel, it may still offer a satisfactory experience based on individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal taste, as experimenting with various boards and keycaps can lead to similar auditory and tactile results with either switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth, lightweight typing experience with a pleasing sound signature that resonates well, then the EVA switch is an ideal choice for you. Its 48-gram bottom-out force makes it easier on your fingers during longer typing sessions, especially if you prefer a quieter environment. On the other hand, if you find satisfaction in the tactile feedback that a switch provides, even though I currently have no information on the bottom-out force or sound characteristics of the Outemu Purple switch, it may cater to your desire for a more tactile experience during typing or gaming. Each switch has its distinct advantages: the EVA is perfect for those who prioritize a smooth, linear feel, while the Purple may appeal to those who like to feel a noticeable bump at actuation. Ultimately, consider how much value you place on sound, feedback, and the weight of the keys, and let that guide you in selecting the switch that fits your needs best.

Mentioned in this article

HMX EVA Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more