HMX Hibiscus vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, each offering distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and incredibly light actuation force, surpassing 80% of all switches, making it a top choice for those who prioritize a seamless and almost effortless typing experience. Its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile adds an auditory pleasure that complements the fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea, with its tactile feedback, provides a more pronounced bump at the actuation point, making it ideal for typists who appreciate the tactile confirmation that accompanies each keystroke, perfect for both typing and gaming. While both switches cater to different preferences, they each come with their own unique benefits that could enhance your keyboard experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Milk Tea switches, a significant distinction lies in their top housing compositions. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon’s softer nature, which dampens sound transmission, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea is equipped with a Ly top housing, a newer material characterized by a bright sound signature that generates resonant clacks while typing. This fundamental difference in top housing materials indicates that the Hibiscus will offer a more muted, subdued sound during key releases, whereas the Milk Tea is likely to produce a more vibrant and sharp auditory feedback.
On the other hand, both switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This consistency means that, regardless of the differentiation in top housing materials, the sound characteristics when bottoming out the keys will be somewhat aligned. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs sound effectively. Consequently, while the Hibiscus will deliver an overall softer sound experience, the Milk Tea's bottom-out characteristics will align with the Hibiscus, providing a similar deep sound when typing. Thus, even though their top housings create contrasting auditory profiles, they converge in the sound quality produced at the bottom of the stroke.
Overall, the varying properties of the top housings create distinct typing experiences, with the Hibiscus yielding warmth and depth and the Milk Tea providing clarity and resonance. However, the utilization of nylon for both bottom housings does provide a degree of commonality, ensuring that users will find similarities in the overall tactile feedback when pressing the keys down. This combination of different top and matching bottom materials highlights how the individual characteristics can interact to produce diverse yet harmoniously cohesive sound profiles across the two switch types.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The Hibiscus boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easy to type for extended periods, ideal for both work and long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. As for the bottom out forces, the Hibiscus has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams, while the bottom out force for the Milk Tea is currently unknown. This lack of available data means we cannot draw a direct comparison for that aspect. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter feel, the Hibiscus is the optimal choice; if you prefer a stronger push, the Milk Tea might be more suitable, though its characteristics are not fully defined.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, we find a distinction in their measurements. The Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Milk Tea measures 4 mm. This makes the Hibiscus the shorter option, catering more towards gamers who favor quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. In contrast, the Milk Tea, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel during key presses, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced and tactile experience. Thus, those seeking a more responsive switch would benefit from the Hibiscus, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke would likely appreciate the Milk Tea's design.
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 Milk Tea 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 linear switch is recognized for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, which contributes to an engaging auditory experience while typing. This unique sound profile enhances the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard, making each keystroke feel pronounced and lively. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch lacks specific sound characteristics, which may result in a more subdued sound experience when compared to the Hibiscus. However, it is crucial to remember that the auditory qualities of any switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction, the material of the keycaps, and the overall setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, which provides an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. This smoothness is ideal for those who appreciate quick keystrokes and responsiveness while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Outemu Milk Tea switch remain unspecified; therefore, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. The Hibiscus may cater more to users who favor linear switches, while the Milk Tea's feel might appeal to those seeking tactile feedback, though this remains uncertain without more detailed information.
In summary, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch excels in both its auditory and tactile qualities, offering a lively sound and an ultra-light smoothness that typists and gamers alike may find pleasurable. Meanwhile, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not provide specific traits in these areas, making it challenging to gauge its performance and experience. Choosing between these switches will largely depend on preferences for sound and tactile feedback; while Hibiscus offers a distinct auditory profile, the Milk Tea may still hold its own, albeit with less clear characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth and effortless typing experience, the HMX Hibiscus, with its ultra-light actuation force of 48 grams and a sound profile that is satisfyingly clacky and poppy, may be the perfect fit for you. It excels in environments where quick typing and responsiveness are paramount, making it ideal for both gaming and extensive writing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback in your typing, the Outemu Milk Tea switch may be more suited to your needs—though lacking specific details about its performance characteristics, tactile switches typically provide noticeable resistance at the actuation point, offering a distinct feel that can enhance your typing accuracy. In summary, consider your priorities: go for the Hibiscus switch if you seek a lighter, smoother experience, or opt for the Milk Tea if you are inclined towards tactile sensations in your keystrokes. Drawing from these insights in your keyboard switch selection will undoubtedly lead you towards a more enjoyable typing journey.
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