HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Dustproof Purple 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 and the Outemu Dustproof Purple. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch that is beloved for its bouncy and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright typing experience. With its 63.5g weight, this switch offers a silky smooth feel while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple is a clicky switch that doesn't have any specific standout features mentioned. However, this switch is known for its reliability and durability, making it a solid choice for those looking for a dependable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Dustproof Purple, we see a clear distinction between the two. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This creates a duller and rounder sound that is favored by many typists. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple employs polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a different typing experience.
While both switches feature nylon as the bottom housing material, they differ in the top housing material used. This distinction affects the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing. The split between the bottom and top housing qualities means that the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be more pronounced in the Cloud - 63.5g, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing in the Dustproof Purple. This showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the typing experience and sound produced by a switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also plays a role. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Purple allows for clear housing, making it ideal for those who want to utilize RGB lighting for a visually appealing keyboard setup. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Cloud - 63.5g may not offer the same level of transparency but still provides a classic switch housing material known for its sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and visual appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, there are some similarities and differences between the two. The actuation force of the Cloud - 63.5g is 56 grams, slightly lighter than the Dustproof Purple's 55 grams, making the Dustproof Purple the lighter option in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly heavier force of 63.5 grams compared to the Dustproof Purple's 65 grams, making the Cloud - 63.5g the heavier option in terms of bottom out force. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, providing users with a substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a slightly lighter actuation force or a slightly heavier bottom out force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum compared to more traditional travel distances, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may appreciate this feature for faster gameplay. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple switch's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for either a quicker, more responsive feel or a more pronounced key press.
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 Dustproof Purple 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 offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, creating a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, with keys that offer a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation when pressed. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch is unspecified, highlighting the importance of considering how a switch feels when pressed as it greatly impacts the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the specific qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch remain unknown, it is evident that the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, a smooth feel, and a typing experience tailored to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and satisfying typing experience. If looking for a similar sound and feel to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, it would be advisable to explore other switches with clacky and high-pitched attributes for sound, as well as switches offering a bouncy and creamy feel for a comparable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a different sound and feel, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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