HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Spring Breeze 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 Spring Breeze offer unique typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch that is popular for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, providing enthusiasts with a bright and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch that brings a different feel to typing, offering a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is known for being bouncy, clacky, creamy, and high-pitched, the Spring Breeze does not have any specific categorizations. If you prefer a smooth and tactile typing experience with a distinct sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze, both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that typing on both switches will likely have a similar sound and tactile experience, as the nylon material contributes to a consistent typing feel.
However, despite both switches using nylon for their housing materials, the specific design and construction of the top and bottom housings may vary between the two. The qualities of the housing material, such as sound absorption and impact on typing feel, will be distributed differently between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing, for example, will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released.
Overall, while the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Spring Breeze are the same, the specific design and construction of the switches may result in subtle differences in sound and typing experience. Both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience due to the use of nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether one switch is preferred over the other may come down to personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is clear that the Spring Breeze is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, both of which are lower than the Cloud - 63.5g switch. The Cloud - 63.5g switch, on the other hand, has a higher actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it the heavier option when compared to the Spring Breeze. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Spring Breeze, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the contrary, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g switch for a stronger push when typing. Overall, the two switches offer different weight options to cater to the diverse preferences of users, ensuring that they can choose the one that best suits their typing needs.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The slight difference in distance may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the keyboard. Gamers looking for a quicker response time may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g switch due to its shorter travel distance, while others who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Spring Breeze switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Cloud - 63.5g providing a slightly faster and snappier feel compared to the Spring Breeze, which may feel more deliberate and satisfying to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Spring Breeze 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. This switch appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience with its high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks a specific description for sound, making it difficult to compare to the distinct characteristics of the Cloud - 63.5g in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, giving users a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery feel. While the feel of the Spring Breeze switch is unknown, it is important to note that the typing feel can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy feel, providing users with a bright and lively typing experience. Although the sound and feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch remain unknown, it may offer a different sound and feel compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. If you prefer a switch with a clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would be a great choice. If looking for a specific sound or feel, it may be necessary to try out the Spring Breeze switch firsthand or gather more detailed information on its characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Cloud - 63.5g. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a clicky switch without specific sound and feel preferences, the Spring Breeze may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.