HMX Hibiscus vs. Outemu Tom

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Tom can greatly influence your typing experience. The HMX Hibiscus, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate fast and fluid keystrokes without tactile resistance. With a sound signature that's satisfyingly clacky and poppy, it offers a delightful auditory experience alongside its performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom, categorized as a tactile switch, is designed to provide a noticeable bump at the actuation point, delivering tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and create a more engaging experience for users who revel in the physical sensation of each press. Choosing the Hibiscus is ideal for gamers and typists who seek speed and silence, while the Tom is perfect for those who favor deliberate and precise typing. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Hibiscus Linear

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Tom switches showcase contrasting materials in their top housings, which significantly influence the auditory experience during typing. The Hibiscus employs a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows nylon to absorb some sound waves, resulting in a more muted and rounder auditory signature. In contrast, the Outemu Tom features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which creates a more resonant auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, the way they project sound differs dramatically, with the Hibiscus promoting a warm tone and the Tom offering a crisper clarity.

When we shift our attention to the bottom housings, we find a notable similarity between the two switches. Both the Hibiscus and Tom utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a similar auditory experience in terms of deeper, fuller sound quality. Given that the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will exhibit a consistent softness in this regard. This shared use of nylon enhances the overall typing convenience by providing a more comforting and absorbent touch on the keypress, regardless of the differences presented by the top housings.

In summary, the primary contrast between the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Tom switches lies in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—leading to distinct sound profiles during typing. However, the commonality in their bottom housings reinforces a level of compatibility in the tactile experience. Users can expect a balanced blend of depth and clarity when these switches are employed in use, as the differing top housings will affect the sound when releasing a key, but the bottom housings will ensure that both switches retain that rich, fuller sound quality during the act of typing.

Weight

The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces. The Hibiscus boasts a light actuation force of 42 grams, making it a favorable choice for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Outemu Tom is unavailable, the Hibiscus has a clear bottom out force of 48 grams, reinforcing its lighter feel overall. Thus, if one were to prioritize a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Hibiscus would be the better option, while those seeking a stronger and more tactile feedback would likely gravitate towards the heavier feel of the Tom.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the Hibiscus measures 3.5 mm, while the Tom has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Hibiscus provides a deeper key press, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times and quicker actuation for speedy gameplay. While both switches are suited to different preferences—those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Hibiscus, whereas users seeking swifter action might prefer the Tom—the difference in travel distance highlights important aspects of user experience in keyboard design.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Hibiscus switch is celebrated for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, contributing to an enjoyable auditory experience during typing. This distinctive sound can enhance the overall satisfaction of using the keyboard, making each keystroke feel rewarding. In contrast, no specific sound characteristics have been noted for the Outemu Tom switch, leaving much to be desired in terms of auditory feedback. It's important to remember that the acoustic profile of any switch is influenced by the keyboard's build and choice of keycaps, which means that even without a defined sound for the Tom switch, users can experiment with various configurations to achieve different sounds.

In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a delightfully seamless typing experience that many enthusiasts seek in mechanical keyboards. Its ultra-light actuation force makes it accessible and comfortable for continuous use, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Tom switch remains unspecified, which raises questions about its performance in comparison. This lack of defined tactile feedback might make it harder for typists who rely on a clearly differentiated actuation point to judge their keystrokes accurately.

In summary, while the HMX Hibiscus switch offers a well-rounded experience with its delightful sound and smooth feel, the Outemu Tom switch lacks defined characteristics in both respects. Those looking for an engaging typing experience should gravitate toward the Hibiscus due to its clear advantages. However, for users interested in exploring the Outemu line or those on a budget, customization through different keycaps and keyboard builds could lead to a satisfactory and unique experience, even if it may not rival the Hibiscus in its noted qualities.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between HMX Hibiscus linear switches and Outemu Tom tactile switches hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a smooth, lightweight typing experience and enjoy a clacky and poppy sound profile, the Hibiscus will undoubtedly enhance your setup, making it ideal for rapid typing and gaming where speed is crucial. Its 48-gram actuation force requires less effort, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, which is perfect for both casual typing and intense gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback in your keystrokes, providing a distinct feel with each press, the Outemu Tom would be more suitable for you. Although we lack specific details on the sound and feel characteristics, tactile switches generally deliver a satisfying bump that can improve typing accuracy and enhance the overall experience for those who appreciate that sensation. Ultimately, consider your typing style, whether you prefer smoothness over tactility or vice versa, to determine which switch will best suit your preferences and enhance your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Hibiscus Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more