Outemu Dustproof Blue vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Blue and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct typing experiences. The Dustproof Blue is best known for its clicky feedback, providing a satisfying tactile response with each key press. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out for its smooth linear action, offering a quiet and consistent typing experience. The Dustproof Blue is categorized as a clicky switch, while the Xinhai falls into the linear switch category. If you prefer a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Dustproof Blue may be the way to go. However, if you value a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Xinhai switch may be more suitable for your needs. 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
2.20 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
The housing materials used in the Outemu Dustproof Blue and HMX Xinhai switches are quite similar, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the difference in the bottom housing material will likely result in a slightly different typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, despite the differences in the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Blue and HMX Xinhai switches, they both share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housings. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through beautifully, adding a visual appeal to the switches. Additionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, giving typists a satisfying auditory experience. While the nylon bottom housing may affect the bottom-out sound and feel slightly differently between the two switches, the overall sound profile created by the polycarbonate top housing will likely be quite similar.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches, such as the Outemu Dustproof Blue and HMX Xinhai, plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a distinct sound profile that is sharp, crisp, and resonant, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. Although there may be subtle differences in sound and feel between the two switches due to their different bottom housing materials, typists can expect a similar level of quality and performance in terms of sound produced when typing on keys with polycarbonate top housings.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force are significantly different. The Dustproof Blue requires a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. The Dustproof Blue is on the heavier side, offering a satisfying push feel, while the Xinhai is lighter, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have different travel distances, with the Dustproof Blue having a longer distance of 4 mm and the Xinhai having a shorter distance of 3.4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Xinhai switch may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers who require quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Dustproof Blue switch may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for users who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual 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 Dustproof Blue 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 Dustproof Blue clicky switch is known for its crisp and satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a unique acoustics profile with a softer, more refined sound. The Xinhai switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and bright, adding a touch of sophistication to your typing experience. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Dustproof Blue delivering a classic clicky sound and the Xinhai offering a more elegant and refined acoustics profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch is known for its tactile feedback and distinctive click sensation when pressed. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch provides a bouncy and lively feel with a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the Xinhai switch is described as offering a creamy typing sensation, characterized by a smooth and buttery feel that allows for effortless keystrokes. These different tactile qualities cater to diverse typing preferences, with the Dustproof Blue offering a tactile and clicky feel, while the Xinhai provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that appeal to different preferences. While the Dustproof Blue delivers a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Xinhai switch provides a softer and more refined acoustics profile with bouncy and creamy typing sensations. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct experiences that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharp click of the Dustproof Blue or the sophisticated acoustics and bouncy feel of the Xinhai, you can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider your preference for actuation force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Dustproof Blue may be the preferable choice for you. Its clicky feedback provides a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and enjoy a bouncy, creamy feel when typing, the Xinhai linear switch is the way to go. Its unique construction offers a soft acoustics profile and precise performance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel during typing sessions.
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