Outemu Brown vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown and the HMX Swift offer unique experiences for users. The Outemu Brown switch is a tactile switch, providing a subtle bump when pressed, giving users a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Swift is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and deeper sound profile thanks to its full nylon housings. While the Brown switch is ideal for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience, the Swift switch is favored by individuals who enjoy a smoother keystroke with a lighter actuation force. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Brown and HMX Swift both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The use of nylon as a housing material allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. Both switches prioritize sound quality with their nylon bottom housing, resulting in a tactile typing experience that is enjoyable for users seeking a softer touch when typing.
In terms of the top housing, the Outemu Brown features a polycarbonate top housing while the HMX Swift utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Swift produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to a variety of preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
While the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and HMX Swift differ in terms of their top and bottom components, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience. The split qualities of the housing materials allow for a balanced sound profile, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the polycarbonate top housing of the Brown or the nylon top housing of the Swift, both switches deliver a tactile and enjoyable typing experience that is sure to please mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for high-quality sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The Outemu Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison to the HMX Swift, which has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. The Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher force requirements, while the Swift switch offers a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a tactile feedback, however, the Brown switch would require a bit more force for actuation and bottoming out, resulting in slightly different typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Brown offering a slightly deeper key press than the Swift. Gamers may prefer the Swift for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown switch is often praised for its quiet and subtle tactile feedback, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for its unique clacky sound profile, which provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This can be attributed to the full nylon housings of the Swift switch, enhancing the overall acoustics of the keystrokes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Brown switch offers a gentle tactile bump that provides a slight resistance during key presses, giving typists a tactile feedback without being too strenuous on the fingers. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate the keys at its delicate 42g actuation force. This light actuation force, coupled with the silky smoothness of the Swift switch, offers a feathery and bouncy typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it's evident that the Outemu Brown and HMX Swift switches offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Brown switch provides a quiet and subtle tactile typing experience, the Swift switch offers a unique clacky sound profile paired with an easy-to-press and feathery feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Brown switch being ideal for those who value a quieter typing experience, while the Swift switch caters to individuals who enjoy a snappy sound and effortless keypresses. Keep in mind that experimenting with different switches and setups can further personalize your typing experience, allowing you to find the perfect match for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Brown tactile switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with a sound that is not too loud, the Outemu Brown switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, easy-to-press keys, and a deeper, clacky sound profile, the HMX Swift switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on how you type and what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
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