Outemu Gold vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and the HMX Swift stand out as popular options, each offering unique features to cater to different preferences. The Outemu Gold is revered for its clicky feedback, providing a satisfying tactile response with each press. On the other hand, the HMX Swift is preferred for its smooth linear action, offering a quieter typing experience with a lighter touch. While the Gold is ideal for those who enjoy the audible clicks and tactile feedback, the Swift appeals to users who prefer a more seamless and noise-free 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
1.80 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Gold and the HMX Swift, it is clear that their differences lie primarily in the material used for the top housing. The Gold utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Swift features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its softer nature and sound absorption properties. This contrast in sound profiles makes the Gold ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience, while the Swift may be more appealing to those who enjoy a deeper and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gold and Swift use nylon, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will receive comparable results in terms of sound and feel, allowing for a consistent typing experience across different switch options.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Gold and the HMX Swift ultimately comes down to individual preference in sound profile. If a sharper, higher-pitched sound is desired, the Gold's polycarbonate top housing would be the better choice. On the other hand, if a deeper and fuller sound profile is preferred, the Swift's nylon top housing would be more suitable. However, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that the typing experience will be consistent regardless of the top housing material chosen, providing users with a reliable and familiar feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, the actuation force of the Gold is slightly heavier at 45 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams. The bottom out force of the Gold is also heavier at 60 grams, while the Swift has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Swift switch overall lighter in terms of force required for both actuation and bottom out. The Gold switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Swift switch allows for lighter typing for longer periods of time. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Gold being heavier and the Swift being lighter in terms of force required.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky 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 range of traditional travel distances and offer a decent amount of depth for users. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Swift switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Gold switch with its slightly longer distance. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Gold switch offers just a tad more depth compared to the Swift.
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 Gold 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 Gold clicky switch is known for producing a sharp and distinctive click sound when pressed, providing a satisfying auditory feedback for typists. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a unique clacky sound profile with a deeper tone due to its nylon housing, creating a crisp and percussive sound that stands out from typical linear switches. While both switches offer a different sound experience, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold switch provides a tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump upon actuation, giving typists a sense of feedback with each key press. Comparatively, the HMX Swift switch offers an easy-to-press sensation with a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods. The Swift's feathery and bouncy feel enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Whether you prefer a tactile bump or a smooth linear typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Overall, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that appeal to different typing styles and preferences. While the Gold switch provides a sharp click and tactile bump for typists who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback, the Swift switch offers a smoother and more responsive typing experience with its light actuation force and nylon housing construction. Whether you prefer a clicky or linear switch, both options allow for a customized typing experience based on individual preferences and requirements. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a keyboard with your preferred keycaps will help determine which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Gold clicky switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a switch that offers a unique sound profile, then the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are seeking a switch with a smooth and easy-to-press feel, then the HMX Swift linear switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your keyboard setup.
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