Outemu Milk Blue vs. HMX Xinhai

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to tactile feedback and sound, especially when contrasting the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Xinhai switches. The Milk Blue, known for its clicky feedback, makes every keystroke a satisfying experience, ideal for typists who appreciate both auditory and tactile signals during their writing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai, with its linear design, offers a smoother and quieter typing experience, making it a great option for users seeking a more serene environment, such as during gaming or office work. The Xinhai switch stands out with its PA12 top housing, which provides a softer acoustic profile, while its POM stem delivers a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, resulting in a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance. While both switches serve their unique purposes, your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smooth and silent typing 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

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

HMX Xinhai Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and HMX Xinhai switches, one notable distinction is the choice of plastic for the top housing. The Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This sound clarity results from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, making it resonate more effectively and enhancing the overall acoustic experience. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, providing an aesthetically pleasing glow as the light diffuses through the material. In contrast, the Xinhai employs a nylon top housing, which delivers a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves more efficiently, contributing to a rounder and less piercing auditory experience. This fundamental difference in top housing materials directly affects the acoustic signature of each switch.

The bottom housing materials are uniform across both switches, as both the Milk Blue and Xinhai utilize nylon for this component. As a classic material in switch design, nylon's sound-dampening properties enhance the overall typing experience by providing a deeper tactile feedback and softer bottom-out sound. This shared nylon bottom housing material contributes consistent qualities in terms of sound feel and response during key actuation. Any typing experience on these switches will elicit similar, rich auditory feedback due to the nylon's ability to absorb sound, irrespective of the contrasting top housing materials.

Ultimately, the differences in sound profile between the Outemu Milk Blue and HMX Xinhai switches can be attributed to the variations in their top housing materials. While the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top provides a bright and crisp tone, the Xinhai's nylon top contributes to a fuller, muffled audio experience. However, both switches utilize the same nylon material for their bottom housings, ensuring that certain auditory characteristics remain consistent. Therefore, even though the top housing influences the overall sound depending on the transition from pressing down to releasing a key, the foundational qualities of the nylon bottom housing ensure that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with distinct but complementary sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it heavier and providing a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which allows for easier keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Additionally, the HMX Xinhai has a bottom out force of 45 grams, meaning it requires a bit more pressure to register a full press compared to the Milk Blue, whose bottom out force is unknown but is presumed to be less than or equal to 50 grams. As a result, users who favor a more substantial feel would lean towards the Milk Blue, while those who prefer lighter, quicker keystrokes would find the Xinhai more suitable.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Milk Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the longer side and offers a deeper feel when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the Xinhai measures at 3.4 mm, making it the shorter of the two. This shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Milk Blue caters to those who prefer a more substantial, tactile experience with its greater depth. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value responsiveness or the tactile satisfaction of a deeper keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Blue switch has not been highlighted for any particular auditory characteristics, meaning it may offer a more neutral or standard sound profile compared to more specialized switches. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound production, which provides a sharp and snappy auditory experience when pressed. The sound produced by the Xinhai is described as crisp, bright, and percussive, which adds an engaging element to the typing experience. The acoustic profile of the Xinhai can be quite striking, especially when combined with the right keyboard architecture and keycap materials.

When it comes to feel, the Milk Blue switch is again not noted for any distinct tactile qualities, suggesting a more conventional typing experience that may not stand out to enthusiasts. Conversely, the Xinhai switch is celebrated for its bouncy and creamy sensations. The bouncy feedback provides a spring-like, elastic response with a pleasurable rebound effect upon pressing the keys. This liveliness enhances typing speed and efficiency. The creamy aspect of the Xinhai switch delivers a smooth and buttery experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This luxurious tactile feedback can significantly elevate comfort during long typing sessions.

In summary, while the Outemu Milk Blue switch seems to provide a standard sound and feel that might suit users looking for something straightforward, the HMX Xinhai switch stands out with its clacky sound profile and delightful tactile feedback. The Xinhai's combination of bouncy and creamy sensations creates an engaging and satisfying typing experience, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate nuanced qualities in their mechanical keyboard switches. If you are looking for a more dynamic and textured typing experience, the Xinhai would be the preferable option.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory feedback while typing, the Milk Blue's clicky nature would be a great fit, providing a nostalgic typing experience that many find satisfying. However, if you prefer a balanced, smooth typing experience without the loud clicks but with a springy and lively feel, the Xinhai switch would be an excellent choice. The Xinhai's hybrid design, with its bouncy feedback and creamy texture, makes it well-suited for both typing and gaming scenarios, offering subtle sophistication without compromising on performance. In summary, consider your primary usage—if you favor a distinctive sound and tactile feedback, go for the Milk Blue. For quieter, smoother, and more responsive keystrokes for both typing and gaming, the HMX Xinhai linear switch will serve you better.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more