HMX Hibiscus vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silent White both stand out as intriguing options for typists, gamers, and enthusiasts alike. The HMX Hibiscus, celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness, offers an ultra-light actuation force that exceeds 80% of its counterparts, providing a feather-light touch that ensures effortless keystrokes. Its satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound signature adds a fun auditory dimension to the typing experience, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate both performance and auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White, while offering no specific standout feature, is designed for quiet operation, appealing to users who seek a more subdued typing experience, especially in shared or noise-sensitive environments. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Hibiscus shines with its tactile feedback and sound appeal, while the Silent White prioritizes the need for a quieter workspace. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 Silent White, we see a distinct difference in their top housings, which significantly influences the sound profiles they produce. The HMX Hibiscus uses a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, crisper, and higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer composition. This disparity between the two materials illustrates how the top housing can shape the auditory experience of each switch, emphasizing the softer, more muted tones of the Hibiscus compared to the bright and resonant notes of the Silent White.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This similarity means that the sound feel and profile experienced when bottoming out on either switch will be quite similar, producing a deep and full sound that is characteristic of nylon. The relatively soft nature of nylon allows for a more subdued auditory feedback upon key press, creating a consistent experience in this aspect regardless of the top housing material. Thus, even though the top housings of the Hibiscus and Silent White differ, both switches share the same bottom housing material, ensuring that they offer a similar tactile and sonic feedback during key presses.
In summary, the contrast in top housing materials between the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silent White leads to differing sound profiles when pressing and releasing keys. The nylon top of the Hibiscus emphasizes a warmer, more muted sound while the polycarbonate of the Silent White sharpens and elevates acoustic feedback. However, with both models utilizing a nylon bottom housing, users can expect a deeper, fuller sound when the keys bottom out. This shared bottom housing provides a balance, ensuring that while the top housings yield unique sound experiences, the foundational auditory response remains pleasantly consistent across both switches.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Silent White’s 45 grams, making it easier to press and suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Additionally, the Hibiscus has a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is also lighter than the Silent White's bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the Hibiscus offers a softer, more delicate feel, the Silent White provides a stronger resistance that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, for those who appreciate a lighter touch, the Hibiscus would be the optimal choice, whereas the Silent White caters to users who favor a heavier feel and more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the Hibiscus offers a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent White has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This 0.2 mm difference may seem minor, but it can significantly influence the feel of each switch during use. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Silent White may provide a quick and responsive experience. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke might prefer the Hibiscus with its deeper travel, offering a more pronounced tactile sensation. In summary, the Hibiscus is better suited for those who enjoy a more robust key press, while the Silent White caters to users looking for speed and responsiveness.
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 White 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 produces a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that many users find appealing. This auditory feedback is a standout feature, making each keystroke feel more engaging and enjoyable. The sound profile can, of course, vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap choice, but the Hibiscus inherently delivers a more expressive acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks a specified sound description, leaving its auditory characteristics somewhat ambiguous and possibly less pronounced compared to the Hibiscus.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is revered for its unparalleled smoothness, ensuring a pristine typing experience for users who prioritize a fluid keystroke. Its ultra-light actuation force, which is lighter than 80% of other switches, allows for effortless typing, making it ideal for extended use. In contrast, no specific feel attributes have been provided for the Silent White linear switch, which makes it difficult to draw comparisons regarding tactile feedback or overall typing comfort.
In conclusion, while the HMX Hibiscus linear switch excels in sound and feel, offering a joyful auditory experience and a super smooth typing sensation, the Outemu Silent White linear switch remains less defined in its qualities. Users looking for a vivid sound profile and an ultra-light feel may lean towards the Hibiscus, while the Silent White might appeal to those who prefer less specificity in its attributes. If you choose the Hibiscus, you can expect an engaging and smooth experience, while the outcome of choosing the Silent White is less predictable.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a lighter touch and prioritize a smooth, almost effortless typing experience, the Hibiscus is the clear winner. With its lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, it allows for quick key presses, making it an ideal choice for fast typists or gamers who enjoy the tactile feedback and satisfying clacky sound that comes with each keystroke. On the other hand, if your typing style requires a bit more resistance—perhaps because you enjoy a firmer feel or you're frequently typing for extended periods—the Outemu Silent White, with its 60-gram bottom-out force, may be more suitable. This switch can help prevent accidental key presses, providing a more deliberate and controlled feel, which is beneficial in a quiet office environment or shared space where noise is a concern. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value a lightweight, responsive experience or a more substantial, controlled typing feel, so consider how you use your keyboard before making your decision.
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