HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, and the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is ideal for those who prefer a clacky sound profile and a heavier typing experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch offers a smoother feel and is categorized as a tactile switch, providing a more subtle typing experience. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is bouncy, clacky, creamy and high-pitched, the Outemu Brown has a different, undefined sound profile. However, let's dive in deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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
Overall, the main difference between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Brown switches lies in the material used for the top housing. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Brown switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The aesthetic aspect also differs, with polycarbonate being translucent and more suitable for switches with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the nylon top housing. This consistency in bottom housing material results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Brown switches. However, as mentioned earlier, the top housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound profile and aesthetic appeal of the switches.
In conclusion, while the bottom housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Brown switches provide a consistent typing experience, the difference in top housing material significantly impacts the sound profile and aesthetic features of the switches. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate top housing ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and design, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound while polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches excel in their own unique way, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch both fall into the medium-heavy weight category in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Brown's 53 grams. However, the Cloud - 63.5g has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, whereas the Brown's bottom out force is slightly heavier at 65 grams. This means that the Brown switch will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better option. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the choice between the two ultimately coming down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch. While both are relatively short distances in comparison to traditional switches, the difference of 0.1 mm may not be noticeable to everyone. The preference between the two would depend on personal preference - the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be ideal for those seeking a slightly more responsive feel, while the Outemu Brown switch would cater to those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar typing experience despite the slight variation in travel distance.
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 Brown 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. This switch is favored by enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience with high-pitched characteristics. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, making it hard to compare in this aspect. Moving on to the feel, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation when pressed. This switch ensures a silky smooth feel for users. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Brown switch is not specified, making it difficult to contrast with the Cloud - 63.5g in terms of tactile feedback.
From the information provided, it is clear that the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch excels in both sound and feel qualities, catering to users seeking a bright and snappy typing experience with a bouncy and creamy touch. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch lacks specific details about its sound and feel characteristics, making it hard to determine how it compares to the Cloud - 63.5g in these aspects. For users looking for a similar typing experience offered by the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, choosing switches with known clacky and bouncy qualities may result in comparable results. Overall, understanding the distinct sound and feel attributes of mechanical keyboard switches can help users make informed decisions when selecting the best switch for their typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a bright, clacky sound profile with a silky smooth typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a tactile feedback and a medium-heavy typing experience without a specific sound preference, the Outemu Brown switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you value the most and what best suits your preferences.
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