HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, providing a bright typing experience for enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and high-pitched feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus is also a linear switch, but with a quieter typing experience and a smoother feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a creamy and clacky typing experience, the Lotus is more subdued. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Lotus utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, allowing for a consistent performance across different keyboards.
However, despite both switches using nylon for their housing material, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Lotus may differ in the specific composition or thickness of the nylon used. This variation could potentially lead to subtle differences in sound and feel when typing on the switches. Additionally, the manufacturing processes for each switch may also impact the overall quality and performance of the housing material, potentially resulting in minor discrepancies in sound and tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Lotus may come down to personal preference and specific typing needs. While both switches offer a similar typing experience with their nylon housing materials, slight differences in composition, thickness, and manufacturing could lead to subtle variations in sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches provide a deep and full sound profile, making them suitable options for those looking for a tactile and responsive typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch differ significantly. The Cloud - 63.5g has a higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Lotus with 35 grams, making it the heavier option in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g is also higher at 63.5 grams, whereas the Lotus has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making the Lotus the lighter option in terms of force needed to press all the way down. Those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g, while individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may opt for the Lotus. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces will affect the typing experience and preference of the user.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. This means that the Outemu Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch. The shorter travel distance of the Outemu Lotus may appeal more to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch may provide a more satisfying and deeper key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for key press 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 Lotus 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown. Depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound produced by each switch may vary slightly, but overall, users can expect a satisfying auditory feedback from both switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is praised for its bouncy and creamy tactile feedback, offering a lively and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the tactile feedback qualities of the Outemu Lotus linear switch remain undisclosed. Users can expect a comfortable and responsive feel while using either of these switches, providing a pleasant typing sensation that can enhance overall typing speed and accuracy.
Taking into consideration the available information, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch excels in providing a bright and clacky sound profile along with a silky smooth and bouncy typing experience. While the sound and feel characteristics of the Outemu Lotus linear switch are unknown, users may potentially achieve a similar typing experience based on the features and qualities shared by the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to personalize their typing experience according to their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a bright and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a lower bottom out force and are looking for a switch that is known for a specific sound or feel, the Outemu Lotus linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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