Outemu Black vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Black and HMX Swift both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Black is a linear switch, known for its consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. On the other hand, the HMX Swift, also a linear switch, stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Black is favored for its simplicity and straightforward feel, the Swift is praised for its unique sound signature and ease of pressing. 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
65g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Black features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. On the other hand, the HMX Swift utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the Black's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Swift's nylon top housing offers a more classic switch housing material experience. Despite their differences, both top housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches in unique ways.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Outemu Black and the HMX Swift use nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively creates a duller and rounder sound, making typing on switches with nylon bottom housings a satisfying experience. Whether it is the Black or the Swift, the nylon bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, emphasizing the importance of material choice in differentiating the typing experience between various mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a mechanical switch plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of typing. While the Outemu Black excels in producing a sharp and clear sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, the HMX Swift delivers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings that enhance the typing experience by absorbing sound and creating a satisfying sound profile. Whether it is through the stiffness of polycarbonate or the softness of nylon, each housing material brings a unique characteristic to the switch, ultimately impacting the overall typing sensation for users.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Black linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The Outemu Black switch has a higher actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a heavier typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a more effortless keystroke. Those who prefer a more substantial push feel may gravitate towards the Outemu Black switch, while individuals looking for a lighter typing experience may find the HMX Swift switch more suitable. Overall, the Black switch is heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force, while the Swift switch is lighter, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming purposes. The differences in actuation and bottom out force show that each switch offers a unique typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for weight and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Black being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Swift for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $3.45.
The Outemu Black 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 Black linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as having a unique "clacky" sound profile, which offers a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This distinct sound can add a tactile feedback element to typing, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response from their switches.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Black linear switch provides a smooth and consistent typing experience, with a traditional linear feel that is appreciated by many users. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a variety of descriptors including "easy-to-press," "feathery," "bouncy," and "creamy," indicating a wide range of tactile experiences that users can enjoy. The light actuation force of the Swift switch makes it effortless to type on, reducing finger fatigue and providing a comfortable typing feel that can enhance productivity during extended typing sessions.
Overall, while the Outemu Black and HMX Swift linear switches offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that caters to the preferences of individual users. Whether you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience with the Outemu Black switch, or a more tactile and responsive typing feel with the HMX Swift switch, you can expect reliable performance and durability from both options. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Black linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a switch with no specific standout feature, the Outemu Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a deeper sound profile with a silky smoothness, and an easy-to-press or feathery typing feel, then the HMX Swift switch would be a better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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