HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Lime (V3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Lime (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Lime can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g stands out with its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright, lively typing dynamic. Its lighter actuation force caters to those who enjoy rapid key presses, enhancing both typing speed and gaming performance. In contrast, the Outemu Lime offers a distinctly tactile experience with its lightweight design and subtle feedback, appealing to users who prefer a muted yet responsive touch. The Lime switches provide the ideal balance for paddlers looking for a soft touch without overwhelming sound, presenting a polished tactile sensation. Each switch serves different preferences: the Cloud - 50g for lovers of auditory feedback and high responsiveness, and the Lime for those seeking a refined, quiet 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
42g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g switches and the Outemu Lime switches, one notable aspect is their use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize nylon as a classic housing material, which is revered in the mechanical keyboard community for its acoustic properties. The nylon composition of both the Cloud - 50g and the Lime contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Due to nylon’s relatively soft characteristics, it effectively absorbs sound and dampens vibrations, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory feedback when typing. This similarity ensures that users of both switches will enjoy comparable sound profiles, promoting a satisfying experience regardless of which switch is in play.
The role of housing material in determining the typing feel and sound is particularly noteworthy. Since both the top and bottom housings of the Cloud - 50g and the Lime are made from nylon, the overall impact on key press feel and acoustic feedback will be consistent across both switches. When a key is depressed, the bottom housing—which has more influence on the bottom-out sound—will provide a muted yet solid feedback thanks to the absorbent properties of the nylon. Meanwhile, upon releasing the key, the soft traits of the top housing come into play, further enhancing the smoothness of the release sound and feel. Thus, the synergy between materials in both the Cloud - 50g and Lime switches elevates the performance by ensuring an enriched typing experience rooted in uniform acoustic characteristics.
Despite the shared housing material, one might wonder if there are any differences in sound or feel between the switches. Because both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Lime utilize identical nylon compositions in their housings, any minor variations in their design, actuation force, or stem type (if applicable) would ultimately be the deciding factors impacting the overall typing experience. However, assuming that such parameters remain uniform, users can expect to achieve nearly identical results regarding sound and feel, making both switches excellent choices for those who favor nylon housings. In essence, whether typing on the Cloud - 50g or the Lime, users can take comfort in knowing that the nylon material’s qualities will provide a significantly comparable, if not identical, tactile acoustic experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal key differences. The Cloud - 50g switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Outemu Lime is the lighter switch overall, providing a softer feel that may be more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, making it easier on the fingers. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g's heavier actuation and bottom out forces cater to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. As a result, users looking for a lighter typing experience should gravitate towards the Outemu Lime switch, while those who enjoy a firmer touch might favor the Cloud - 50g.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, the Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Lime comes in at a shorter 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Outemu Lime, with its shorter travel distance, may be the better choice, especially for gamers seeking quick response times. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g's longer travel distance could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel and depth while typing. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, as the shorter Lime provides a faster response, while the longer Cloud offers a more traditional typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g for $2.99.
The Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 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 - 50g switch has a clacky sound profile that is bright and engaging, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This lively sound can be quite satisfying for users who appreciate an energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch has a more neutral and muted sound profile, which produces a softer and quieter sound compared to the clacky nature of the Cloud – 50g. This makes the Lime switch suitable for environments where minimizing noise is a priority, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and advanced users alike who may be typing away at home or work.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g excels with its silky smooth characteristics, providing a delightful typing experience as users glide from one key to another with ease. This smoothness can provide an engaging tactile experience without hindering typing speed. In contrast, the Outemu Lime switch offers a lightweight, feathery touch that requires little effort to actuate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While it exhibits mild tactility, the Lime allows for a gentle and approachable typing experience that ensures comfort. Its subtle characteristics make it easy on the fingers, catering to users who appreciate a smooth yet tactile feel.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Outemu Lime switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g switch is perfect for those who enjoy bright, clacky sounds and a silky smooth feel, ideal for those who relish a more responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Lime switch provides a muted, neutral sound profile while offering a lightweight, comfortable touch with mild tactility. Both switches serve distinct purposes, so selecting between them should align with your personal preferences regarding auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth, unbroken typing experience with a clacky sound profile, and enjoy the feeling of each keystroke gliding effortlessly, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. It is particularly well-suited for those who revel in bright, responsive feedback and can thrive in a lively environment, making it perfect for avid typists or gamers who appreciate a more engaging experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a subtle tactile feel, the Outemu Lime is designed for comfort and versatility. Its silent operation and mild, polished characteristics make it an ideal option for shared spaces such as offices or libraries, where noise reduction is key, while also providing a satisfying tactile response for everyday typing tasks. In essence, your choice should reflect your personal preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard, ensuring that you achieve both comfort and enjoyment in your typing experience.
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