HMX EVA vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX EVA and the Outemu Silver linear switches for your mechanical keyboard, both options present distinct characteristics appealing to different types of users. The HMX EVA, inspired by the vibrant colors of Evangelion Unit-01, is celebrated not only for its unique aesthetic but also for its resonant sound signature and silky smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who value both performance and style. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silver doesn't have a specific branding story, it is known for delivering a responsive and efficient feel, often favored by gamers for quick keystrokes and rapid actuation. Each switch offers a linear typing experience that can enhance your overall computing experience, whether for gaming or general typing tasks. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX EVA and the Outemu Silver switches exhibit notable differences that influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The EVA's top housing is made of nylon, a material known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer nature. This characteristic produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silver is constructed with a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The polycarbonate material’s rigidity enhances resonance, making the sound clearer and crisper, which can be particularly advantageous for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback from their switches.
When looking at the bottom housing, both the HMX EVA and the Outemu Silver utilize nylon, leading to similarities in the sound experience at the lower end of key presses. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to that deeper, rounder sound characteristic of softer materials, ensuring that the tactile feedback and bottom-out experience remain consistent across the two models. This commonality in bottom housing means that any user transitioning from one switch to the other is likely to find comfort and familiarity in the sound and feel as they type, especially during the bottoming out of key presses where this material exhibits its effects most prominently.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials serves to enhance the unique sound profiles of each switch. While the EVA delivers a more muted and richer auditory output thanks to its nylon top, the Silver achieves a brighter and more resonant soundscape due to its polycarbonate construction. This divergence suggests that users may experience distinct auditory sensations during different stages of typing. However, the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent foundation, meaning that regardless of the top housing differences, the lower sound profile remains muted, providing a balanced typing experience. For those who prioritize RGB aesthetics, the Outemu Silver offers an added benefit with its clear polycarbonate top, enhancing visual appeal without sacrificing the desired auditory characteristics.
Weight
The HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their typing experience. The EVA switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience that allows for longer usage without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch features a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams, coupled with a significantly stronger bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel and feedback with each keystroke. This distinction means that while the EVA is better suited for users seeking lightness and comfort during extended sessions, the Silver will provide a sturdier tactile experience for those who prefer a heavier switch. Overall, the EVA is lighter, making it preferable for prolonged use, whereas the Silver's heavier forces lend themselves to a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX EVA linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the EVA switch the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who favor faster response times due to its more shallow profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver's 4.0 mm travel distance aligns with the traditional preference for deeper keystrokes, offering a more substantial tactile experience that some users might find preferable. In summary, if responsiveness is your priority, the EVA will provide quicker actuation, whereas the Silver is better suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their key presses.
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 Silver 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 notable for its resonant sound signature, which can provide a satisfying auditory experience when typing. This characteristic may give the impression of a richer, more engaging sound profile compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch. However, since there are no specific sound attributes provided for the Silver switch, it may be reasonable to assume that its sound is more neutral or less distinctive. The overall sound experience of either switch can also be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material, so users may find that they can achieve a preferred sound profile with either option, depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EVA is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, allowing for a fluid and enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. This quality can enhance both typing speed and accuracy, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. In contrast, the lack of specific feel characteristics for the Outemu Silver switch leaves its tactile qualities somewhat ambiguous. If the Silver switch shares a typical linear switch profile, it may offer a smooth feel as well, but without definitive input, the tactile experience remains a bit of a mystery.
In summary, the HMX EVA linear switch stands out for its resonant sound and exceptionally smooth feel, which can be appealing to a broad range of users, particularly those who appreciate both auditory and tactile qualities in their typing experience. While the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks detailed descriptions in these aspects, it may still provide a satisfactory performance if it adheres to common linear switch characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference, as users may find they enjoy similar outcomes from both switches, particularly with the right keyboard and keycap pairing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, your personal preference and intended use will guide your decision. If you prefer a lighter typing experience that emphasizes a silky smooth feel and a resonant sound signature, the HMX EVA is the ideal choice—especially for those who enjoy a pleasurable auditory experience while typing. This switch suits users who may engage in long typing sessions or gaming marathons where comfort and sound play significant roles. On the other hand, if you seek a more substantial feedback during the keystroke with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Silver offers a firmer feel that may be appealing to those who appreciate tactile resistance and may favor more assertive actuation in their typing or gaming performance. Ultimately, your preference for sound, feel, and typing force will determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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