Outemu Cream Pink vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Pink and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cream Pink is best known for its smooth linear feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Xinhai is best known for its bouncy and clacky feel, thanks to its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem combination. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and distinct typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths and qualities, ultimately the choice between the Cream Pink and the Xinhai comes down to personal preference. 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
2.00 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 Pink and the HMX Xinhai lies in their top housing materials. While the Cream Pink utilizes nylon for its top housing, the Xinhai features a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. Additionally, the Xinhai's clear polycarbonate top housing allows for better RGB lighting effects compared to the Cream Pink's opaque nylon top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Pink and the Xinhai use nylon. This classic switch housing material results in a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. Therefore, if the bottom housing material has a significant impact on the switch's sound profile and feel, users would likely not notice a noticeable difference between the two switches in this aspect. The similarities in bottom housing may provide users with a consistent typing experience regardless of the chosen switch.
Overall, the differences in top housing materials between the Outemu Cream Pink and the HMX Xinhai contribute significantly to the unique sound profiles and aesthetics of each switch. While the Cream Pink's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, with both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Pink and the Xinhai will come down to personal preferences regarding sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. Similarly, the Cream Pink also has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Xinhai has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Cream Pink switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai switch offers a lighter feel, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on an individual's preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Cream Pink has slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. Both switches offer a good balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, with the Cream Pink leaning towards the traditional end and the Xinhai slightly on the shallower side. Gamers may prefer the Xinhai for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may opt for the Cream Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference in terms of travel distance and key 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 $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 linear switch is known for having a sound profile that is currently unknown. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Xinhai's unique PA12 top housing and POM stem contribute to a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Cream Pink.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch's tactile sensation is currently unknown. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as both "bouncy" and "creamy." The bouncy aspect offers a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience with a lively touch, while the creamy sensation provides a smooth and buttery feel, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. These qualities make the Xinhai switch stand out in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Pink and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Pink's sound and feel qualities are currently unspecified, the Xinhai switch is known for its clacky sound profile, bouncy feedback, and creamy typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users may find that the Xinhai switch delivers a more distinctive and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches can provide a clearer understanding of how they perform and which one aligns better with individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Cream Pink may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and enjoy a clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Xinhai switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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