HMX EVA vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience, and the HMX EVA and Outemu Silent White are two linear options that cater to different preferences. The HMX EVA is distinguished by its unique design inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, boasting a resonant sound signature that adds personality to every keystroke, alongside its silky smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White prioritizes a quieter operation, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is key, allowing users to type without disturbing those around them. While both switches offer linear actuation for a gentle and uninterrupted typing experience, they cater to different needs—one celebrating distinctive aesthetics and sound, and the other emphasizing discretion. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
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
3.60 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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX EVA and the Outemu Silent White switches exhibit both similarities and differences that contribute to their overall sound profile and tactile experience. The EVA features a nylon top housing while the Silent White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White yields a sharper and more crystalline sound, providing a more pronounced acoustic clarity. This fundamental difference in material gives each switch a unique auditory signature: the EVA produces a warmer and rounder sound, ideal for users who prefer a soft and muted auditory experience, whereas the Silent White appeals to those looking for a brighter and more distinct sound.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings, which is nylon. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both switches will produce a fuller and deeper sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, dampening any harshness that might be present when the key is pressed down. This creates a consistent experience for both switches, where users will notice a smooth and rounded feel when their fingers hit the key switches fully. This shared quality allows the EVA and Silent White to align in their feel during the actuation of keys, albeit with different experiences when it comes to the sound produced from releasing the keys.
In summary, while the HMX EVA and Outemu Silent White switches have differing top housing materials—nylon for the EVA, contributing to a warmer sound, and polycarbonate for the Silent White, which produces a sharper tone—both switches share the same nylon material in their bottom housings. This similarity ensures that both switches possess a rounder sound profile when bottoming out, creating a cohesive experience in terms of feel and acoustics. Therefore, users can expect consistent tactile feedback from each switch when pressed down, but they will notice contrasting sound characteristics when the switch is released, making their experience distinctly different based on the choice of switch.
Weight
The HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The EVA features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a suitable choice for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the Silent White has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a more tactile typing experience. While both switches allow for smooth key presses, the EVA is lighter overall, making it better suited for users looking for ease during extended use. In comparison, the Outemu Silent White is heavier, appealing to those who appreciate a firmer push. Thus, if you prefer something light and easy to use, the EVA is the better option, while the Silent White caters to those who favor a more robust switch feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the HMX EVA boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent White features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the EVA switch provides a more pronounced keypress, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Silent White switch may cater to gamers who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, allowing for faster input. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference—those who enjoy a deeper key feel will likely lean towards the EVA, while those seeking a snappier response may prefer the Silent White.
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 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
The HMX EVA linear switch is renowned for its resonant sound signature, which provides a distinct auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. The sound profile of the EVA can be unique, offering a satisfying and engaging auditory feedback as you type. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White linear switch, while not specifically described, suggests a design focused on minimizing noise, potentially making it quieter than many other switches on the market. It’s important to note that the resulting sound from each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard used and the type of keycaps chosen, meaning there can be significant variation in the experience based on these external elements.
Regarding feel, the HMX EVA switch is characterized by its silky smooth typing sensation, making it a pleasure to type on for extended periods. This smoothness contributes greatly to the overall typing experience, providing a high level of comfort. On the other hand, while the tactile properties of the Silent White switch are not explicitly detailed, the naming conventions and "silent" designation imply an effort towards smoothness as well, which could lead to a similar type feel during use. However, the specific nuances of the feel compared to the EVA remain unknown.
In summary, both the HMX EVA and the Outemu Silent White linear switches have their merits, with the EVA standing out for its resonant sound and smooth typing experience. While the Silent White may offer a quieter experience, the exact feel it delivers remains unspecified. If you are seeking a smooth typing experience, you might find satisfaction in both switches, though the sound profile will diverge depending on your preference for auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, with the understanding that your keyboard setup will also play a significant role in the final experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth keystroke that also carries a resonant sound signature, the EVA is likely the better option for you. Its 48-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where speed is paramount, especially if you appreciate the aesthetics inspired by the iconic Evangelion colors. Conversely, if you prefer a firmer feel and don't mind a bit more resistance as you type, the Silent White might be more suitable, showcasing a bottom-out force of 60 grams that gives you a solid, tactile sensation. However, if noise levels are a concern and you need a quiet environment, the Silent White offers a discreet typing experience, making it a better fit for shared workspaces. In the end, consider your typing style, preferred sound profile, and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.
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