Outemu Cream Blue vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct experiences for users. The Cream Blue is best known for its clicky tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy audible feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out for its linear design, offering a smooth keystroke without the audible click. The Xinhai switch is crafted with a unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, providing a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Cream Blue offers a traditional clicky feel, the Xinhai switch provides a bouncy, clacky, and creamy typing 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Outemu Cream Blue and the HMX Xinhai when it comes to housing materials lies in the top housing. The Cream Blue features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and more rounded sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Xinhai uses a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper and clearer sound profile thanks to its stiffer nature. This contrast in sound profile can affect the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of sound feedback.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Blue and the Xinhai utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the similar bottom housing material, the sound profile of each switch will still be influenced by the differences in their respective top housing materials. The combination of these materials in each switch design allows for a unique typing experience based on the specific qualities of the top and bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue and the HMX Xinhai housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer a deep and full sound profile due to their nylon bottom housing, the Cream Blue's nylon top housing provides a softer and more absorbent sound experience, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and more resonant sound. Whether you prefer a rounded, dull sound or a clear, crisp sound, the housing materials of each switch contribute to the overall typing feel and sound feedback, making them suitable options for different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that there is a significant difference in weight. The Cream Blue has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Xinhai is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Cream Blue offers a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, whereas the Xinhai provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended periods of typing or gaming may lean towards the Xinhai, while those who enjoy a stronger push for a more tactile experience may opt for the Cream Blue. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Cream Blue offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Xinhai provides a slightly shallower option. Gamers may prefer the Xinhai for its faster response times due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Cream Blue. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Cream Blue offering more depth and the Xinhai offering quicker feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
The Outemu Cream Blue 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 Cream Blue clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer contrasting experiences. The Cream Blue switch is known for its None sound profile, leaving it up to personal testing for judgment. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is described as producing a clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. This distinct difference in sound characteristics can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific type of sound feedback from their keyboard switches.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Cream Blue switch lacks a specific descriptor for its tactile sensation, making it difficult to compare directly to the Xinhai switch. The Xinhai switch, on the other hand, offers a bouncy and creamy feel. The bouncy sensation provides a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience with a lively rebound upon keypress. Additionally, the creamy feel of the Xinhai switch offers a smooth and buttery typing sensation, thanks to possible lubrication in the switch or specific materials used. This smooth glide over the keys can make typing effortless and enjoyable for users looking for a luxurious feel.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch differ in sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Users seeking a sharp and percussive sound feedback may lean towards the Xinhai switch, while those looking for a smooth and bouncy typing experience may prefer the Cream Blue switch. Ultimately, personal testing and experimentation with different switches will help determine the best fit for individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel, then the Cream Blue with 65 grams of force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Xinhai with 45 grams of force could be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a sharp and snappy sound, the Cream Blue may be the way to go, whereas if you prefer a clacky and bouncy feel with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Xinhai switch might be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference for force, sound, and feel, so take these factors into consideration when making your choice.
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