HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Blue offer distinct typing experiences. The Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, is favored for its bouncy and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, is characterized by its crisp clicking sound and is known for its responsiveness and tactile feedback. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a smooth and creamy typing feel, the Outemu Blue offers a more high-pitched and satisfying clicking sensation. 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
56g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Blue switches offer contrasting characteristics in terms of sound profiles. While the Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing known for creating a deeper and fuller sound, the Blue switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing to produce a sharper and crisper sound. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, whereas the stiffer polycarbonate material leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the auditory experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Blue switches utilize nylon, highlighting their similarities in sound profile characteristics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature allows for increased sound absorption compared to harder plastics. By incorporating nylon in the bottom housing, both switches maintain a consistent dull and round sound, complementing their respective top housing materials for a well-rounded typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switch. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Blue switches differ in their top housing materials, with nylon and polycarbonate offering contrasting sound profiles, they share similarities in their bottom housing materials. Whether typing on switches with nylon or polycarbonate housing, users can expect a unique and customized typing experience based on the combination of materials used in the top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, with 56 grams required to trigger a keystroke in the Cloud compared to 50 grams in the Blue. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud is heavier with 63.5 grams compared to the Blue, which has an unknown bottom out force. The Cloud provides a medium-heavy typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a bit more resistance, while the Blue offers a lighter actuation force for a more effortless keystroke. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Blue switch, while those who prefer a bit more resistance might prefer the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue offering a more standard experience compared to the slightly shorter Cloud. Gamers may favor the Cloud for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Outemu Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
The Outemu Blue 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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Blue clicky switch sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, especially when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps to enhance the sound output.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. This switch provides a lively feel with a silky sensation that makes typing effortless. Unfortunately, information about the feel of the Outemu Blue clicky switch is not available. While it is hard to compare the two switches directly in this aspect, both switches are likely to provide a tactile and responsive typing experience that can cater to different preferences.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy feel, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts who appreciate a bright typing experience with a smooth texture. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch may offer a distinct typing experience, although specifics about its sound and feel characteristics are currently unknown. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of performance and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a different bottom out force and sound profile, the Outemu Blue switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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