HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Ocean both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch that is best 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 Silent Ocean is also a linear switch, but is characterized by its silent operation with no specific standout features. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a silky smooth feel and distinct sound profile, the Outemu Silent Ocean provides a quieter typing experience. 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
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
The main difference between the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Ocean lies in their composition and the resulting sound profile. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Ocean uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics can significantly influence the overall typing experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Silent Ocean utilize nylon material. This shared housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches from either model. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. While the nylon bottom housing may be similar between the two models, the contrasting top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate result in distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound profile and typing feel for users. While the Cloud - 63.5g and the Silent Ocean both utilize nylon in the bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, their top housing materials differ in composition and resulting sound characteristics. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing creates a fuller sound profile, while the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing produces a crisper and more resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Cloud - 63.5g has a lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams, making the Silent Ocean the lighter of the two. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams, while the Silent Ocean needs 65 grams, making the Silent Ocean the heavier option in this aspect. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Overall, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Silent Ocean, while those who enjoy a stronger bottom out force might prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloud - 63.5g is slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean. A shorter travel distance can lead to faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying and deep keystroke for those who prefer it. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer high-quality performance, so you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feedback and overall typing experience.
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 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
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 crisp typing experience that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth typing experience. The keys have a lively feel with a rebound when pressed, creating a silky sensation as you glide your fingers across the keys effortlessly. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific feel descriptors listed.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offers a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have specific information available on its sound and feel qualities. If you are looking for a similar sound and feel to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch, it would be recommended to try out switches with similar attributes such as higher-pitched sound profiles and creamy, bouncy tactile sensations.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and creamy feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience and do not have a specific preference for sound or feel, the Silent Ocean switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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