Outemu Brown vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience and overall performance. The Outemu Brown switch, categorized as a tactile switch, is renowned for its satisfying feedback that provides a noticeable bump, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a tactile response while typing. This tactile nature can enhance typing accuracy, which can be particularly beneficial for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the HMX SU switch is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump, offering a seamless and quiet typing experience. The SU's construction, featuring a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, combines durability with a subtle, relatively deep sound profile that appeals to those who prefer a more muted audible feedback. While the Outemu Brown may be ideal for those seeking tactile feedback, the HMX SU caters to users who prioritize a smooth and silent experience. 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the HMX SU, it is clear that the top housings differ significantly in composition, which in turn affects the sound profile produced by each switch. The Outemu Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and dimensional stability, contributing to a higher-pitched and crisper sound. This specific material enhances clarity and resonance, allowing RGB lighting to shine through effectively due to its translucence. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing, a softer plastic known for its ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller audio experience, providing a rounder, less resonant sound compared to the sharper tones of the Outemu Brown. The distinction between polycarbonate and nylon in the top housing positions the two switches as fundamentally different in terms of the auditory feedback they offer.
Interestingly, both the Outemu Brown and HMX SU share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This consistency ensures that both switches deliver a deeper, more muted sound profile when keys bottom out, due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. The bottom housing's impact is significant during key presses, as it contributes to the overall feel and sound at the moment of actuation. Thus, despite the different top housings, the commonality in bottom material means that users can expect a similar experience regarding the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound, regardless of which switch they choose.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch housing creates an overall nuanced typing experience. While the Outemu Brown's polycarbonate top adds clarity and brightness, paired with a nylon bottom for depth, the HMX SU's all-nylon composition offers a consistently rounded sound profile. Thus, for those who appreciate the dual qualities of both setups, choosing either can yield satisfactory results, albeit with distinct auditory characteristics stemming from the differences in the top housing materials. Overall, the contrasts underscore how the interplay of materials shapes the perception and enjoyment of each keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Outemu Brown requires a heavier actuation force of 53 grams, along with a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch. This difference in weight means that those who opt for the HMX SU will likely experience less finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Outemu Brown will provide a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Consequently, if you favor a lighter switch for longer use, the HMX SU is the better choice; however, if you seek that heavier tactile feedback, the Outemu Brown would be the way to go. In summary, the Outemu Brown is heavier across both forces, while the HMX SU is lighter.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Outemu Brown features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the HMX SU is shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that if you favor a switch with a more pronounced depth for a tactile feel, the Outemu Brown would be the better choice. Conversely, the HMX SU, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to those seeking quicker actuation for faster response times, especially beneficial for gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and tactile feedback, with the Outemu Brown providing a deeper travel experience compared to the more immediate actuation of the HMX SU.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
The Outemu Brown 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 Outemu Brown switch is generally recognized for its balanced acoustic profile, but specific characteristics aren't detailed. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch is known for its unique auditory experience, featuring a subtle and relatively deep sound profile thanks to its PA12 housing and T5 stem design. It's important to note that the overall sound experience varies based on the keyboard layout, materials, and keycaps used, meaning a definitive assessment may change depending on personal setup choices.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Brown switch is characterized by a tactile response that provides feedback without being overly harsh, making it a popular choice for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, allowing for a fluid typing experience. The absence of tactile feedback on the SU switch creates a distinctly different feel compared to the Brown, catering to users who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke without any physical resistance.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch and HMX SU linear switch present contrasting attributes in both sound and feel, they cater to different user preferences. If you're looking for tactile feedback and a balanced sound profile, the Outemu Brown may be more suitable. Conversely, if you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a deeper audio experience, the HMX SU will be the right choice. Your experience will largely depend on your own typing style and the conditions of your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and what kind of experience you desire from your keyboard. If you prefer a tactile feedback sensation that provides a noticeable bump at actuation, the Brown switch may be the better choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams can offer a satisfying resistance that many typists enjoy for tasks like writing or coding, where feedback can enhance accuracy. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, quieter typing experience, the HMX SU linear switch is likely the way to go. With its lighter 50 grams of bottom-out force and a linear feel, the SU allows for effortless key presses that can be particularly appealing for gaming or fast-paced types of work where rapid, continuous keystrokes are essential. Moreover, the deeper sound profile of the SU is designed to be subtle yet rich, making it an excellent option if auditory preference plays a role in your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you value tactile feedback and resistance or prioritize a smooth and quieter experience.
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