HMX FJ400 vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the HMX FJ400 and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the choice often comes down to personal preference between linear and tactile switches. The HMX FJ400, a linear switch, is revered for its smooth keystrokes and balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity without the distraction of noise. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switch, known for its quiet operation and pronounced tactile bump, caters to users who appreciate a satisfying feedback with every keystroke while minimizing auditory disruptions—ideal for office environments or shared spaces. Each switch presents unique advantages; the FJ400 excels in seamless key transitions perfect for rapid typing, while the Silent Grey ensures a more deliberate typing experience with its tactile feedback. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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 HMX FJ400 and the Outemu Silent Grey switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials—POM for the FJ400 and polycarbonate for the Silent Grey—which significantly affect their sound profiles. The POM housing of the FJ400 creates an "incredibly pleasing" and deeper sound, providing a more muted auditory experience. This results from POM’s unique acoustic properties that tend to dampen high-frequency sounds, promoting a bass-heavy sound signature. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey delivers a sharper, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic causes the high frequencies to resonate clearly, making it particularly advantageous when utilizing RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a more striking visual effect when light passes through.
Despite their differences at the top, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in similarities in their acoustic qualities. The nylon material is known for producing a "deeper and fuller sound profile," as it is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This shared nylon bottom housing ensures that, regardless of the differing top materials, both switches exhibit a rounder, more muted sound when bottoming out. This consistency in sound quality at the bottom portion provides a familiar auditory feedback, reinforcing that the tactile experience remains somewhat similar across both switch types, particularly at the point of key activation.
Overall, while the FJ400 and Silent Grey switches showcase stark contrasts in their top housing materials—with the FJ400 emphasizing a deeper, muted sound versus the Silent Grey’s clear, crisp auditory signature—their shared nylon bottom housing helps streamline the user experience. The impact of the bottom housing predominates during key presses, contributing a deep and full sound no matter which switch is used. The dual composition of materials highlights how the interaction between the top and bottom housing can curate a unique acoustic signature, allowing users to find tailored experiences while still enjoying some commonalities in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, both switches share an actuation force of 50 grams, suggesting that users will find a similar typing experience in terms of the effort needed to register a keystroke. However, a notable difference arises in their bottom out forces; the FJ400 has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Silent Grey reaches 65 grams, indicating that the Silent Grey requires a heavier push to bottom out. This makes the FJ400 the lighter switch, which can lead to less fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it an ideal choice for those who type for long periods or engage in lengthy gaming. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Grey may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing feedback, providing a pronounced feel that some typists and gamers prefer. Overall, while the actuation forces are the same, the differing bottom out forces cater to distinct preferences in the keyboard feel and user experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there is a slight but notable difference. The FJ400 features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Silent Grey, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the FJ400 may offer an advantage due to its shorter travel, facilitating quicker key presses which can be particularly beneficial for gaming. Conversely, the Silent Grey, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feedback and deeper pressing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
The Outemu Silent Grey 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 FJ400 linear switch offers a balanced sound profile, making it a versatile choice suitable for a variety of environments. This means that while it may not be the quietest option available, it strikes a good middle ground, allowing for a typing experience that doesn't draw too much attention yet provides enough acoustic feedback to feel engaging. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to deliver a notably quieter operation, which is essential for those who prioritize discretion, such as in shared workspaces or during night-time typing sessions. The pronounced tactile bump, accompanied by a smooth keystroke, allows for satisfying reception of the action without producing excessive noise, thus creating an ideal environment for focused work.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the HMX FJ400 linear switch typically provides a smoother response, allowing keystrokes that are less interrupted by tactile feedback. This results in a fluid typing experience, which is preferred by those who enjoy rapid, uninterrupted key presses. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch emphasizes a pronounced bump in the actuation, providing a tactile sensation that many find rewarding. This tactile feedback often enhances the typing experience, giving users a clear indication of when a keypress has been registered while still maintaining a quiet profile that doesn’t disrupt the environment.
Overall, both the HMX FJ400 and Outemu Silent Grey switches offer distinct advantages depending on user preferences. The FJ400’s balanced sound profile is ideal for versatility, while the Silent Grey excels in quietness and tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who need silence without sacrificing the satisfying feel of a tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice will depend on what aspects of sound and feel are most important to the individual typist, and both switches can be effective in delivering a pleasurable typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a smoother keystroke with a balanced sound profile, the FJ400 might be the better option for you. With its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, it provides a comfortable typing experience that is suitable for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile feel with a pronounced bump and enjoy a quieter typing experience, you should consider the Silent Grey switch. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, it offers the satisfying feedback of a tactile switch while minimizing noise, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, you should choose the FJ400 for a balance of sound and smoothness in your typing or opt for the Silent Grey for its tactile satisfaction and quiet operation. Both switches have their unique strengths, so it's worth trying them out to see which one aligns best with your typing style and workspace needs.
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