HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch are two popular options to choose from. The Cloud - 63.5g switch is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier feel, providing enthusiasts with a bright and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is known for its quiet nature, offering a tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch is bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch features a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both feature nylon top and bottom housing materials, providing a deep and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of sound and feel with both switches, making them suitable choices for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the color options available for the housing materials. While the Cloud - 63.5g is available in a stylish black color, the Silent Yellow Jade's housing comes in a vibrant yellow hue, adding a pop of color to your keyboard. This difference in aesthetics may be a deciding factor for users who value customization and personalization in their keyboard setup. However, in terms of performance and sound, both switches offer comparable results and overall typing experience, making them reliable choices for keyboard enthusiasts.
It's worth noting that the qualities of the housing materials in each switch are distributed differently between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound when a key is released. This nuanced difference may affect how users perceive the typing experience with each switch, as the bottom housing impact can vary in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing sensation. Despite this variance, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer high-quality nylon housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. In terms of weight, the Silent Yellow Jade is lighter in actuation force but heavier in bottom out force compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. The actuation force of the Cloud - 63.5g is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The bottom out force of both switches falls within the medium-heavy range, offering a good balance between comfort and tactile feedback. Overall, both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with slight variations that cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it slightly longer than the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the difference in length may result in a slightly different typing experience. The Cloud - 63.5g may provide a bit more depth to each keystroke, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade may offer a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and response speed. Both switches, however, offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches, making them ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming.
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 Jade 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 switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and percussive typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a bright typing sound. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle and muted typing sound. When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is unknown, but it is expected to offer a punchy tactile bump along with a quiet typing experience. Overall, while the Cloud - 63.5g switch is best suited for those who enjoy a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch caters to individuals looking for a quieter typing experience with a satisfying tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it really comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you value a bright and clacky typing experience with a silky smooth feel, then the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.