Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the HMX Swift are two popular options to consider. The Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch, offering a satisfying bump during actuation, while the Swift is a linear switch known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes. The Dustproof Brown is best known for its reliability and durability, while the Swift stands out for its deep sound profile and silky smooth feel. Each switch has its own unique characteristics, with the Dustproof Brown being categorized as a reliable option and the Swift being described as clacky, easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Dustproof Brown and the HMX Swift both utilize nylon for their bottom housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This commonality in bottom housing material suggests that both switches would offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when bottoming out keys. However, the top housings of these switches differ, with the Dustproof Brown featuring a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material may lead to a slightly different sound when releasing a key compared to the Swift.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Dustproof Brown allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency. This can be a visually appealing feature for those looking to add some flair to their keyboard setup. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the HMX Swift offers a more classic look without the transparency of polycarbonate. While the aesthetics may be subjective, the choice between a clear, translucent housing or a solid, opaque housing can influence the overall appearance of the keyboard.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to consider how each material contributes to the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. By understanding these distinctions, keyboard enthusiasts can make informed decisions about which switch best suits their preferences, whether they prioritize a sharper, crisper sound profile from a polycarbonate top housing or a deeper, fuller sound profile from a nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is clear that the Dustproof Brown is the heavier option with a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. In contrast, the Swift is the lighter option with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Dustproof Brown provides a more substantial typing experience due to its medium-heavy forces, while the Swift offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have different force requirements, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer in comparison to the HMX Swift linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. While the 0.1 mm may seem like a small difference, it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers, in particular, may lean towards the Swift switch with its shorter travel distance for quicker response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Dustproof Brown with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their travel distances, so determining personal preference is key when selecting the ideal switch for your keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
The Outemu Dustproof 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch is known for a quiet and subtle typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch has a unique clacky sound profile that provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, adding a sense of tactility to each keystroke. The Swift switch's deeper sound profile, thanks to its nylon housings, offers a different auditory experience compared to the Dustproof Brown switch, which is relatively quieter.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Brown switch is known for its tactile bump that provides a noticeable feedback during typing, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who enjoy tactile switches. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch offers an easy-to-press feel with its light actuation force of 42g, making typing effortless and comfortable. This switch is described as feathery and bouncy, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch and the HMX Swift switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, they both cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Dustproof Brown switch is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump, while the HMX Swift switch appeals to users seeking a clacky sound profile and light actuation force for effortless typing. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with dustproofing capabilities, the Dustproof Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smooth, easy-to-press feel with a deeper sound profile, the HMX Swift linear switch might be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch, whether it be feel, sound, or durability. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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