Outemu Purple vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances between different types can greatly enhance your typing experience. The Outemu Purple switch, known for its tactile feedback, is designed to provide noticeable resistance at the actuation point, making it a great choice for users who enjoy a responsive feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, renowned for its smooth and linear action, offers a more fluid keystroke without the tactile bump, catering to those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes and quiet operation. While the Purple switch is ideal for users seeking a more pronounced typing sensation, the Xinhai (Heavy) ensures a softer acoustic profile and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, appealing to those who value both aesthetics and performance. 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 Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Outemu Purple to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), one of the most notable differences lies in their top housing materials. The Outemu Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This clarity and resonance are particularly beneficial for enhancing RGB lighting effects, thanks to the translucency of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound better, leading to a duller and rounder audio experience. It becomes evident that while both switches offer their unique auditory qualities, they achieve these through different materials that influence their overall sound profiles.

Looking at the bottom housings, both the Outemu Purple and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) share the same nylon material, providing a consistent audio experience for the bottom section of the switches. The nylon's ability to absorb sound results in a fuller base tone, enhancing the tactile feedback experienced when the switch is bottomed out. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, this commonality ensures that users will experience similar acoustic feedback regardless of which switch they choose. This shared material in the lower section allows both switches to maintain a rounded and deep sound profile at the point of bottom-out.

Ultimately, the differences in sound characteristics between the Outemu Purple and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) primarily stem from their respective top housing materials. The Polycarbonate top of the Purple creates a high-pitched and crisp tone, while the nylon top of the Xinhai provides a rounder and fuller sound. However, since both feature nylon for their bottoms, this aspect will harmonize their performance, particularly on key press feedback. Therefore, users can expect distinct auditory experiences upon key release, but consistent and deeper sounds at the bottom-out point, allowing for a cohesive tactile experience across the board.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences can be observed. The Outemu Purple features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the HMX Xinhai’s actuation force is slightly heavier at 55 grams. This difference in actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, as the Purple allows for easier keystrokes. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is unknown, whereas the HMX Xinhai has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, giving it a more substantial feel upon fully depressing the switch. This indicates that the Outemu Purple may deliver a different overall typing experience, particularly for those who prefer a softer bottom out. In summary, the Outemu Purple is the lighter option and is likely more suitable for prolonged use, while the HMX Xinhai is the heavier choice, favored by those who prefer a firmer response while typing or gaming.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch reveals notable differences that cater to varying preferences among users. The Outemu Purple features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard and provides a deeper, more pronounced feedback. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch boasts a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference makes the Xinhai switch more appealing to gamers and those who prefer rapid key presses for faster response times. Ultimately, if you favor a more responsive feel and quicker actuation, the Xinhai switch would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more robust tactile experience may opt for the Outemu Purple switch. Thus, the Outemu Purple is the longer travel option, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is the shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Purple tactile switch produces a sound profile that is characteristic of tactile switches, which typically features a noticeable bump followed by a clean, albeit muted click. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch is designed for a smoother auditory experience, showcasing softer acoustics due to its PA12 housing, leading to a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Xinhai aims for a more refined sound that embodies subtle sophistication, the Purple's sound may feel more pronounced, making them suitable for different preferences and environments. Ultimately, the auditory experience will also depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can influence the final sound emitted.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Purple is recognized for its tactile feedback, providing a pronounced bump that informs the user of key actuation, lending to a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with no tactile bump, allowing for rapid key presses without resistance. This result can be particularly appealing to those who prefer a fluid typing experience, especially in gaming or fast-paced typing contexts. While both switches serve their specific purposes, the tactile feedback of the Purple can enhance typing accuracy, whereas the linear feel of the Xinhai supports speed and smoothness.

In conclusion, the Outemu Purple tactile switch delivers a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) focuses on a refined sound and smooth keystroke. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback or linear fluidity, both switches provide different experiences that cater to various typing or gaming styles. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you enjoy the distinct feedback of a tactile switch or the seamless action of a linear switch.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch will ultimately depend on your specific preferences and typing style. If you prefer a responsive feedback in your keystrokes and enjoy the subtle tactile bump that guides your fingers, the Outemu Purple may be more suited for your needs. However, since you might also be looking for a switch that offers a unique sound profile and a softer acoustic experience, this switch could leave you wanting more in terms of tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you are someone who appreciates a heavier bottom-out force with a smooth and linear feel, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) could be your go-to option. Its higher resistance might provide the control and precision you seek, particularly in fast-paced gaming or typing scenarios. Its refined acoustic character due to the unique material composition makes it an excellent choice for a more sophisticated sound experience. In essence, choose the Outemu Purple for a tactile feedback experience that enhances your typing enjoyment, and consider the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) for a robust and smooth action that excels in control and acoustic performance.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more