Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. HMX SU

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear options. The Outemu Dustproof Purple switch offers a tactile experience, appealing to typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke, enhancing accuracy and providing satisfying confirmation during typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX SU switch is a linear switch, known for its smooth, uninterrupted travel, which many gamers prefer for rapid key presses and a quieter typing experience. While the Dustproof Purple may cater to those who enjoy a pronounced tactile bump, the HMX SU appeals to users seeking a sleek and seamless typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Purple Tactile

HMX SU Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the HMX SU, significant differences arise in their construction, leading to varied acoustic profiles. The Dustproof Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer composition that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound signature. This is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy a more resonant sound and appreciate RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual display. In contrast, the HMX SU uses a nylon top housing, a tried-and-true material recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon results in sound absorption, yielding a more muted and rounded sound profile compared to the Dustproof Purple’s more vibrant acoustics.

On the bottom housing front, both switches utilize nylon, a material known for its ability to absorb sound, yielding a cohesive auditory experience. The nylon bottom housing for both the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the HMX SU contributes to a deep, rich sound profile, reinforcing the softer tones created by the bottom housing. Since both switches share the same material for their bottom housings, the sound produced upon bottoming out—during key presses—will exhibit a similar fullness and depth. This consistency in material effectively unifies their auditory characteristics, demonstrating how the bottom housing can significantly impact the overall sound profile, regardless of the top housing material differences.

In summary, while the distinct materials employed in the top housings of the Outemu Dustproof Purple and HMX SU lead to contrasting sound profiles—where polycarbonate offers a sharper high end and nylon facilitates a warmer tone—the similarities in their nylon bottom housings ensure a consistent foundation of depth in sound for both switches. As a result, users can expect varied auditory experiences when pressing down on the keys due to the influence of the top housing; however, the shared nylon bottom contributes a harmonious baseline that delivers a fuller sound. Thus, the combined effect of differing materials in the top housing and uniformity in the bottom housing illustrates how each switch's acoustic qualities can diverge and merge simultaneously.

Weight

The Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Purple requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is considerably lighter, featuring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter touch can be beneficial for those looking for comfort during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Dustproof Purple caters to users seeking a firmer resistance, while the HMX SU is better suited for individuals who favor a softer keystroke experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find a distinct difference. The Dustproof Purple features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it one of the more traditional options that many users might prefer for a satisfying and deeper keypress experience. In contrast, the HMX SU offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This reduced distance caters to gamers and others seeking quicker response times, although some users might find the shorter travel too abrupt. Thus, if you value a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in your keystrokes, the Outemu Dustproof Purple would be your best choice, whereas if you're looking for speedy performance and a more responsive feel, the HMX SU would be the preferable option. Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Purple has the longer travel distance, while the HMX SU is the shorter of the two.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch does not have a definitive description provided, making it difficult to assess its auditory qualities. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, attributed to its PA12 housing and T5 stem. This depth can create a satisfying acoustic experience during typing or gaming sessions. However, it's important to remember that the sound produced by each switch can vary based on the keyboard's design, materials, and the keycaps used, meaning there's potential for the Outemu switch to compete in this area depending on the configuration.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the Dustproof Purple has no specific characteristics mentioned, leaving an ambiguity that can make it challenging for newcomers to gauge its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX SU switch, being a linear switch, typically offers a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps or resistance, which can appeal to users who prefer a consistent keystroke experience. Linear switches are often favored by gamers for their uninterrupted travel, allowing for rapid keypresses. If the Dustproof Purple has a similar actuating mechanism, it may deliver a comparable feel, but without concrete details, one can only speculate.

In summary, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch's attributes remain largely undefined, particularly regarding its sound and feel characteristics, making it difficult to offer a precise comparison. Conversely, the HMX SU linear switch is well-defined with its deeper sound profile and smooth keystroke experience, which are attractive qualities for many users. While the Dustproof Purple may share some traits, its lack of specifics means that potential users should consider their personal preferences more broadly, especially in terms of sound and tactile feedback, when making a decision.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch boils down to your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile feedback experience, the Dustproof Purple is an excellent option. Its 65-gram bottom-out force provides a noticeable resistance that may appeal to typists who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke. Additionally, if durability is a concern for you, the Dustproof feature is a great benefit to consider. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, lighter touch with a more subtle sound profile, the HMX SU linear switch with its 50-gram bottom-out force will likely be more suitable. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize swift typing and a whisper-quiet operation, making it perfect for gaming or environments where noise is a factor. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style—whether you lean towards tactile feedback or a linear, muted experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more