HMX Hibiscus vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a pivotal role, and two notable options are the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silent Green, both linear switches that cater to different typing experiences. The HMX Hibiscus excels with its ultra-light actuation force, making it a delight for those seeking a smooth and effortless keystroke. This switch is not only incredibly responsive but also provides a distinctively clacky and poppy sound signature, appealing to users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green offers a quiet operation without sacrificing the smoothness typical of linear switches, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern but tactile satisfaction is still desired. Each switch brings unique characteristics to the table, catering to diverse preferences regarding feel and sound. 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
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Silent Green switches showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic properties and tactile feedback. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer plastic composition. This material contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as the nylon effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Green's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This creates a more resonant audio output, making the Silent Green ideal for users seeking a clearer typing experience.
Examining the bottom housings, both switches maintain their respective materials, with the Hibiscus utilizing nylon and the Silent Green employing polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Hibiscus reinforces the switch's overall sound signature, creating a more muffled and substantial feel during key presses. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green enhances the switch's responsiveness and clarity, furthering the switch's ability to produce a distinct sound when keys bottom out. This contrast in materials leads to a noticeable difference in how the switches perform, with the Hibiscus gravitating towards a more subdued sound profile and the Silent Green emphasizing a brighter audio signature.
When considering the combined effect of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, the two switches manifest their unique sound profiles more distinctly due to the differences in material properties. The Hibiscus's nylon materials produce a cohesive deep sound when both housings work together, lending a rich character to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Green, while having polycarbonate in both the top and bottom, provides a strikingly clearer and crisper auditory experience. Therefore, users of either switch will experience varied results influenced by their respective materials’ characteristics, showcasing how the integration of housing materials fundamentally alters the nature of sound produced during typing.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch, which can enhance typing comfort during long sessions. In contrast, the Silent Green has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a more substantial bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who favor a firmer push feel that can provide a more satisfying typing experience. As a result, the Hibiscus is the lighter switch overall, while the Silent Green is heavier, aligning with the differing preferences for typing feel and endurance. Users looking for a switch that balances comfort and responsiveness may appreciate the Hibiscus, whereas those who want a more robust tactile feedback may lean toward the Silent Green.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, we find that the Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Silent Green's travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Hibiscus may offer a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Silent Green’s longer travel distance provides a sense of depth, catering to users who prefer a more substantial keypress. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness in your key switches, the HMX Hibiscus would be the preferable choice, while those who favor a sturdier typing experience might lean towards the Outemu Silent Green.
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 Silent Green 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 renowned for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, which provides an engaging auditory experience while typing. The unique sound profile allows for a pleasant and lively atmosphere while using the keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green lacks a specific sound signature description, which makes it challenging to compare on this front. However, it’s important to remember that a switch’s sound can vary based on several factors, including the keyboard's construction, the materials used for keycaps, and the overall acoustics of the setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, making it feel exceptionally smooth and effortless to type on. This quality can enhance typing speed and accuracy, leading to a pleasurable experience. In contrast, there is no established feel description for the Outemu Silent Green, leaving an unknown aspect regarding how it may compare in terms of typing experience. Generally, the feel of a switch significantly influences overall satisfaction, and it would be beneficial to experience the Silent Green firsthand for a proper assessment.
In conclusion, while the HMX Hibiscus linear switch offers a distinct auditory pleasure with its crisp sound and a smooth typing feel thanks to its ultra-light actuation force, the Outemu Silent Green lacks detailed descriptions in both sound and feel. Those interested in a lively typing experience might gravitate toward the Hibiscus, while the Silent Green could serve as a quieter alternative, though its specific qualities may remain uncertain. To find a suitable switch, trying them personally is advisable, as individual preferences will ultimately guide the best choice for any typing setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter touch for faster, more effortless typing, the Hibiscus is the clear winner with its 48 grams of actuation force. This, combined with its ultra-smooth keystrokes and a satisfying clacky sound signature, makes it ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience, whether you're gaming or working on long documents. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel with a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, the Silent Green switch might be more suitable for you. Although it doesn't have a well-defined sound signature beyond its linear characteristics, its medium bottom-out force can provide a reassuring tactile feedback that appeals to users who want a bit more resistance and durability while typing. In essence, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a light and responsive typing experience or a more weighted, stable feel.
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