Outemu Dustproof Green vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Green and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Green and the HMX SU offer distinct experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Dustproof Green, known for its clicky feedback, provides a tactile sensation that many typists enjoy, making it ideal for those who appreciate audible cues while typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX SU's linear design offers a smooth keypress without any tactile bump or click, appealing to users who prefer a quieter, more fluid typing experience. The SU is particularly noted for its durable PA12 housing and T5 stem, which contribute to its subtle yet deep sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between a clicky switch like the Dustproof Green and a linear switch like the HMX SU depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. 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
65g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
T5
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 evaluating the Outemu Dustproof Green and the HMX SU, the differing materials used for their top housings significantly impact their respective sound profiles. The Dustproof Green utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound due to polycarbonate's stiffness. This material's clarity can enhance the overall auditory experience, particularly when enhanced with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows light to filter through beautifully. In contrast, the HMX SU is built with a nylon top housing, which tends to absorb more sound due to its softer nature, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile instead. The disparity in housing materials highlights how the top housing of a switch can shape the nuances of the typing experience, with the Dustproof Green presenting a brighter, more resonant sound.
On the other hand, both the Dustproof Green and HMX SU utilize nylon for their bottom housings, making this aspect of the two switches relatively comparable. Nylon’s characteristics contribute to a rich typing experience by absorbing sound and allowing for a more muted and rounded audio delivery. This similarity in materials means that regardless of the differences at the top, users can expect a solid and fuller bottom-out sound from both switches, leading to a consistent feel when striking the keys. It’s the bottom housing that strongly dictates the feel and sound upon bottoming out, ensuring that both models will provide a similar foundation in this respect.
In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Green and HMX SU differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their commonality in bottom housing construction ensures they each harness the benefits of nylon for a richer typing experience. The divergent top housing materials result in distinct sound profiles that showcase the strengths of their respective designs; however, the nylon bottoms serve as a unifying factor that provides a deeper, more immersive sound when the keys are pressed fully. Users will appreciate how these characteristics interplay to create a unique typing experience, reflecting both the strengths and purposes of each material selection in the overall design.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch, distinct differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces stand out. The Dustproof Green has a substantially heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX SU features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more comfortable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. This means that users who opt for the Dustproof Green will experience a firmer push with each keystroke, which could lead to fatigue during prolonged use, while the lighter HMX SU is designed to minimize strain over time. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference, with the Outemu Dustproof Green favoring those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback and the HMX SU catering to those who prioritize comfort and endurance.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference reflects the Dustproof Green's more traditional feel, which is favored by users who appreciate a pronounced depth in their keystrokes, offering a hearty tactile response. In contrast, the HMX SU, with its shorter travel distance, aligns with the contemporary trend towards quicker, more responsive keys, which can appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced keypress and a traditional feel, the Dustproof Green would be the better choice, whereas the HMX SU is ideal for those who value speed and efficiency in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
The Outemu Dustproof Green 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 Green clicky switch does not have notable characteristics that set it apart, making its sound profile somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is known for its subtle and relatively deep sound profile, attributed to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem design. This tonal distinction implies that users seeking a more refined auditory experience may prefer the SU, particularly if they favor a more understated sound as opposed to a more pronounced or undefined quality like that of the Dustproof Green.
As for the feel, the Outemu Dustproof Green's tactile experience isn't clearly defined, which may leave potential users uncertain about its performance during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX SU switch features a linear design that typically provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or click, which many users find enjoyable for both gaming and typing. The distinct difference in design philosophy between these two switches offers unique experiences, with the SU likely appealing to those who desire a sleek and uninterrupted keystroke.
In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch does not offer much in terms of sound or feel, the HMX SU linear switch stands out with its subtle, deep sound profile and smooth actuation characteristics. For those looking for clarity and defined feedback, the SU is the preferable option; however, context and preference will ultimately dictate which switch aligns best with individual typing or gaming styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you are someone who enjoys a tactile and audible feedback while typing, the Dustproof Green may be your best bet, especially if you don’t mind the heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams. This switch is ideal for a gaming or typing setup where you appreciate the distinctive click sound and feel, contributing to a more engaging experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a lighter touch, the HMX SU linear switch with its 50-gram bottom-out force is likely the better choice for you. The SU’s PA12 housing and T5 stem deliver a subtle but deep sound profile, making it perfect for work environments or late-night typing sessions where noise can be an issue. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value the tactile feedback and sound of the Dustproof Green or the smoothness and quietness of the HMX SU, ensuring your keyboard perfectly matches your personal style and usage needs.
Mentioned in this article
