Outemu Silver vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silver and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) both stand out as compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts, albeit each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silver is renowned for its smooth keypresses without tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who favor rapid, uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) elevates the experience with its distinctive PA12 top housing, which reduces noise and provides a more refined acoustic profile, while the POM stem contributes to a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, perfect for users who appreciate elegant sound dynamics alongside performance. While both switches are categorized under linear types, they each deliver varied experiences that could appeal to different users—whether you prioritize a swift and silent typing experience or a sophisticated auditory touch. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), there is a distinct divergence in the materials used for their top housings, while their bottom housings are identical. The Outemu Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, contributing to a sound profile characterized by its sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper acoustics. This quality stems from polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, its translucent nature makes it suitable for RGB lighting applications, allowing for a visually appealing and illuminated effect when keys are activated. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing that results in a sound profile considered fuller and deeper. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a pronounced roundness and depth in auditory feedback.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, meaning that they share similarities in sound characteristics when typing. The nylon’s capacity to absorb sound contributes to a rounded, fuller auditory experience across both models. As noted, the impact of the bottom housing is particularly noticeable during the bottom-out phase of keystrokes, resulting in a more muted sound that can be preferable for users seeking a quieter typing experience. With both switches sharing this nylon material for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent depth of sound regardless of which model they choose, thus offering a unique synergy in their acoustic signatures.
The contrasting designs of the top housings ultimately lead to varying auditory experiences when typing and releasing keys, even though the bottom housings share the same material. Users of the Outemu Silver will appreciate the clarity and brightness of the sound profile during key release, made possible by the polycarbonate's resonance-enhancing properties. In contrast, owners of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) will revel in a more muted and softer response thanks to the nylon top housing. Therefore, while both models can produce a satisfying typing sound due to their identical bottom housings, the differences in their top housings forge unique and distinct experiences that cater to different auditory preferences in mechanical switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces present distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Outemu Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who appreciate a quicker response and ease during prolonged use, such as when typing at work or engaging in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Regarding bottom out forces, the Outemu Silver bottoms out at 65 grams, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is slightly lighter with a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. Overall, this comparison reveals that the Outemu Silver is the lighter switch in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it more accessible for extended use, while the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a heavier actuation for those who favor a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role in user experience, and in this comparison, the Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch measures 3.4 mm. This means that the Outemu Silver offers a longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for its more pronounced feedback and depth when typing. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai switch caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it particularly appealing for gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches hinges on personal preference: if you enjoy a more robust feel and traditional feedback, the 4 mm travel of the Outemu Silver would be ideal, whereas the 3.4 mm travel of the Xinhai (Heavy) may provide a more rapid and responsive typing 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 Silver 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 Silver switch's acoustics are notably quiet and subdued, offering a non-disruptive typing experience ideal for both work and gaming environments. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch produces a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance due to its POM stem, alongside a softer acoustic profile contributed by its unique PA12 top housing. This combination allows the Xinhai to strike a balance between subtlety and clarity, making it versatile for varied typing scenarios. However, both switches' final sound can further be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, meaning they can be tailored to personal preferences.
When considering the feel, the Outemu Silver switch provides a smooth, linear typing experience that some might find slightly lighter compared to others. It is designed to ensure consistent keystrokes without tactile bumps, helping users maintain a fluid motion while typing or gaming. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy), on the other hand, is heavier than the standard version, which can give it a more substantial feel under the fingers. This switch maintains a linear profile but allows for a different level of feedback through its weight, enhancing the tactile experience for those who prefer a firmer keystroke during their typing sessions.
Overall, while both switches serve the linear category and can offer similar smooth typing experiences, their sound profiles and tactile feedback present different character traits. The Outemu Silver emphasizes a quieter and lighter feel, ideal for users prioritizing discretion and comfort, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) brings a more pronounced acoustic presence and a heavier actuation force, catering to those who enjoy a bit more substance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize sound dampening or resonance, and whether you prefer the lightness of the Silver or the heftier nature of the Xinhai.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a switch that provides a bit more resistance upon bottoming out and enjoy a medium-heavy feel while typing or gaming, the Outemu Silver with its 65-gram bottom-out force may be the better option for you. This is particularly beneficial for those who bottom out more aggressively or if you find yourself engaged in intense gaming sessions where precise keystrokes are essential. On the other hand, if you desire a switch that offers a slightly lighter touch with a 62.5-gram bottom-out force, the Xinhai (Heavy) will likely suit your needs better. Its design has a unique top housing that allows for softer acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a crisp sound, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a higher-pitched resonance and a refined typing experience. Therefore, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize a heavier actuation force for a firmer feel or a lighter switch with enhanced acoustic characteristics for more nuanced feedback.
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