HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both belong to the linear switch category. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is renowned for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch is characterized by its undefined best-known feature, offering a unique typing experience. While the Cloud - 63.5g boasts a 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched' feel, the Silver switch remains in its own distinct category. 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
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 main difference between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silver lies in their top housing material. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silver boasts a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer their own unique sound characteristics, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound preference.
On the other hand, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silver share the same nylon bottom housing material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With identical bottom housing materials, typing on switches equipped with either the Cloud - 63.5g or the Outemu Silver will elicit a similar sound profile in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switches.
In summary, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Silver ultimately comes down to whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound profile (provided by the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing) or a sharper, crisper sound profile (provided by the Silver's polycarbonate top housing). Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches offer a similar typing experience thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing material, which contributes to a consistent deep and full sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound characteristics and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Cloud - 63.5g is lighter in terms of actuation force at 56 grams compared to the Silver's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams while the Silver demands 65 grams, making the Silver slightly heavier in this aspect. This means that the Cloud - 63.5g provides a lighter initial typing feel but ultimately requires more force to fully press the key compared to the Outemu Silver. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, providing a balance between actuation and bottom out forces for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Silver linear switch that has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances but cater to different preferences. Gamers may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Outemu Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and 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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch does not have any specified sound qualities listed. When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, with a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation, making each keystroke effortless. However, the Outemu Silver's feel qualities are unknown. Overall, if you prefer a switch with a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g would be a great choice. If the sound and feel qualities are less important to you or unknown for the Outemu Silver, it may be best to test out both switches to see which one suits your typing preferences best.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a silky smooth feel, then the HMX Cloud - 63.5g would be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch without any specific sound or feel characteristics, then the Outemu Silver might be more suitable for your needs. Consider how you like your keyboard switches to sound and feel before making your decision. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it is important to choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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