HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, and the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow is a tactile switch with a unique typing experience and is known for its precise tactile feedback. While each switch offers distinctive qualities, such as their sound profiles and actuation force, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Cream Yellow are both made of nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound signature.
However, while the top and bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch may differ. The bottom housing of a switch generally has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This distinction means that despite sharing the same housing material, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Cream Yellow may offer slightly different typing experiences based on the distribution of these qualities between the top and bottom housings.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Cream Yellow provide similar benefits in terms of sound profile and overall typing experience. Both switches utilize nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. While there may be slight differences in how the top and bottom housings impact the typing feel, users can expect a consistent level of quality and performance from both switches due to their shared housing material. Ultimately, whether choosing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g or the Outemu Cream Yellow, users can look forward to a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound profile.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly heavier actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Cream Yellow's 45 grams, making it a bit lighter to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams, while the Cream Yellow needs 60 grams, making the Cream Yellow heavier to press all the way down. In terms of overall weight, the Cream Yellow is lighter in its actuation force, but heavier in its bottom out force compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and whether a lighter or heavier touch is preferred.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it can be seen that the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Cream Yellow's 3.3 mm. The Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to individuals seeking quicker response times and a more reactive typing experience. Both switches offer their own advantages based on the preferences of the user, with the Cloud - 63.5g being the longer option and the Cream Yellow being the shorter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Cream Yellow 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 bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have a specific sound description available. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and smooth, offering a lively and silky typing sensation. The Cream Yellow tactile switch, unfortunately, does not have a feel description provided. The absence of this information makes it challenging to directly compare the tactile feel of the switches.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, smooth typing feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with unspecified sound and feel qualities, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch may provide a different typing experience. Keep in mind that key factors such as personal preference and typing style should also play a role in your decision-making process to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile along with a smoother typing feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a medium tactile feedback without any specific sound characteristics mentioned, the Cream Yellow switch could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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