HMX Hibiscus vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silent Grey can significantly affect your typing experience. The Hibiscus stands out with its ultra-light actuation force and remarkably smooth keystrokes, providing a clacky, poppy sound that many enthusiasts find irresistible. This linear switch is ideal for users who value speed and a seamless flow during fast-paced typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a tactile experience that features a pronounced bump, allowing typists to feel each keystroke while enjoying a quieter performance. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate satisfying feedback without the noise, making it suitable for shared workspaces or late-night productivity. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether it be the smooth, rapid responses of the Hibiscus or the tactile, muted feedback of the Silent Grey. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silent Grey, the primary distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The HMX Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, which is noted for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile during use. This is largely due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate result in a clearer and more resonant audio experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting visibility, making it aesthetically advantageous for users who desire illuminated switches.
Despite the differences in sound profiles attributed to their top housings, both the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Silent Grey share a commonality in their choice of materials for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when the keys bottom out. The soft nature of nylon allows for effective sound absorption, creating a consistent damping effect that influences the overall auditory experience of both switches. As a result, when users press down on these switches, they will experience a similar sound and feel owing to the nylon material in the bottom housing, creating a level of consistency between the two models.
Ultimately, while the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Silent Grey differ significantly in their top housing materials, they maintain a shared experience in their bottom housing composition. This combination results in a nuanced interaction where the top housing influences the release sound and quality, whereas the bottom housing provides a grounded and smooth bottom-out experience. Users seeking a more various auditory preference may favor the Hibiscus for its warm and rounded tones or the Silent Grey for its bright and energetic sounds. Nonetheless, both switches deliver satisfying results thanks to their complementary bottom housing materials, ensuring a fulfilling typing experience regardless of the differences in their top designs.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we see notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Hibiscus has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a great option for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch features a heftier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial push when typing. This difference makes the Hibiscus feel softer and more suitable for long gaming sessions or work environments, while the Silent Grey provides a stronger feel that some typists may find more satisfying. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor a lighter, more delicate touch or a robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there is a notable difference: the Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Grey offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Hibiscus is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers might prefer for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their key presses, as it results in a softer, less abrupt feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding key response and typing comfort.
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 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Hibiscus switch is characterized by its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it a delight for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This lively sound profile adds to the overall engagement of the typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a more expressive keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch delivers a quiet performance while maintaining a pronounced tactile bump, suited for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. The emphasis on silence in the Silent Grey allows for a focused environment, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces. While the Hibiscus will likely produce a more vibrant sound, the Silent Grey's design ensures that it remains unobtrusive, allowing users to type without disturbing those around them.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light actuation force, which facilitates effortless key presses, perfect for prolonged typing sessions. This smoothness contributes to a whimsical typing experience where each stroke glides seamlessly into the next. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switch boasts a pronounced tactile bump that enhances the typing experience with satisfying feedback at the actuation point. This tactile response, combined with a smooth keystroke, provides a different satisfaction for users who enjoy the sensation of engagement without the louder clicking noise found in other tactile options. While the Hibiscus focuses on a feather-like touch, the Silent Grey emphasizes tactile feedback, leading to distinct yet enjoyable typing engagements.
Combining the qualities of both switches reveals a clear distinction between their target user experiences. The HMX Hibiscus excels in sound and smoothness, making it ideal for those who revel in a lively and effortless typing experience, whereas the Outemu Silent Grey caters to users who prioritize a quieter environment without sacrificing tactile feedback. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both switches offer unique advantages: the Hibiscus for those who enjoy auditory thrill and smooth action, and the Silent Grey for individuals seeking a satisfying yet silent touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you crave a lightweight typing experience that emphasizes smoothness and a satisfying auditory feedback—with a distinctive clacky and poppy sound—the HMX Hibiscus is likely to be your ideal choice. This switch is well-suited for fast-paced typing and gaming, allowing for quick actuation with minimal effort. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile sensation that provides a pronounced bump while keeping noise to a minimum, the Outemu Silent Grey is your go-to option. With its medium-heavy actuation force and quiet operation, this switch is perfect for office environments or shared spaces where reducing noise is crucial. Ultimately, consider whether you value lightness and sound dynamics or tactile feedback and silence, as these characteristics will guide you toward the switch that best fits your typing style and needs.
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