HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent White both offer unique characteristics for different preferences. The HMX 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 appreciate a bouncy and high-pitched feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White is a linear switch with a silent operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a silky smooth feel and a creamy touch, the Outemu Silent White is categorized as having a neutral sound profile. 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
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-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 Silent White, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deep and full sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound for both switches when typing. However, while the Cloud - 63.5g also features a nylon top housing, the Silent White uses polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This means that the Silent White will produce a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the Cloud - 63.5g.
On the aesthetic side, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Silent White allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing does not provide the same translucent quality for RGB lighting effects. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The differences in material between the top and bottom housing of these switches allow for a unique combination of qualities that impact both the sound and feel of typing on each switch.
While the Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent White share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, the choice of top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The softer nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the top housing material plays a key role in shaping the overall sound profile. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between these switches offer users a choice in sound characteristics and visual appeal to suit their preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch shows some differences. The Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly heavier actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams, making the Silent White the lighter of the two. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams of force, which is slightly heavier than the Silent White's 60 grams. This means that although the Silent White has a lighter actuation force, it requires slightly more force to bottom out than the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter actuation force or a lighter bottom out force for your typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we can see that the Cloud switch has a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Silent White's 3.3 mm. The Cloud switch offers a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Silent White switch provides a shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for individuals looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, offering a balance between depth and speed. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference 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 Silent White 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 offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, producing sharp and percussive sounds with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's sound profile is not specified, so it is safe to assume that it lacks the distinctive clacky sound of the Cloud - 63.5g. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cloud - 63.5g switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent White switch is not described, so it is difficult to compare it directly to the Cloud - 63.5g in terms of tactile feedback and smoothness. It is important to note that the typing experience can vary greatly depending on personal preference and typing style.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy feel, making it a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a bright and lively typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent White switch are not detailed, it is clear that it offers a quieter typing experience compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, it is recommended that you choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience and appreciate a bit of spring-like feedback. On the other hand, if you are seeking a medium switch that is silent and offers a creamy typing experience, the Outemu Silent White linear switch would be a better option for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
