Outemu Green vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Green and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Green, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its tactile feedback and audible click, making it a popular choice among typists and gamers who appreciate the satisfying sensation of each keypress. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), recognized for its linear design, promises a smooth keystroke free of distractions, suited for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Crafted with a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a crisp resonance, the Xinhai (Heavy) embodies refined sophistication and precise performance. While the Outemu Green excels in providing auditory and tactile feedback, the Xinhai (Heavy) focuses on seamless keystrokes. 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
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
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 HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinctive sound profiles that cater to varying preferences. The Outemu Green features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and translucency. This material enhances sound clarity and resonance, resulting in a sharper and crisper auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) adopts a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its softer composition. This attribute produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively dampening soundwaves to achieve a rounder auditory signature. Thus, while both switches contain nylon as the bottom housing material, the divergence in top housing material creates a noticeable variation in sound characteristics and responsiveness.
Both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which they share in common. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a consistently deep and full sound profile for both switches. Because the nylon is softer, it absorbs sound better than stiffer materials, making the bottom-out experience on both the Outemu Green and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) feel impactful yet smooth. This similarity serves to unify the auditory experience of both switches when it comes to typing sounds, providing a consistent depth in the lower register that typists and gamers alike may find satisfying.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in the Outemu Green and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) yields a unique typing experience influenced by their contrasting properties. Although the two switches share a nylon bottom housing that enhances the fullness of sound during keypresses, the type of top housing diverges significantly, imparting unique acoustic qualities. The clear polycarbonate top of the Green offers brightness and clarity in sound release, while the nylon top of the Xinhai (Heavy) delivers a muffled, rounded sound when the key is released. Consequently, users can choose based on their preference for either a sharper or a fuller typing experience while still enjoying the rich depth brought by the shared nylon bottom housing across both models.
Weight
The Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Green has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to users who favor reduced resistance for extended periods of typing or gaming. This means the Green switch is the heavier option overall, while the Xinhai switch is lighter, promoting ease of use and comfort for prolonged sessions. Therefore, while users seeking a robust feel might gravitate towards the heavier Outemu Green, those looking for less fatigue and a more effortless typing experience may find the HMX Xinhai to be a better fit. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that these two switches cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Outemu Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional option that offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, which can be appealing for those who enjoy a deeper feel while typing. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, contributing to a faster response time that many gamers seek for enhanced performance. As a result, if you prioritize a more robust keypress experience, the Outemu Green is the better choice with its longer travel distance, while the HMX Xinhai provides a quicker actuation suited for rapid gameplay. Thus, the Outemu Green offers more depth, while the HMX Xinhai caters to those who prefer a snappier feel.
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 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
The Outemu Green clicky switch is known for its distinct auditory feedback, creating a pronounced click sound with each keystroke. This clicky characteristic can provide a satisfying auditory cue for typists and gamers alike, enhancing the tactile experience of typing. However, the specifics of its sound profile are not detailed. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offers a more subdued tonal experience. With its PA12 top housing, it delivers softer acoustics, while the POM stem contributes a crisper and higher-pitched resonance, making it less intrusive yet still providing a clear sound that emphasizes precise typing.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Green is likely to deliver a tactile bump along with its click, creating a responsive experience that many typists enjoy. The tactile feedback can enhance typing speed and accuracy. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) is designed as a linear switch, which generally means a smooth keypress without the tactile bump. This can lead to a different typing sensation that some users prefer for long typing sessions or gaming, as it allows for uninterrupted key travel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Green clicky switch provides a louder and more pronounced auditory and tactile experience, suitable for users who appreciate that feedback during use. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) focuses on a smoother and quieter performance, ideal for those who value subtlety and a refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the overall typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback with each key press, which can enhance your typing experience or provide satisfaction during gaming sessions, the Outemu Green is a solid choice due to its heavier actuation force of 80 grams and the clicky sound it produces. This can be particularly beneficial if you find it satisfying to feel a pronounced resistance, which can help prevent accidental keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is likely more suitable, as it features a lower actuation force of 62.5 grams and a linear feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Its unique PA12 housing contributes to a more refined acoustic profile, perfect for shared workspaces or quieter environments. Therefore, you should choose the Outemu Green if you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy that satisfying click, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is your best bet if you value smoothness and subtlety.
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