HMX Hibiscus vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Silver stand out as two captivating options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience, characterized by an ultra-light actuation force that surpasses 80% of all switches. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who prioritize comfort and speed in their keystrokes, coupled with a satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound that adds a delightful auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver, while less renowned, offers its unique appeal for gamers and typists who appreciate a quick actuation point for fast-paced gameplay or rapid typing sessions. Both switches cater to specific preferences, whether you lean towards the Hibiscus's luxurious typing feel or the responsive performance of the Silver. 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
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
The HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silver keyboards utilize different materials for their top housings, which markedly influences their overall sound profiles during typing. The Hibiscus's top housing is made of nylon, a classic switch housing material recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic stems from nylon’s relatively softer texture, which absorbs more sound waves and results in a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silver incorporates polycarbonate as its top housing material. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffer composition, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also adds a visual aesthetic, especially when RGB lighting is employed, allowing the light to shine through and enhance the keyboard's appearance.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which converges in producing a similar sound profile regarding the keys' bottom-out experience. The Hibiscus employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, reinforcing the deeper, fuller sound throughout. Meanwhile, the Silver's bottom housing also utilizes nylon, contributing to the same auditory quality characterized by its ability to absorb sound and provide that duller effect typical of softer plastics. Therefore, while the top housing of the Outemu Silver creates a sharper sound, its bottom housing still allows for a balance, ensuring that users will encounter a somewhat mix of sound profiles, with the deeper tones from nylon tempering the crisper notes from the polycarbonate.
In summary, the key difference in housing materials between the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silver lies in their top pieces, with nylon producing a rounder sound versus polycarbonate offering a clearer and more resonant effect. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, leading to a common auditory experience that emphasizes fuller sounds upon bottoming out. Consequently, users can expect a unique blend of sound profiles depending on how much of their typing style incorporates bottom-out and release actions, allowing for a rich auditory experience even when the top and bottom housing materials differ.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Hibiscus features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silver has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly higher bottom out force of 65 grams, suggesting a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to those who like a firmer resistance. Consequently, the Hibiscus is the lighter option, while the Silver is the heavier choice. If a user values quick responsiveness and lower resistance during long usage, the Hibiscus would be preferable, whereas those seeking more feedback and a stronger push might gravitate towards the Silver.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch offer distinct travel distances that cater to different preferences among users. The Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silver features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference signifies that the Hibiscus will provide a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel, potentially appealing to gamers who favor quick key presses for faster reaction times. In contrast, the Outemu Silver's greater travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience, as it offers a deeper press that can feel more satisfying for certain typing styles. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the HMX Hibiscus would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Silver suits users who appreciate a fuller depth in their switch experience.
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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, contributing to an enjoyable auditory experience while typing. This distinctive sound profile is likely to resonate with users who appreciate that engaging feedback through audio, making each keystroke feel more lively. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific sound characteristics that are documented, which means its auditory experience might be more subdued or variably dependent on the keyboard it is housed in, including the type of keycaps used. Ultimately, if you're seeking a more vibrant sound, the Hibiscus is the clearer choice, while the Silver may blend more into the background.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switches are notable for their ultra-light actuation force, making them exceptionally smooth and providing a nearly effortless typing experience akin to gliding over the keys. This quality leads to less finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions and adds to the overall enjoyment of the keyboard experience. In contrast, the specific feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make direct comparisons. It’s possible that it may not offer the same level of smoothness or light touch, but until more information is available, it remains a mystery.
Altogether, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch stands out for its engaging sound and ultra-smooth feel, setting it apart as a prime choice for enthusiasts. In comparison, the Outemu Silver's qualities in sound and feel remain unspecified, making it hard to judge its performance accurately. If you prioritize auditory feedback along with a light touch, the Hibiscus is the way to go, while the Outemu Silver may appeal to those looking for an unknown but potentially different typing experience. Both switches can cater to distinct preferences, ultimately leading to satisfaction in your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience that allows for fast and effortless keystrokes, the Hibiscus is the ideal option for you. Its notably low bottom-out force of 48 grams makes it perfect for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, where quick reflexes are essential. Additionally, the Hibiscus offers an engaging sound profile that adds character to your typing environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a bit of resistance to avoid accidental key presses, the Outemu Silver, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, may be the better choice. Though it may not boast as distinctive a sound or typing experience as the Hibiscus, the Silver is still a solid linear switch that can provide a satisfying presence under your fingers. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, whether you're looking for feather-light freedom or a more grounded tactile feedback.
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