HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, to the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Cloud - 63.5g is preferred by enthusiasts who appreciate a bright typing experience and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Grey is known for offering a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those seeking a satisfying and silent switch. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a silky smooth feel and falls under categories such as 'Bouncy' and 'High-pitched', the Silent Grey features a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
50g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The differing materials used for the top housing result in distinct auditory experiences for users, with the Cloud - 63.5g providing a more rounded sound compared to the clearer and more resonant sound of the Silent Grey.
Both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Grey incorporate a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of its softer plastic properties. This shared housing material between the two switches ensures a similar sound experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. Despite differing top housing materials, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches leads to a consistent auditory experience for users, emphasizing the importance of the material used in the construction of switch housings.
In terms of functionality, the choice of housing material in a switch can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. The utilization of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Grey, respectively, offers users distinct sound profiles when pressing down on a key. The split between bottom and top housing qualities in a switch allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Ultimately, the difference in housing materials between the two switches results in varying auditory and tactile experiences for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we can see some differences. The actuation force of the Cloud - 63.5g is lighter at 56 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams while the Silent Grey needs 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, but the Silent Grey is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force. This means that the Cloud - 63.5g may feel lighter to type on initially, but the Silent Grey may provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that the Silent Grey has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloud switch. In terms of user preference, the shorter travel distance of the Cloud switch may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific tactile experience each user is looking for.
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 Grey 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 known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, suitable for those looking for a satisfying and silent option. When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, with a spring-like feedback and smooth sensation while typing. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch is not available.
Overall, if you prefer a bright and clacky sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be the way to go. Alternatively, if you are seeking a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as your keyboard layout, keycaps, and typing technique. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on your desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, then the Silent Grey switch is the better option. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what feels most comfortable and satisfying to you.
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