Outemu Cream Yellow vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, known for its smooth tactility and quiet operation. On the other hand, the Xinhai is a linear switch, boasting a unique PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a crisp and higher-pitched resonance. The Xinhai is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy', appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Outemu Cream Yellow and the HMX Xinhai differ in terms of their housing materials. The Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Xinhai boasts a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing also contributes to its deep and round sound, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing shares similar sound qualities due to the softer plastic absorbing sound as well.
In terms of sound profiles, the Cream Yellow and the Xinhai offer contrasting experiences. The Cream Yellow's nylon top and bottom housings work together to produce a dulled and rounder sound when typing, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing creates a more clear and resonant sound. The use of different materials in the top housing of each switch leads to distinct sound characteristics, with the Cream Yellow offering a deeper tone and the Xinhai providing a crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing, contributing to a fuller sound profile with more absorption of sound compared to harder plastics.
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the HMX Xinhai, it is evident that the choice of material plays a significant role in the sound produced by each switch. While the Cream Yellow features a combination of nylon and absorbs more sound for a deeper sound profile, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from the use of softer nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound when typing. Overall, the housing materials of these switches offer unique sound experiences based on the characteristics of the plastics used in their construction.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai switch is lighter in both aspects. The Cream Yellow requires 45 grams of force for actuation and 60 grams for bottoming out, making it a medium-weight option. On the other hand, the Xinhai only needs 37 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, indicating a lighter touch overall. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cream Yellow for its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while those looking for a lighter touch may find the Xinhai more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Xinhai has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Xinhai offers slightly more travel distance, which may provide a slightly smoother and more deliberate feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow tactile switch is known for its quiet and muted typing experience, making it ideal for those looking for a more discreet keyboard switch. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is praised for its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This makes the Xinhai switch a great option for those who enjoy a more pronounced and percussive typing sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump when the key is actuated. This gives typists a satisfying tactile sensation while typing. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience. The bouncy nature of the Xinhai switch gives it a spring-like feedback, providing a lively feel with each keypress. Additionally, the creamy sensation of the Xinhai switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, making it a popular choice for users who prefer a more fluid and seamless typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch may offer different sound and feel characteristics, both switches have their own unique appeal to keyboard enthusiasts. Those who prefer a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Cream Yellow switch, while users looking for a louder and more bouncy typing experience may find the Xinhai switch to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style, so it is recommended to try out different switches to see which one suits you best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making a decision between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and prioritize tactile feedback, the Cream Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and prioritize a unique acoustics profile with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch could be the perfect fit. Additionally, if you enjoy a 'bouncy' and 'creamy' typing experience with a lively feel and smooth, buttery sensation, the Xinhai switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel, so consider these factors carefully before making your final choice.
Mentioned in this article
