Outemu Purple vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, and the HMX Xinhai, a linear switch. The Purple is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Xinhai is praised for its unique construction, featuring a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched sound. While the Purple offers a tactile typing experience, the Xinhai delivers a smooth and consistent keystroke without the tactile bump. Both switches have their strengths and are categorized differently, with the Purple falling under a certain category and the Xinhai offering qualities like being bouncy, clacky, and creamy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the HMX Xinhai, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Purple and Xinhai differ in their bottom housing material, with the Purple using nylon and the Xinhai also utilizing nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Despite sharing the same top housing material, the Outemu Purple and HMX Xinhai switches may offer slightly different typing experiences due to their varying bottom housing materials. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the keystrokes, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both switches, will influence the sound when releasing a key, creating a sharper and crisper sound. Overall, the combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience with a balance of clarity and depth in sound.
While both the Outemu Purple and HMX Xinhai switches share similar qualities in their top housing material of polycarbonate, the differences in their bottom housing material provide distinct characteristics to each switch. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrast between the top and bottom housing materials emphasizes the importance of considering the overall composition of a switch for its sound profile and typing feel. Whether preferring a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller tone, these housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is the lighter of the two. The Outemu Purple has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Xinhai requires only 37 grams to actuate. Additionally, the Purple switch does not provide information on bottom out force, whereas the Xinhai has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. The actuation force is crucial for initiating a keystroke, while the bottom out force determines the level of resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Xinhai switch, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Outemu Purple switch, as it has a higher actuation force, providing a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Thus, the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance compared to the Purple. In terms of typing speed and responsiveness, the Xinhai may have a slight advantage due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Purple's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deep typing experience for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 $2.99.
The Outemu Purple 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 Purple tactile switch does not have a specific reputation for a particular sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is known for its clacky sound, which provides a sharp and snappy auditory feedback when pressed. This distinct sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a unique acoustic experience to typing. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a defined reputation for its tactile sensation. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a variety of tactile experiences. Described as bouncy, it provides a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving the keys a lively feel with a noticeable rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Xinhai switch is also characterized as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This sensation is akin to a silky touch that enhances the overall typing comfort.
Considering both switches, while the Outemu Purple may offer a more neutral sound and feel without specific characteristics, the HMX Xinhai linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel. Depending on personal preferences, the Xinhai switch provides a unique combination of subtle sophistication, precise performance, and an enjoyable typing experience. It's important to test out different switches to determine which sound and feel resonate best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, the choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch really depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a light bottom out force and a unique acoustics profile for a more sophisticated typing experience, then the Xinhai switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a different sound and feel, the Purple switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, it is important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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