HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a linear and a tactile switch can greatly impact your typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, offers a clacky sound profile and a heavier feel that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a bright typing experience. With its smooth actuation, this switch is favored by those seeking a silky typing feel. In contrast, the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, provides a different typing experience with no specific standout features mentioned. While the Cloud - 63.5g is known for its bounciness, clackiness, creaminess, and high-pitched sound, the Tom lacks specific descriptors. Choosing between these two switches boils down to personal preference and desired 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Tom differ in their housing materials, with the Cloud - 63.5g featuring a nylon top housing and the Tom featuring a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both materials have their own unique qualities, they cater to different preferences in sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Tom utilize nylon, which again leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. With both switches utilizing the same bottom housing material, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. This consistency in housing material suggests that the differences in sound profiles between the two switches will likely stem from their respective top housings.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing of both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Tom results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing in the Cloud - 63.5g creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both materials have their own unique advantages, with nylon offering a more absorbent sound and polycarbonate providing a clearer and more resonant sound. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch will cater to different preferences in sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the Cloud requiring 63.5 grams and the Tom's force being unknown. The Cloud switch is slightly heavier overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel during typing. On the other hand, the Tom switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to users looking for a smoother typing experience for extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Outemu Tom has a shorter travel distance compared to the HMX Cloud. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Cloud offering a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press, while the Tom provides a quicker response time for gamers and users who prefer a shallower press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key 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 Tom 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 is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This creates a bright and percussive typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used, so individual preferences play a significant role in the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. This combination of lively key response and silky sensation makes typing on this switch a comfortable and enjoyable experience. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Outemu Tom switch is unknown, so it's challenging to determine how it compares to the HMX Cloud - 63.5g in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing comfort.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy feel, catering to users who prefer a bright and lively typing experience with smooth key presses. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Tom tactile switch remain unknown in terms of sound and feel, it's important for newcomers to consider their personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these switches to achieve a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience, providing users with a range of options to suit their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a heavier bottom out force and a bright, clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback and a different typing experience, you may want to consider the Outemu Tom switch. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches should be based on what feels best for you and enhances your overall typing experience. Consider trying out both switches if possible to see which one resonates with you the most. Happy typing!
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