HMX Hibiscus vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Brown offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Hibiscus, a linear switch, is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and an exceptionally light actuation force, providing a pristine typing experience that many users find delightful. Its satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound signature enhances the overall enjoyment, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who value swift, uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch renowned for its feedback during key presses, providing users with a noticeable bump that signals actuation without the loud noise typically associated with clicky switches. This makes it a preferred option for those who seek a balanced typing experience that combines both tactile feedback and quiet operation. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Brown switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly impacts their acoustic profiles. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and therefore create a duller, rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, enabling a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, leading to a clearer and more defined sound signature. This fundamental difference in materials creates distinct sound characteristics, making each switch appealing to different user preferences when it comes to auditory feedback during typing.
For the bottom housings, both the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Brown switches utilize nylon, which creates a similar sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, mirroring the acoustic properties found in the Hibiscus’s top housing as well. Because nylon is softer, it effectively dampens sound, creating a more rounded auditory profile. As a result, while the Hibiscus's top housing delivers a warmer sound due to its nylon composition, the Brown switch retains a similar bottom-out feel, thanks to its nylon bottom housing that echoes some acoustic properties akin to the Hibiscus. Thus, the similarities in their bottom housings ensure that both switches elicit a comparable tactile experience and depth of sound when fully pressed down.
When considering the overall performance of the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Brown switches, the combination of differing top housing materials and similar bottom housing materials creates a unique interaction between their qualities. The Hibiscus will typically provide a softer, warmer sound profile both when pressed and released, thanks to the nylon top, while the Outemu Brown offers clarity and brightness from its polycarbonate top during release—a defining moment in the typist's experience. At the same time, the common nylon bottom housing evokes a shared depth in sound and impact feel when both switches reach their bottom-out point. Together, these contrasts and comparisons illustrate how different housing materials influence switch performance while also highlighting the touchstones of similarity that affect the user experience, particularly at the keys' point of compression.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, requiring less effort to trigger a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it comfortable for longer typing sessions and well-suited for those who prefer lighter switches. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch features a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to users who enjoy a stronger push feel. This means that while the Hibiscus allows for easier keystrokes and longer periods of typing, the Brown switch offers a firmer resistance which some users may find more satisfying. Overall, if you prioritize lighter typing with less fatigue, the Hibiscus is the better option, while the Brown might be preferred for those who favor a heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the Hibiscus features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Hibiscus may provide a more responsive typing or gaming experience, which can be appealing to those who prioritize quick keystrokes, especially in fast-paced environments. Conversely, the Outemu Brown's longer travel distance allows for a more pronounced feedback with each keypress, which some users may find more satisfying or tactile. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that feels more abrupt and responsive, the Hibiscus would be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a deeper and more tactile experience, the Brown would suit your preferences better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
The Outemu Brown 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 Hibiscus switch stands out with a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that enhances the auditory experience of typing. This unique sound profile is characterized by a pleasant blend of sharpness and resonance, which can be very satisfying to listen to, especially in a quiet environment. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch does not have a detailed sound characterization provided, but typically, tactile switches like the Brown are known for having a more muted sound compared to linear switches. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the overall sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard board and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus offers an ultra-light actuation force that provides an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. This switch is designed to cater to those who seek fluidity and ease in each keystroke, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch is a tactile switch that typically provides a noticeable bump during actuation, signaling to the user that their keypress has registered. This bump can add a level of feedback that some users appreciate for improved typing accuracy, but may feel less smooth compared to a purely linear switch.
In conclusion, while the HMX Hibiscus switch excels in offering a unique sound profile and an ultra-smooth feel, the Outemu Brown switch provides a more traditional tactile feedback experience that may appeal to those who enjoy the confirmation of their keypresses. Each switch has its unique strengths, and which one you prefer will largely depend on your personal typing style and preferences. If you desire a clacky sound and ultra-smooth feel, the Hibiscus is your go-to, whereas if you appreciate tactile feedback, the Brown's characteristics would be more suited to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light, ultra-smooth typing experience with a lively sound profile, the Hibiscus is the ideal option for you. Its low actuation force of 48 grams makes it an excellent choice for those who type quickly or for long durations, as it reduces finger fatigue, allowing for a more fluid and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, if you desire a more grounded feel with a tactile bump to provide feedback on your keystrokes, the Outemu Brown is the switch to consider. Its moderate bottom-out force of 65 grams gives you a sturdier feel, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios where you might want to register your key presses with more emphasis. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing needs—whether you appreciate a lightweight, smooth action or prefer a tactile feedback that enhances your typing precision.
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