HMX Hibiscus vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference regarding feel and feedback. The HMX Hibiscus switch, known for its unparalleled smoothness, offers a delightful linear typing experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. With an ultra-light actuation force that surpasses 80% of all switches, the Hibiscus ensures swift keystrokes with a satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound signature, making it ideal for those who seek a casual yet responsive typing feel. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch is characterized by its clicky nature, providing audible feedback that can enhance the tactile experience for users who enjoy a more traditional typewriter-like sound. The distinct click sound can also help improve keystroke accuracy, appealing to typists who prefer a more pronounced auditory cue with each press. Each switch has its merits: the Hibiscus for a smoother, quieter experience, and the Gold for a more interactive and engaging typing sensation. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Gold, one immediately notes the distinction between their top housings. The Hibiscus utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition. This absorption of sound leads to a more muted auditory experience, which appeals to those who prefer a warmer tone when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, which is notable for its rigidity and translucency, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile. This material not only enhances the auditory clarity but also plays a crucial role in the visual aesthetics of RGB lighting, allowing for a vibrant and illuminated experience.
On the flip side, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, creating a point of unity between the two models. The nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the sound and feel of the switches, creating that characteristic deeper sound when the key is bottomed out. This shared material provides a consistent tactile feedback across both switches, ensuring that the typing experience remains pleasantly muted compared to their top housing counterparts. As a result, while the top housings differ in terms of sound profiles—one being deep and rounded and the other sharp and bright—the bottom housing material ensures a commonality that preserves a satisfying typing sensation.
Overall, the combination of these materials in the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Gold produces contrasting sound profiles that appeal to different user preferences. Typing on the Hibiscus delivers a more subdued auditory experience, ideal for those who appreciate the warmth of nylon, whereas the Outemu Gold caters to enthusiasts who favor a more pronounced and resonant keystroke experience. However, since both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, users can expect a similarly muted bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, despite the differences in the top housing. This amalgamation of materials results in a rich diversity of experiences while maintaining certain acoustic and tactile characteristics common to switches with nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Hibiscus features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it well-suited for prolonged typing sessions, such as those required at work or during extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch comes with a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This means that while the Hibiscus offers a smoother and easier keystroke, the Gold provides more resistance, which might be favorable for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback in their typing. Overall, the Hibiscus is the lighter option between the two, whereas the Gold is heavier, making the choice largely dependent on individual preferences for typing feel and comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option when compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.5 mm difference can influence the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch. With the Hibiscus's shorter travel distance, gamers looking for quicker response times may find it more appealing, while the Gold switch's longer travel distance might satisfy those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and sensitivity in keystrokes.
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 Gold 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Hibiscus switch produces a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, contributing to a lively and engaging auditory experience while typing. The unique sound profile can enhance the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard, making each keystroke feel more pronounced and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have a specific sound description available, which makes it difficult to compare directly; however, generally, clicky switches are known for their distinct audible feedback with each press that creates a lively typing atmosphere, but without a specific quality noted for the Gold, its sound characteristics remain uncertain.
Regarding feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light actuation force, rated higher than 80% of other switches. This combination allows for effortless key presses, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. The smoothness elevates the tactile experience, providing an enjoyable and responsive feedback upon key activation. The Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks a detailed description of its feel, but considering it is a clicky switch, one could expect it to offer tactile bumps at the actuation point, which can provide satisfying feedback. However, without specific details, the precise feel of the Gold remains ambiguous.
In conclusion, while the HMX Hibiscus switch stands out for its smoothness and distinctive sound signature, the Outemu Gold switch does not provide as much clarity on its sound or feel characteristics. If you prefer a lively and smooth typing experience, the Hibiscus is the superior choice. If you seek a clicky feedback but without defined attributes, consider that the Gold may still suit your needs, though the results could vary significantly. For a newcomer exploring mechanical switches, it's clear that the Hibiscus offers a more well-rounded and defined experience, while the Gold leaves some aspects open to interpretation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth, responsive experience with a lighter touch and a satisfying tactile sound, the Hibiscus is your ideal choice. Its 48-gram actuation force makes it perfect for prolonged typing sessions, as it minimizes fatigue and allows for quick keystrokes, making it particularly suited for tasks that require fast input, like gaming or programming. On the other hand, if you enjoy the distinct feedback that a clicky switch offers and prefer a more robust feel under your fingers, then the Outemu Gold with its 60-gram force will likely be your go-to. Although not as smooth as the Hibiscus, the Gold provides a tactile and auditory satisfaction through its clicky sound profile, appealing to those who appreciate a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and the activities you engage in most frequently, ensuring you enjoy an optimal gaming or typing experience.
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