Outemu Red vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red and HMX Xinhai both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Red is best known for its linear switch design, providing a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible click. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai stands out for its bouncy, clacky, and creamy feel, thanks to its PA12 top housing and POM stem combination. While the Red is a more straightforward choice for those who prefer a consistent and quiet typing experience, the Xinhai offers a more tactile and acoustic typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more feedback. 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
46g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.10 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 Red and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housing materials, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, providing a consistent and desirable sound profile.
In contrast, while both switches have nylon bottom housing materials, they offer a different typing experience. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material gives the Outemu Red and HMX Xinhai their distinct typing feels, catering to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch impacts the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences in material composition, both the Outemu Red and the HMX Xinhai offer unique typing experiences that cater to a variety of preferences. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a fuller sound with nylon, these switches are designed to provide an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is the lighter option. The Outemu Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it is a lighter switch overall. This means that the Xinhai would be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, while the Outemu Red may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a slightly heavier typing feel. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so regardless of the weight difference, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of smoothness and consistency. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Xinhai's 3.4 mm. The 4 mm travel distance of the Red is more traditional, providing a deeper keypress feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Xinhai is shallower, offering a faster response time that is favored by gamers seeking quick key actuation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Red offering a longer travel distance for those who prefer more depth, and the Xinhai providing a shorter travel distance for quicker responsiveness.
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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This unique sound profile is achieved through the combination of a PA12 top housing and a POM stem, providing a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Red switch is known for its smooth and consistent linear feel, providing a seamless typing experience without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback that adds liveliness to each keystroke. Additionally, the Xinhai switch is also described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. This sensation is achieved through the application of lubricant in the switch at the factory, as well as the choice of specific materials used in its construction.
In conclusion, the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Red switch provides a quiet and consistent typing experience, the Xinhai switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing sensation, either switch can provide a satisfying user experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a simplistic linear switch without any specific standout features, the Outemu Red might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are interested in a switch with a unique design and distinct acoustics profile, the HMX Xinhai switch could be the one for you. The Xinhai offers a bouncy and creamy feel, along with a clacky sound, that provides a more engaging typing experience. Consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly. Remember, the best switch for you is the one that enhances your typing experience and meets your individual preferences.
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