Outemu Cream Yellow vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents a fascinating comparison. The Cream Yellow, although not widely recognized for specific unique features, is renowned for its tactile response, making it an appealing option for typists and gamers who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) distinguishes itself with its heavier actuation and a unique design that incorporates a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem that produces a crisp, resonant sound. This makes it a fantastic choice for users who prefer a smoother typing experience without the tactile bump. While both switches offer distinct advantages—whether it’s the tactile feel of the Cream Yellow or the refined performance of the Xinhai (Heavy)—deciding which one best suits your needs depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Cream Yellow and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, resulting in a similar sound profile for both switches. Nylon, known for its softer plastic composition, helps absorb sound effectively when typing, producing a deeper and fuller acoustical experience. This characteristic is particularly desirable for those who appreciate a warm and rounded typing sound. Because both the Cream Yellow and HMX Xinhai use nylon in their housings, users can expect comparable auditory feedback, enhancing their typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.

Moreover, both switches derive their performance qualities from the same housing material, suggesting that the nuances in sound and feel while typing are fundamentally aligned. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housing ensures that when users press down on these switches, they will experience similar feedback due to the material's inherent properties. For both switches, the impact of the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a crucial role in shaping the sound that resonates when releasing a key. Since both models employ nylon similarly, users can appreciate a consistent and satisfying tactile experience.

However, should there be any variation in configurations or internal mechanisms between the models, this could potentially lead to differences in key feel and actuation characteristics, notwithstanding the identical material properties. While both switches demonstrate uniformity in their sound profiles due to nylon housing, various factors, such as spring mechanics or internal designs, might influence the overall typing experience. Thus, while the Outemu Cream Yellow and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) promise comparable sound and tactile satisfaction thanks to their nylon housings, subtle distinctions could still emerge based on additional design attributes.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cream Yellow features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This makes the Outemu Cream Yellow switch the lighter option, which is likely to cater to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience ideal for extended sessions, whether during work or gaming. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a stronger push, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial and tactile feedback when typing, making it suitable for those who prefer a heavier switch. While both switches present a medium overall feel, the differing actuation and bottom out forces highlight their suitability for different user preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Cream Yellow features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you are looking for a more responsive switch, the Outemu Cream Yellow would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster key actuation—an advantage particularly favored by gamers. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Cream Yellow presents a slight edge for responsiveness, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more substantial feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is characterized by a sound profile that isn’t notably highlighted, leaving its acoustic signature unclear in comparison to others in the market. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch is crafted with a PA12 top housing that results in a softer acoustic profile, combined with a POM stem that produces a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This combination offers a refined auditory experience, ideal for users who appreciate subtler sounds without compromising on clarity, allowing for a more pleasant typing environment.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow does not have a defined tactile sensation reported, signaling that its performance might blend into a broader range of tactile experiences without a distinctive standout. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch stands out for its heavier actuation force, designed to provide a satisfying resistance that many users find appealing for a more deliberate typing experience. This can enhance precision and reduce accidental key presses, catering particularly well to typists who prefer feedback from a heavier switch.

In summary, while the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Yellow remains ambiguous, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a clear advantage with its softer acoustics and crisp resonance. Similarly, the tactile experience of the Cream Yellow is not well-defined, whereas the Xinhai's heavier feel provides an engaging and deliberate typing experience. If you're looking for a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) is likely the better option, while the Cream Yellow may appeal to those who prioritize more subtle and undefined characteristics in their mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, consider your typing preference and acoustic needs. If you appreciate a medium tactile feedback with a straightforward and unembellished feel, the Cream Yellow might suit you well, especially if you favor a balanced typing experience without loud sound profiles. However, if you lean towards a slightly heavier bottom-out force and enjoy a more sophisticated acoustic experience with crisper sounds, the Xinhai (Heavy) is an excellent option, offering a unique feel and sound quality thanks to its special materials. Additionally, the Xinhai's craftsmanship contributes to a more refined feedback that can be particularly satisfying during long typing sessions, making it a fantastic choice for gamers and typists who appreciate both performance and auditory pleasure. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a tactile response or a smooth linear action enriched by acoustics, so weigh your preferences carefully before making a decision.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$3.19 per 10

Learn more