Outemu Purple vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, particularly when comparing the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, and the HMX SU, a linear switch. The Outemu Purple is celebrated for its tactile feedback, which provides noticeable resistance to users at the actuation point, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy the satisfaction of feeling their keystrokes. The HMX SU, on the other hand, is favored for its smooth and uninterrupted keypresses typical of linear switches, providing a quieter and more fluid typing experience ideal for gamers or those who prefer less distraction while typing. While both switches cater to different preferences—tactile feedback vs. smoothness—they each offer unique advantages suited for specific typing styles and applications. 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 Purple Tactile

HMX SU Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the HMX SU switches offer a noticeable contrast in their sound profiles primarily due to the composition of their top housings. The Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which amplifies higher frequencies and results in a crisper auditory experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it advantageous for incorporating RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the HMX SU’s top housing is made of nylon, a material traditionally associated with a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer consistency absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience, which can create a more muted keypress sound that some users may prefer like in certain professional environments.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find that they are identical; both the Outemu Purple and the HMX SU utilize nylon for this component. This shared nylon bottom housing leads to a similar sound profile characteristic of a softer sound. The softer nature of nylon diminishes the harsher frequencies often produced by harder materials, lending a deeper and more rounded sound experience upon bottoming out. Hence, despite the differing top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Outemu Purple and nylon for the HMX SU—the bottom housing remains consistent across both switches, contributing to a cohesive feel and sound signature upon key presses.

Ultimately, the interplay of these two distinct housing materials exemplifies how the overall acoustic experience of a switch is determined by its components. The Outemu Purple’s strikingly higher-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top contrasts with the rounded tones produced by the nylon bottom, creating a unique combination. The HMX SU, with a completely nylon construction, yields a more uniform sound profile that prioritizes a softer typing experience. Thus, while both switches share nylon for their bottom housing, the differences in their top materials lead to diverging sound experiences, highlighting how variable combinations of housing materials can yield various auditory sensations in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces. The Outemu Purple has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the HMX SU features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the HMX SU easier to press, potentially appealing to individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it may reduce finger fatigue. However, the Outemu Purple lacks available data for its bottom out force, making a direct comparison difficult in that regard. The HMX SU has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a stronger resistance felt when pressed to its maximum depth. In summary, those seeking a lighter, easier-to-press switch may prefer the HMX SU, while those who enjoy a heavier tactile feedback might be drawn to the Outemu Purple, although some aspect of its performance remains unspecified.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the Purple offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the SU measures at 3.6 mm. This means that the Outemu Purple has a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keypress feel that some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX SU, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who enjoy quicker response times, making it a favored choice among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference; those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes would likely opt for the Purple, while those seeking a snappier response might lean towards the SU. Thus, if one prefers faster responsiveness, the HMX SU is the ideal option, while users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience may find the Outemu Purple more appealing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Purple switch is known for its distinctive auditory profile, but specifics are not provided. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch is characterized by its relatively deep and subtle sound profile, which can be attributed to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem. The acoustic experience of a mechanical switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard configuration, including the type of board and keycaps, but the SU generally presents a more muted auditory experience compared to other switch types, making it potentially more suitable for quieter environments.

When discussing feel, the Outemu Purple switch's tactile characteristics are not specified, leaving its overall tactile feedback unknown. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch offers a smooth and consistent typing experience without any tactile bump, appealing to those who prefer seamless keystrokes. This lack of tactile feedback can lead to faster typing for those who have adapted to linear switches, but it may not satisfy users looking for physical cues with each keypress.

In summary, while the Outemu Purple switch lacks specific descriptors for both sound and feel, the HMX SU linear switch stands out with its subtle, deep sound and smooth linear feel. For users seeking tactile feedback, the Outemu Purple may pose a mystery, whereas the SU provides a defined experience that caters to those who favor linear switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, given that the Purple’s characteristics remain unspecified.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you desire. If you appreciate tactile feedback while typing and enjoy the sensation of a noticeable bump at the actuation point, the Outemu Purple may be the ideal choice for you, particularly if you like a quieter typing experience. However, if you prefer a smoother keystroke without any tactile bumps, the HMX SU linear switch would be your best bet, as it offers a lightweight actuation and a subtle, deep sound profile that can enhance your gaming or typing sessions without distracting auditory feedback. Therefore, consider the nature of your usage; for a tactile experience that can elevate your typing enjoyment, choose the Purple, while for a streamlined, linear feel that lets you glide effortlessly over the keys, the SU is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the kind of feedback and sound that aligns with your style of use.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more