Outemu Green vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Green and the HMX Xinhai are two popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Green switch is best known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy hearing and feeling each key press. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out for its smooth linear action and unique materials used in its construction, offering a quieter and more refined typing experience compared to the Green switch. While the Green switch is ideal for those who prefer a loud and distinctive typing experience, the Xinhai switch appeals to users looking for a more subtle and sophisticated keyboard 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
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
The Outemu Green and the HMX Xinhai both use polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance and clarity, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Similarly, the use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a consistent sound profile that is pleasing to the ear. This common housing material ensures that users will experience similar auditory feedback when typing on either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Outemu Green uses nylon while the HMX Xinhai also incorporates nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the slight variations in manufacturing and design may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing. The Outemu Green and the HMX Xinhai showcase how different materials, such as polycarbonate and nylon, can impact the overall typing experience. Whether it be the sharpness and clarity of the polycarbonate top housing or the deeper sound profile of the nylon bottom housing, each material brings unique qualities to the switches. Ultimately, it is up to personal preference as to which sound profile and typing experience one may prefer between the Outemu Green and the HMX Xinhai.
Weight
The Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have significant differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Green switch has a much heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch is much lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, allowing for easier typing for longer periods of time. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Outemu Green switch, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the HMX Xinhai switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the HMX Xinhai linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. While both switches offer a decent amount of travel distance for a tactile typing experience, the Green switch would provide a slightly deeper key press compared to the Xinhai switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu Green switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 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 Green clicky switch is known for its classic clicky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles, with the Green being more traditional and the Xinhai offering a unique acoustics experience thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Green switch is reputed for its tactile bump and audible click, giving users a tactile and auditory sensation when typing. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a bouncy feel, offering a spring-like and lively feedback when keys are pressed. Additionally, the Xinhai switch is also described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels silky and effortless. These qualities make the Xinhai switch stand out for users looking for a unique typing feel.
Overall, the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer contrasting yet appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Green provides a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, while the Xinhai offers a distinctive clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches can provide a satisfying keyboarding experience. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in choosing the right switch for your needs, so trying out both switches in person can help you determine which one suits you best.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy actuation force and a clicky sound for more tactile feedback, the Outemu Green switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a bouncy, creamy feel for smoother typing, the HMX Xinhai switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your preferences and typing style.
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