Outemu Dustproof Green vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Green and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly affect your typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Green switch, recognized for its clicky feedback, appeals to those who enjoy an audible and tactile response with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists and gamers who crave a classic "click" sound and feel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is a linear switch that boasts a smoother operation, offering a quieter experience with its unique PA12 top housing designed to soften acoustics, and a POM stem that delivers a crisp, high-pitched resonance. This switch caters to users who prefer a seamless and rapid keystroke without the distraction of noise, making it perfect for late-night typing or gaming sessions. While both switches excel in their respective domains—one prioritizing tactile and auditory feedback, and the other focusing on a fluid and understated experience—your personal preference will ultimately guide your choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
65g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 of the Outemu Dustproof Green and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches showcase interesting contrasts, particularly in their top housings. The Dustproof Green features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, which facilitates a clearer and more resonant sound compared to softer plastics. Additionally, its translucency is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a keyboard. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound dampening, contributing to a duller and rounder sound profile, which may be preferable for users seeking a more subdued acoustic environment.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, they share the same material—nylon—which plays an essential role in sound absorption. Both the Dustproof Green and Xinhai (Heavy) benefit from nylon in their bottom housings, creating a consistent foundation of sound that is deeper and fuller. The nylon's ability to absorb sound enhances the tactile experience during key presses and contributes to the bottom-out sound that users encounter. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in terms of materials — polycarbonate for the Dustproof Green and nylon for the Xinhai (Heavy) — the similarity in their bottom housings ensures that both switches will deliver a similar auditory quality when it comes to the feel of bottoming out.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings affects the overall sound and feel when using these switches. The Dustproof Green's unique polycarbonate top housing facilitates a clearer sound upon key release, while its nylon bottom housing contributes to a robust bottom-out experience, balancing the sound profiles created by each. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) achieves a richer sound that is rounded and deeper due to its entirely nylon construction. Thus, while the switches may offer fundamentally different auditory experiences due to their top housing materials, the shared characteristics of their nylon bottoms allow for a consistent experience in the tactile feedback and sound quality upon bottoming out.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch with the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Dustproof Green switch features a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a less tiring typing experience. This distinction highlights that the Outemu Dustproof Green is the heavier option, likely providing a firmer feedback that some typists and gamers prefer. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai, being the lighter switch, may enable prolonged use without as much fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and fatigue management during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, a clear distinction emerges: the Dustproof Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when you press down on the keys of the Outemu switch, you experience a greater depth, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai’s shorter travel distance might be more appealing for gamers and others who prioritize quicker response times and a more rapid keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should consider your personal preference for key responsiveness versus depth; the Dustproof Green offers a more traditional, deeper experience, whereas the Xinhai caters to those who favor speed and efficiency.
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 $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’s acoustic characteristics are currently unspecified. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch boasts a unique sound profile, attributed to its PA12 top housing which offers softer acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This combination makes the Xinhai (Heavy) an appealing choice for those seeking a refined auditory experience while typing.
On the tactile front, the Dustproof Green switch lacks a clear description of its feel, leaving its performance ambiguous. Meanwhile, the Xinhai (Heavy) is celebrated for its heavier actuation, which can provide a sense of sturdiness and control when typing or gaming. This weight may favor users who prefer more defined resistance in their keystrokes, giving an overall satisfying response as they navigate their typing tasks.
In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Green lacks specific insights into its sound and feel, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch stands out with its refined acoustics and heavier actuation, offering a harmonious blend of sound and tactile feedback. If one is considering a choice between these two, the Xinhai (Heavy) clearly presents a more defined and pleasant user experience, making it a strong contender for those in the market for high-quality mechanical switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, your choice should ultimately align with your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a tactile and audible feedback that comes with a clicky switch and you enjoy a heavier actuation force, the Dustproof Green would be a fitting option, especially for typing tasks where you appreciate the response and might benefit from not accidentally activating keys. This switch is ideal if you want a more bombastic typing experience, especially in writing or coding contexts. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother experience with less resistance while still maintaining a substantial actuation force, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is likely the better choice. Its linear nature provides a consistent feel throughout the keypress without the click, making it more suited for gaming or extended typing sessions where noise reduction and fluidity are preferred. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a softer, more fluid keystroke experience.
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