Outemu Silent Grey vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options often debated by enthusiasts are the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The Outemu Silent Grey is cherished for its quiet yet tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump that offers a satisfying feel with every keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more muted and deliberate typing sound, particularly in shared workspaces. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is lauded for its smooth, linear action, delivering a consistently fluid keystroke without the tactile feedback, which many gamers and typists prefer for faster, uninterrupted input. Furthermore, its unique PA12 top housing enhances acoustic performance while the POM stem contributes to a pleasant sound profile and durability. Each switch serves its own purpose and caters to different preferences: the Silent Grey for users who prioritize quiet, tactile feedback, and the Xinhai (Heavy) for those seeking a silky, dynamic typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches showcase a notable contrast in their top housings, which significantly influences the auditory and tactile experience of the switches. The Silent Grey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This means that when a key is released, the resulting sound has a clear resonance, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the visual experience. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) incorporates a nylon top housing that provides a rounder and deeper sound profile, attributing its design to the softer nature of the material, which absorbs sound rather than transmitting it in a pronounced manner. Thus, while the Silent Grey produces a more acute auditory response upon key release, the Xinhai (Heavy) presents a muted and warmer sound, highlighting the contrasting sonic characteristics of their respective top housings.

Both switches share the same nylon material in their bottom housings, which results in an interesting interplay of sound profiles. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the feel and sound of the key bottoming out during presses. In the case of both the Silent Grey and the Xinhai (Heavy), the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a fuller and deeper sound profile when a key is pressed. This material's ability to absorb sound means that despite the differing top housings, both switches convey similar qualities in terms of the typing experience during actuation. Because nylon naturally dampens sound and creates a rounder sonic presence, users can expect a comparable auditory experience when the key is engaged, making it an important factor in both designs.

Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials create two distinct auditory experiences for the Outemu Silent Grey and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), while their shared nylon bottom housing aligns their performance in terms of sound absorption and depth. Users who appreciate a sharper, more resonant sound may prefer the Silent Grey, especially with RGB lighting, while those looking for a softer and more muted auditory experience will be drawn to the Xinhai (Heavy). Nonetheless, the common use of nylon in the bottom housings provides a foundation of sound quality that is consistent across both switch models, allowing users to enjoy a fuller tactile experience regardless of their choice.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Silent Grey features an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Xinhai, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly beneficial for extended use. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Grey has a slightly higher measurement at 65 grams compared to the Xinhai's 62.5 grams. This suggests that while the Silent Grey switch offers a heavier experience at bottoming out, its lighter actuation force may provide a more balanced feel during regular typing. Therefore, typists who favor a lighter touch may gravitate toward the Silent Grey, while those seeking a more substantial, heavier feel might prefer the Xinhai. The varying actuation forces contribute to different typing dynamics, allowing users to select a switch that best fits their preferences for comfort or tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Silent Grey switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional choice that offers a pronounced and hearty feel during key presses. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who may prefer a more responsive typing experience. While the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai switch can lead to faster response times—an advantage for gamers—some users may find the abruptness less appealing. Therefore, if you favor a deeper, more tactile experience, the Outemu Silent Grey with its longer 4 mm travel distance would be the better option, while the HMX Xinhai is tailored for those seeking quicker actuation and a lighter touch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. Users can expect a subdued yet satisfying sound when typing, characterized by a dampened tactile bump. This reduced sound profile contributes to a more focused and less distracting typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch provides a distinctively crisper, higher-pitched resonance due to its POM stem. The unique PA12 top housing enhances the acoustics, offering a blend of subtle sophistication. While the overall sound experience is different, both switches can yield similar results depending on the choice of keyboard plate, case, and keycaps used, which can significantly influence their acoustic characteristics.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey excels with its pronounced tactile bump that delivers a noticeable feedback during each keystroke, allowing for an engaging typing sensation while still maintaining a smooth travel path. It’s perfect for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the accompanying noise. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch lacks a tactile bump, providing a linear experience that is both heavy and smooth, catering to users who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes with a firmer press. The differing tactile experiences mean that while both switches can offer smooth operation, they cater to different user preferences when it comes to the sensation of pressing the keys.

In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches provide a quiet and tactile experience that suits those seeking subtlety alongside feedback, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches emphasize a smoother, uninterrupted feel with a crisp sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these switches depends on whether you prioritize sound dampening and tactile feedback or prefer a heavier, linear experience with a more distinct resonance. Both can deliver satisfying typing experiences, but your personal preferences will guide you towards the right switch for your needs.

Conclusion

In summary, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a quiet, tactile typing experience, perhaps in a shared space or during late-night sessions, the Silent Grey is a fantastic choice. Its pronounced tactile bump paired with a smooth keystroke makes for a satisfying feel, while its muted sound profile allows you to type without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you prefer a more linear switch with slightly less resistance that delivers a crisp and refined acoustics profile, the Xinhai (Heavy) may suit you better. With a bottom-out force of just 62.5 grams, it provides a plush typing experience, enhancing speed and fluidity for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. The heavier feel of the Xinhai can be appealing if you desire a robust feedback mechanism without any tactile interruptions, allowing for seamless typing. Therefore, your selection hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and noise levels with the Silent Grey or the smooth, linear action with a little additional weight in the Xinhai.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$3.19 per 10

Learn more