HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Blue Jade offer distinctive typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, is renowned for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g. This switch is favored by enthusiasts who appreciate a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch that provides a tactile and audible typing feedback without any specific standout feature. If you're looking for a switch that offers a bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g might be the way to go. 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
65g
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
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Jade switches are both made of nylon, which is a classic switch housing material known for elicitating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon. The similarities in housing material suggest that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either the Cloud - 63.5g or the Blue Jade switches.
However, while both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Blue Jade switches share the same nylon material for their top and bottom housings, the distribution of these housing materials may differ. The qualities of the housing materials will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing will affect the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction may result in slight variations in the typing experience between the two switches, despite their shared housing materials.
In essence, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Blue Jade switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the typing experience. While both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their nylon housing materials, the distribution of these materials between the top and bottom housings may lead to subtle differences in overall sound and feel. Ultimately, users looking for a similar typing experience can expect comparable results from both switches, given their shared nylon housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch differ slightly. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Blue Jade slightly lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While the 0.1 mm may not seem like a significant difference, it can impact the overall feel and response of the keyboard. Gamers, who require faster response times, may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the Blue Jade with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Jade 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
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch's sound profile is unknown. When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel of the Blue Jade switch is unknown. Overall, if you prefer a bright and clacky sound with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would be the way to go. While the subjective qualities of the Blue Jade clicky switch are unknown, you may expect similar results in sound and feel based on the descriptions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you value a bright and clacky typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, then the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a more audible typing sound, the Blue Jade could be a better fit. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired typing experience when making your decision. Happy typing!
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