Outemu Dustproof Green vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Green and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Dustproof Green and the HMX Xinhai. The Dustproof Green switch is best known for its clicky feedback, providing a satisfying tactile response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out for its smooth and consistent linear feel, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers seeking precise performance. While the Dustproof Green offers a classic clicky experience, the Xinhai switch provides a more modern and sophisticated 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
37g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Both the Outemu Dustproof Green and the HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The similarities in their top housing materials suggest that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when using both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Dustproof Green and the Xinhai are made of nylon, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material indicates that the typing experience and sound output may vary between the two switches. Users may notice a difference in the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel, depending on whether they are using the Dustproof Green or the Xinhai.
Overall, the utilization of different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch divides the qualities each material brings to the overall typing experience. While the top housing impacts the sound when keys are released, the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Understanding the role of each housing material can help users differentiate between the Outemu Dustproof Green and the HMX Xinhai, allowing them to choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that these two switches offer contrasting experiences. The Dustproof Green has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Xinhai offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more comfortable and lighter option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai would be the ideal choice, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced push feel may opt for the Dustproof Green. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can select the switch that best suits their typing style and comfort level.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dustproof Green. The difference might not seem significant, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience based on personal preferences. Gamers looking for quicker response times might prefer the Xinhai with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress might lean towards the Dustproof Green. Both switches offer unique advantages, and choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 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 switch is relatively unknown, while the HMX Xinhai switch is known for its clacky sound profile. The Xinhai switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches will provide different auditory experiences, with the Xinhai switch offering a more pronounced and distinct sound compared to the Dustproof Green switch.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch lacks a widely recognized descriptor, while the HMX Xinhai switch is known for being both bouncy and creamy. The bouncy sensation of the Xinhai switch provides a spring-like feedback when typing, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound upon keypress. Additionally, the creamy feel of the Xinhai switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. This contrasts with the unknown feeling of the Dustproof Green switch, highlighting the unique tactile qualities of the Xinhai switch.
Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Green and HMX Xinhai switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dustproof Green switch may provide an unknown sound and feel experience, the Xinhai switch is known for its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Dustproof Green potentially offering a surprise in sound and feel, while the Xinhai switch presents a more defined auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, selecting the right switch will depend on how these qualities align with your typing preferences and overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a loud clicky sound, the Dustproof Green with its 80-gram bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a clacky sound and a bouncy or creamy tactile feel, the Xinhai with its 45-gram bottom out force could be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing habits.
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