Outemu Silent White vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Silent White switch is best known for its linear feel, offering a smooth keystroke without the audible click commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its unique sound profile, featuring a deeper and smoother keypress thanks to its full nylon housings. While the Silent White switch is categorized as silent, the HMX Swift is described as clacky, easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. If you're looking for a quiet typing experience, the Silent White may be the way to go, while the HMX Swift's distinct sound profile may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Swift, we can see that while the Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing, the Swift uses a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon in the Swift's top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. Both materials have their advantages in terms of sound profile, with polycarbonate offering a clear and resonant sound while nylon provides a more muffled and rich tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Silent White and HMX Swift feature a nylon bottom housing material. This material is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder tone. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent sound profile across the board, with a focus on delivering a satisfying typing experience with a full sound. Despite the differences in the top housing material, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile for both switches.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Swift will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing in the Silent White offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing in the Swift provides a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for those who prefer a more muffled and rich tone. Both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound characteristics.
Weight
The Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent White has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, making the Swift the lighter option. When it comes to bottom out force, the Silent White requires 60 grams to fully press down, while the Swift only needs 50 grams, making the Swift the lighter option in this aspect as well. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Swift, as it offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Silent White to be more to their liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of force, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Thus, the Silent White has a shorter travel distance compared to the Swift. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel. Both switches fall within the range of commonly used travel distances, with the Silent White leaning towards the shallower end and the Swift being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
The Outemu Silent White 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 Silent White switch remains relatively quiet due to its design aimed at reducing noise. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch offers a more pronounced clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. The Silent White switch may be preferable for those looking for a quieter typing experience, while the Swift switch is ideal for individuals who enjoy a more prominent and tactile sound when typing.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent White switch lacks specific descriptors provided in the information. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch offers an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy feel. The easy actuation force of the Swift switch provides a gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable. The feathery and bouncy sensations enhance the typing experience by offering a responsive and lively feel. Additionally, the creamy feel ensures smooth and buttery keystrokes, allowing for a luxurious typing experience. Overall, the Swift switch caters to those looking for a light and comfortable typing feel with various tactile sensations.
Considering all available information, the Outemu Silent White switch stands out for its silent operation, making it ideal for quieter environments. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch offers a unique sound profile with a deeper, clacky sound and provides a range of tactile sensations for a comfortable typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different needs and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for key feel and sound. If you are looking for a switch with medium bottom out force and a quiet typing experience, the Silent White may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a deeper, smoother sound profile, the HMX Swift might be more suitable. The Swift's easy-to-press nature, feathery feel, bouncy feedback, and creamy typing experience make it a great option for those who prioritize comfort and responsiveness in their typing. Consider these factors carefully to select the switch that best matches your typing style and preferences.
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