Outemu Cream Pink vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cream Pink and the HMX Swift both offer unique qualities to consider. The Cream Pink is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Swift, also a linear switch, stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smooth feel, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Cream Pink is categorized as straightforward, the Swift is described as clacky, easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, creamy. These general characteristics may guide your decision on which switch to choose; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Cream Pink and the HMX Swift are both made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound, with the nylon top and bottom housings working together to produce a cohesive and satisfying typing sound.
One key difference between the two switches is the color of their housing materials. The Cream Pink features a distinctive pink color, adding a pop of color to your keyboard, while the Swift has a more neutral appearance with its standard nylon housing. This difference in aesthetic can play a role in the overall look and feel of your keyboard setup, allowing you to choose a switch that fits your personal style and preferences.
Another point of comparison is how the top and bottom housings impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch tends to have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Understanding how these different aspects of the housing materials work together can help you decide which switch is best suited for your typing needs and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Pink requires a heavier force for both actuation and bottoming out compared to the Swift. The Cream Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Swift has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cream Pink for its heavier forces, while those who prioritize longer typing sessions may opt for the lighter Swift. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical switches. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the HMX Swift due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Outemu Cream Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Cream Pink 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 Pink switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This difference in sound profile is important to consider based on personal preference and the setting in which the keyboard will be used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cream Pink switch offers a smooth and consistent typing experience with a focus on comfort and ease of use. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch is known for being easy-to-press, providing minimal resistance and a light actuation force for effortless typing. Additionally, the Swift switch has been described as feathery, bouncy, and creamy, highlighting the variety of tactile sensations it can offer to users depending on their preferences.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Pink switch and the HMX Swift switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cream Pink switch provides a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Swift switch delivers a clacky sound with an emphasis on easy key presses and various tactile sensations. Both switches have their own strengths and are suitable for different types of users, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Ultimately, with each switch providing unique qualities, users can expect to achieve a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a smooth typing experience, the Cream Pink may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a deep sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Swift could be the ideal option. Consider whether you prioritize a snappy sound (like the Swift) or a buttery typing experience (like the Cream Pink) when making your decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that best fits your typing needs and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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