HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean 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 Dustproof Silent Ocean both offer unique features that appeal to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean is a linear switch that is known for its silent operation and dustproof design. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched typing experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a quieter typing experience without any specific characteristics. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Silent Ocean, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches utilizing nylon bottom housings. It is interesting to note that despite using the same material for the bottom housing, there may still be differences in the overall sound and feel due to other design factors.
On the other hand, the top housings of the two switches differ, with the Cloud - 63.5g featuring a nylon top housing, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design. This difference in top housing material can significantly impact the typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials interact with each other in a switch, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the two housings contributes to the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, we can see some key differences. The Cloud - 63.5g has a lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dustproof Silent Ocean requires 65 grams, which is heavier than the Cloud - 63.5g's 63.5 grams. This means that while the Cloud - 63.5g may feel slightly lighter to type on initially, the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cloud - 63.5g has the longer travel distance compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean. The 3.9 mm travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bit more depth and a slightly different typing experience compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean with its 3.3 mm travel distance. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing 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 Dustproof Silent Ocean 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 popular among enthusiasts for its clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, giving a bright and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a known sound description available. When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and smooth typing experience that feels like gliding across the keys effortlessly. Unfortunately, the feel of the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is not specified. Overall, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would be a great choice. If you are looking for a similar experience with unknown qualities, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch might also provide satisfactory results. As always, keep in mind that switches' performance can vary based on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a heavier switch with a bright and clacky typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g would be a great choice for you. The silky smooth feel and lively feedback of this switch will cater to enthusiasts who enjoy a more vibrant typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prioritize a dustproof and silent typing experience without any specific sound or feel preferences, the Dustproof Silent Ocean might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing sound, feel, and switch characteristics.
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