HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Yellow both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is also a linear switch, but it is characterized by its silent operation and lack of specific sound profile. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may appeal to those looking for a bouncy, clacky and creamy typing feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow offers a more subdued 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Yellow, a notable difference lies in the top housing material used. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile as the stiffer plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a duller and rounder sound, the Silent Yellow provides a higher-pitched and clearer sound experience, appealing to different preferences in typing sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of both switches are made of nylon, resulting in a similar typing experience for both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Silent Yellow. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in the top housing material, the nylon bottom housing ensures consistency in sound and feel while typing on these switches. This similarity in housing material at the bottom suggests that users may experience comparable sound profiles when typing on either switch.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Yellow ultimately comes down to personal preference in typing sound. While the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g offers a softer and fuller sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow provides a sharper and crisper typing experience. The inclusion of nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches. Whichever switch you prefer, understanding the impact of housing materials can help you make an informed decision based on your typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow switch is heavier in both categories. The Cloud - 63.5g switch has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch boasts an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, placing it in the heavy category. The difference in weight between the two switches may appeal to different preferences in typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Cloud - 63.5g for extended typing sessions, while others may favor the stronger push feel of the Silent Yellow switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the typical range of travel distances for mechanical keyboards, with the Silent Yellow being more traditional. Gamers may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, while there is a minor difference in travel distance between the two switches, both provide a satisfying typing experience with responsive feedback.
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 Yellow 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 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available, so it may offer a quieter typing experience compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is known for its bouncy and creamy feel, offering a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience with a smooth and buttery sensation. The keys have a lively feel, providing a rebound effect when pressed, making typing on this switch a pleasant and effortless task. Conversely, there are no specific feel descriptors available for the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, so it's hard to determine how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, it's clear that the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a bouncy and creamy typing feel. If you're looking for a switch that offers a bright and percussive sound with a smooth and springy typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience and are unsure about the tactile feedback of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, experimenting with both switches on different keyboards may help you determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you enjoy a clacky and bright sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a silent operation and a high-pitched sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your choice should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
