HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Green mechanical keyboard switches, there are clear distinctions to consider. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy, clacky, and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green provides a quieter typing experience with no specific standout characteristics. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may cater to those who prefer a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green may be preferred by individuals who prioritize a quieter environment. 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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Green both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Silent Green features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant quality. While the nylon housing of the Cloud creates a rounder sound, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Green produces a crisper sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the two switches also differ. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon housing may not be as visually appealing compared to the transparent polycarbonate housing of the Silent Green. Polycarbonate is often preferred for clear housings in switches, especially when RGB lighting is a consideration. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through, adding to the overall look and feel of the switch.
Despite the differences in materials, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Green offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the nylon housing of the Cloud produces a duller and rounder sound upon typing, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Green creates a crisper and more resonant sound. The impact of the housing material is felt differently depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing, influencing both the tactile feedback and the sound produced by each switch. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, we find that the Cloud - 63.5g switch is heavier in both aspects. The Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams, while the Silent Green has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Silent Green lighter in this regard. However, both switches have a bottom out force that is quite close, with the Cloud - 63.5g at 63.5 grams and the Silent Green at 60 grams. While the actuation force of the Silent Green is lighter, the bottom out force is slightly heavier compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. This means that typing on the Silent Green switch may feel lighter initially, but the overall typing experience may be more substantial on the Cloud - 63.5g due to the heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly shorter than the Outemu Silent Green linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly shorter key press. Gamers may be inclined to choose the Cloud - 63.5g for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu Silent Green with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth 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 Silent Green 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 snappy typing experience that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's sound qualities are unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is characterized by its bouncy and creamy sensation, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth typing experience that feels like gliding fingers across the keys with ease. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch is unspecified. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may offer a more tactile and vibrant feel compared to the unknown qualities of the Outemu Silent Green.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch excels in providing a clacky and vibrant sound profile along with a bouncy and creamy feel for enthusiasts who appreciate a lively typing experience. While the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Outemu Silent Green switch are unknown, users can expect a similar level of satisfaction and performance with this switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with both options offering a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a silky smooth feel, then the Cloud - 63.5g is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience without any specific sound or feel preferences, the Silent Green might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing on a mechanical keyboard.