Outemu Gold vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold 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 type can significantly influence your typing experience. The Outemu Gold switch, characterized as a clicky switch, offers an engaging tactile sensation with an audible click, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic feedback while typing, ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate the distinct sound and feel of each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch serves as a linear switch, providing a smooth and uninterrupted key press that many find preferable for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions, due to its quiet operation and absence of tactile bumps. The Xinhai (Heavy) is particularly noted for its unique PA12 top housing which contributes to softer acoustics, complemented by a POM stem that imparts a crisp sound profile. While the Gold switch stands out for its auditory feedback and tactile presence, the Xinhai (Heavy) excels in providing a clean and uninterrupted keystroke experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Gold and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), it is evident that the two switches utilize different materials for their top housings. The Outemu Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic can enhance the perceived clarity of the switch, especially when it's illuminated with RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing that contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer material, absorbs some of the sound, leading to a more muted auditory experience. The differences in top housing materials thus create distinct acoustic signatures for each switch.
Both switches, however, share the same material for their bottom housings, which is also nylon. This consistency in material leads to similar sound profiles when typing on either switch. The nylon bottom housing in both models contributes a softer and rounder sound, making the overall typing experience feel more substantial and cushioned. When pressing down on the switches, users can expect a satisfying bottom-out feel that is characteristic of nylon materials. Since the sky between the top and bottom housings has been bridged by the same bottom housing material, the overall performance can be predictable, despite the top housing differences.
In terms of overall acoustic output, the Outemu Gold and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) display how contrasting materials affect sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold brings a brighter sound when keys are released, while the nylon top housing of the Xinhai delivers a more muted tone upon key release. Yet, since both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, the combined effect of the materials leads to a unique interplay of sound that retains a deep and rounded auditory experience across both models. Therefore, even with varied characteristics in their top housings, users can anticipate a sense of similarity in the tactile and auditory attributes, particularly in the context of how the bottom housing significantly influences the overall sound and feel during keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the key distinctions lie in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Gold has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more relaxed typing experience, ideal for extended use such as work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. This makes the Xinhai switch better for those who prefer a stronger push, giving a sense of firmness in each keystroke. While both switches exhibit medium characteristics, the Outemu Gold is lighter overall, making it more suitable for long typing durations, whereas the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) provides a more pronounced feedback for users desiring a heftier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Outemu Gold boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, placing it at the traditional length that many users find satisfying for a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, which aligns with the growing trend toward more responsive switches favored by gamers for quicker key actuations. As a result, those who appreciate a hearty depth in their typing will likely prefer the Outemu Gold for its longer travel distance, while those seeking enhanced responsiveness may gravitate toward the Xinhai (Heavy). This difference in travel distance illustrates the balance between traditional typing satisfaction and modern gaming preferences.
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 $2.99.
The Outemu Gold 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 Gold clicky switch doesn’t have specific attributes noted, leaving an open question about its acoustic profile. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch is known for its softer acoustics, thanks to the unique PA12 top housing. The POM stem contributes to a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, offering a sound that balances subtlety with clarity. Depending on the keyboard and keycap choices, the overall auditory experience may vary, but the Xinhai switch promises a refined acoustic presentation that is distinctly pleasant.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks a defined tactile description, making it difficult to characterize its typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch is celebrated for its blend of sophistication and performance, which suggests a smooth actuation. The linear nature of the Xinhai switch means it does not have a tactile bump, allowing for an uninterrupted typing experience that many enthusiasts prefer for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not provide specific sound or feel qualities that can be compared, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch presents a noteworthy option with its sophisticated sound profile and smooth feel. For those considering these switches, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences; if you desire a linear experience with a soft acoustic signature, the Xinhai (Heavy) is ideal, whereas the Gold's undefined qualities suggest it may serve a different style altogether.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, your preferences and intended use are crucial. If you appreciate tactile feedback and a clicky sound that can enhance your typing experience, the Outemu Gold, with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, may be the better choice for you. This switch is well-suited for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience, particularly for typing or coding tasks where you want to feel and hear each keystroke clearly. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, which has a slightly higher bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, offers a unique acoustic profile and is designed for those who value subtle sophistication alongside precise performance. This switch is especially appealing for gamers or professionals who require faster key presses without the distraction of a clicky sound, allowing for a quieter and more refined typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your personal preferences in tactile feedback, sound, and the specific tasks you’ll be performing.
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