Outemu Silent White vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The Outemu Silent White is designed for those who prioritize a quiet performance without sacrificing smooth keystrokes. Its linear design offers a seamless press with minimal resistance, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is key. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents a heavier tactile experience, appealing to users who enjoy a more deliberate press. With its unique PA12 top housing that provides a softer sound profile along with a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai switch strikes a balance between subtle sophistication and precise performance. While each switch caters to different preferences—one for quiet usability and the other for deliberate feedback—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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Outemu Silent White and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) in terms of their housing materials, a significant contrast can be observed in the composition of the top housings. The Silent White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and translucency, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. This results in a sharper and crisper auditory experience, particularly beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon top housing that is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, while both housings contribute to the overall acoustic experience, the Silent White’s polycarbonate construction offers a more vibrant and articulate sound, whereas the Xinhai's nylon provides a warmer, less pronounced tone.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, as both the Silent White and the Xinhai (Heavy) employ nylon. This identical choice in bottom housing leads to similar characteristics in the sound profile during key presses. The nylon's softer qualities lend themselves to a rounded, muted sound during bottoming out, engaging the typist with a felt experience that is both satisfying and consistent. Therefore, any typing experience on either switch will exhibit a deep, full sound due to the nylon bottom housing's sound-dampening properties, which, combined with their individual top housings, provides a unique auditory mix depending on the switch.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials set the tone for the initial auditory experience—where the Silent White excels in producing sharper highs and the Xinhai (Heavy) leans towards softer lows—the bottom housings create a uniform depth in sound. These diverging top housing materials allow users to have varied auditory experiences while typing, as they feel the nuances in sound when releasing keys. Depending on the desired outcome, users can choose between the clear, vibrant pops of the Silent White and the deeper, fuller sound of the Xinhai (Heavy); however, both can deliver satisfying results thanks to their common nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present different actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences in typing feel. The Silent White requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Xinhai’s heavier 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent White comes in at 60 grams, slightly lower than the Xinhai's 62.5 grams, which again supports a lighter feel as you press the key all the way down. Therefore, individuals seeking a softer, more lenient typing experience might lean towards the Outemu Silent White, while those who favor a sturdier, more tactile feedback while typing or gaming may find the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) more appealing. In summary, the Silent White is the lighter option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a heavier, more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Silent White has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Silent White offers a shorter actuation distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its greater travel distance, may be preferred by users who appreciate a more substantial keypress feel, providing a greater depth that can enhance the typing experience. If you favor a more responsive feel, the Outemu Silent White would be the better option, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) would suit those who enjoy a deeper, more traditional switch experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Silent White is characterized as exceptionally quiet, which makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a unique auditory experience with its POM stem, producing a crisp and higher-pitched resonance that contributes a more sophisticated sound. This difference in sound can affect how the switches are perceived in various setups, as the acoustics can vary based on the choice of board and keycaps.
The feel of the Silent White switch is noteworthy for its smoothness and linear action, providing a seamless typing experience with no tactile bump. This makes it particularly enjoyable for typing without interruptions. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) boasts a heavier actuation force, yielding a more substantial feel during use. This increased resistance can give the typist a greater sense of control, albeit with a tactile experience that might not suit everyone.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent White excels in creating a muted typing experience with its quiet operation and smooth linear feel, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) captivates with its refined sound and more substantial feel. Differences in sound and feel can greatly influence user preference, and the choice between these switches will ultimately depend on individual priorities—whether they lean towards a silent environment or a slightly more expressive acoustic and tactile feedback. Each switch brings its unique attributes to the table, allowing for a variety of satisfying typographical experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for weight, sound, and feel. If you are looking for a medium bottom-out force with a focus on quieter operations, the Silent White is an excellent choice, particularly in shared spaces or for late-night gaming sessions where noise reduction is prioritized. Its characteristics make it suitable for typists who appreciate a softer acoustic profile without compromising on tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel and value a sound profile that offers a distinctively crisp resonance, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) might be the way to go. Its construction with a PA12 top housing and POM stem enhances the auditory experience and adds a touch of sophistication to your typing. Therefore, consider your typical usage environment and whether you want a quieter switch or one that delivers more pronounced audio feedback when making your selection.
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