Outemu Crystal Brown vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer two distinct experiences tailored for different users. The Crystal Brown is recognized for its tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for typists who prefer a noticeable bump to enhance their typing accuracy and rhythm. This tactile sensation can be particularly beneficial for those who spend long hours typing or gaming, as it provides a satisfying confirmation with each keypress. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is a linear switch that excels in delivering smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. With its PA12 top housing designed for softer acoustics and POM stem for that crisp resonance, the Xinhai serves those who favor a quieter and more streamlined typing experience, whether for gaming or general use. Both switches have their unique advantages that cater to different preferences—tactile feedback versus smooth linearity. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches, a significant distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This stiffness in the plastic leads to clearer acoustics, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, which contributes to a fuller, deeper sound profile through its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. This fundamental difference in material composition shapes the auditory experience of each switch; while the Crystal Brown emphasizes brightness and clarity, the Xinhai (Heavy) is oriented towards richness and depth in sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon for their constructions, which leads to similar acoustic qualities. Nylon is widely recognized for its ability to create a deeper and rounder sound, thanks to its softer nature, which absorbs and dampens sound more effectively compared to harder plastics. This shared characteristic means that both the Crystal Brown and the Xinhai (Heavy) will provide a satisfying, consistent bottom-out feel and sound profile, regardless of their disparate top housing materials. Therefore, while the top housing distinctly influences the sound on release, the bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall experience during the key press itself.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of the Crystal Brown and Xinhai (Heavy) create differing sound profiles during their operation, highlighting the effects of each material's stiffness and softness. The polycarbonate top of the Crystal Brown enriches the audible feedback with clarity and sharpness, making it more suitable for setups where RGB lighting is a focus. In contrast, the nylon top of the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a softer, rounder auditory experience. However, with both switches incorporating nylon in their bottom housings, the resulting deeper sound and satisfying keystroke sensations remain consistent, demonstrating how the combination of housing materials ultimately shapes each switch's performance and user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, placing it in the medium range. This indicates that the Crystal Brown is lighter, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where ease of use is a priority, whereas the Xinhai switch's heavier forces cater to those who prefer a more substantial and firm typing feel. Thus, users seeking a gentle typing experience should gravitate towards the Outemu Crystal Brown, while those who favor a stronger key press should opt for the HMX Xinhai (Heavy).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, it is clear that the Crystal Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference highlights a key preference consideration: gamers who favor faster response times may find the shorter travel of the Xinhai switch more appealing, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys might prefer the deeper 4 mm travel of the Crystal Brown. As the trend toward shorter travel distances gains popularity, understanding these differences can help users select a switch that aligns with their tactile preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) for $2.99.
The Outemu Crystal Brown 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
The Outemu Crystal Brown switch has a sound profile that remains largely undefined, making it difficult to characterize in terms of auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch features a refined sound attributed to its unique PA12 top housing, which promotes softer acoustics, alongside a POM stem that delivers a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This sophisticated sound design lends the Xinhai (Heavy) a polished auditory experience that may appeal to those who prefer a cleaner acoustic footprint during their typing or gaming sessions.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the Crystal Brown switch's tactile qualities are not explicitly stated, leaving its overall performance somewhat of a mystery. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a heavier actuation force than many comparable switches, lending it a more substantial and commanding feel. The combination of the heavier spring and POM stem assists in generating a smoother and more deliberate keypress, which many users find satisfying, particularly in demanding typing or gaming environments.
In summary, while the Outemu Crystal Brown switch's qualities are less defined, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a distinct auditory and tactile experience characterized by crisp sound and a weightier feel. The intricate design of the Xinhai (Heavy) makes it appealing for those seeking a sophisticated blend of performance and acoustic refinement. If you value refined auditory feedback and a more deliberate keystroke, the Xinhai (Heavy) may be the switch that suits you best, whereas the Crystal Brown may require further exploration to uncover its full potential.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch can greatly depend on your typing preferences and the type of experience you desire. If you lean towards a switch that has a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and enjoy tactile feedback, the Crystal Brown may be the ideal option for you, especially if you appreciate a more forgiving touch suitable for prolonged typing sessions. Its physical feedback can enhance your typing accuracy and make for a more engaging experience without being overly strenuous on your fingers. Conversely, if you prefer a linear switch with a heavier actuation force of 62.5 grams, the Xinhai (Heavy) would likely serve you better. Its unique construction promotes a softer acoustic profile while providing a crisp and responsive feel, making it an excellent choice for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks that demand precision. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a heavier linear feel, as each switch offers distinct advantages suited to different preferences and usage scenarios.
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