Outemu Silent Green vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the specific user experience one desires. The Outemu Silent Green switches are designed specifically for those who appreciate a more subtle typing experience, as they offer a linear feel without the additional noise commonly associated with mechanical switches. In contrast, the HMX SU switches boast a unique full PA12 housing and a T5 stem that produces a deeper, yet still relatively subdued sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a richer auditory feedback without the clicky disruption. While both the Outemu Silent Green and HMX SU are categorized as linear switches, their construction and sound characteristics give them distinct personality traits that can enhance typing comfort or gaming performance in different ways. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green switches with their polycarbonate housing to the HMX SU switches featuring nylon housings, it's clear that the materials significantly influence the acoustic characteristics of the switches. The Silent Green's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and more precise sound profile, enhancing the tonal clarity that many typing enthusiasts seek. This is due to polycarbonate's durability and stiffness, which contribute to a crisper sound upon key release. In contrast, the HMX SU's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a rounder auditory experience thanks to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. As a result, the two switches present distinctly different auditory outcomes when typing.
The bottom housings of both switches serve to further differentiate their sound profiles. The Silent Green also utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, mimicking the characteristics of its top housing and reinforcing that sharp, clear sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a cohesive acoustics experience throughout the entire keystroke, benefiting from the clarity polycarbonate brings. Conversely, the HMX SU's nylon bottom housing further emphasizes the rounded sound experience, absorbing sound and yielding a more subdued auditory feedback. This resultant soundscape varies markedly when typing, affecting not only how each switch sounds but also how it feels at the bottom-out point.
Ultimately, the differences between the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the HMX SU do not merely exist in their compositions; they also reflect the type of auditory feedback and tactile experience the user receives. With the Silent Green, users can anticipate a sharper sound that resonates well with RGB lighting due to the translucence of polycarbonate. Alternatively, users of the HMX SU will appreciate the richer, muted acoustics characteristic of nylon. For those seeking a similar auditory experience, using switches with both top and bottom polycarbonate housings like the Silent Green can yield a more unified sound profile, while switches that combine the top and bottom nylon housing can provide a consistently duller and softer typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences emerge in their bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, thus providing a similar sensitivity and ease of activation suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Silent Green switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, which may offer a more tactile and substantial feel during usage. In contrast, the HMX SU features a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more forgiving and potentially less fatiguing for long-term typing. Therefore, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Silent Green is heavier overall due to its higher bottom out force, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced response, while the HMX SU is lighter, appealing to those who favor less resistance for comfort during extended periods of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Outemu Silent Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with traditional key travel lengths, providing a hearty depth that some users may appreciate for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX SU has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer a more responsive feel, often favored by gamers looking for quicker actuation. Ultimately, if you desire depth and a more substantial keystroke experience, the Silent Green is the preferable choice. Conversely, if you seek rapid response times and a lighter touch, the HMX SU would be more suited to your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
The Outemu Silent Green 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 Silent Green linear switch is noted for its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a subdued typing experience. This aspect is particularly important in environments where noise can be disruptive, such as shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions. Conversely, the HMX SU linear switch is characterized by its subtle, relatively deep sound profile. The combination of its full PA12 housing and T5 stem contributes to this unique auditory quality, which may offer a more satisfying auditory feedback while still maintaining a level of discretion. It’s worth noting that the sound of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but overall, the Silent Green will lean towards quieter performance, while the SU will offer a more nuanced sound.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Green switch is often appreciated for its smooth and linear actuation, providing a seamless typing experience without any tactile bumps or audible clicks typical of other types. This smoothness promotes a fluid motion when typing or gaming. The HMX SU, on the other hand, is also a linear switch, but the specific details about its feel are not as well-defined. Given its deeper sound profile, it may imply that there is some level of satisfying resistance or feedback, but without additional information, it’s hard to specify how it compares in smoothness or actuation force relative to the Silent Green. Both switches, being linear, will provide a similar, consistent feel devoid of tactile interruptions.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Green and HMX SU linear switches share a foundation in their linear design, they diverge in areas such as sound profile where the Silent Green is designed for quietness and the SU offers a deeper auditory experience. With regards to feel, both switches excel in providing smooth actuation; however, the exact nuances of the HMX SU’s feel remain undefined, making it difficult to fully assess its performance against the Silent Green. For users looking for linear switches, both options can provide a satisfying experience, but the choice will hinge on preferences for sound and any potential tactile nuances that remain to be explored with the HMX SU.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it's essential to consider your specific preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Silent Green may be more suitable for you, particularly if you enjoy a more grounded feel while typing and don’t mind a slightly more pronounced tactile resistance. The Silent Green is a good option if you prioritize a quiet experience without the distraction of audible click sounds, especially in shared environments. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter 50-gram bottom-out force and a softer touch during typing, the HMX SU is likely the better choice. Its full PA12 housing and T5 stem contribute to a subtle, relatively deep sound profile that can add a satisfying auditory component to your typing experience. Ultimately, if you value a quieter environment and a firmer resistance, go with the Silent Green; however, if you prefer a lighter feel and a more enjoyable sound without sacrificing performance, the HMX SU is the way to go.
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