HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Cream Blue each offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, with its linear design and lighter 50g actuation force, provides a silky smooth and quiet typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a streamlined and less distracting setup. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue switch features a clicky design that delivers an unmistakable tactile feedback and an audible ‘click’ with every keystroke, appealing to typists and gamers alike who revel in a more expressive and engaging sound profile. While the Cloud - 50g excels at providing a fluid and uninterrupted experience, the Cream Blue satisfies those who thrive on auditory cues during their typing sessions. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 - 50g and the Outemu Cream Blue switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which contributes to the switch's sound absorption properties. This shared housing material means that both the Cloud - 50g and Cream Blue switches will generate a muted and rounded auditory feedback when the keys are pressed, as the nylon composition dampens the sound compared to harder plastics. Thus, users will likely achieve comparable results in terms of sound quality and typing comfort when using both switch types, since they share the same foundational material.
Although both the Cloud - 50g and Cream Blue switches employ nylon for their housings, various design elements could subtly influence their overall performance. The construction of the switches might include differences in spring tension or actuation point that can affect the tactile feel and typing experience, even if the auditory qualities remain consistent. However, since both switch types share the same nylon material for both top and bottom housings, the primary sound characteristics will remain consistent. This highlights that, despite having individual designs and potential variances in actuation, the nylon housing’s acoustic properties provide a common ground for the sound profile of both switches.
In a direct comparison, the most significant similarity between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Cream Blue lies in their identical material choice, which results in similar sound feedback and typing experience. The qualities of the nylon housing will combine the attributes of both the top and bottom components of each switch when a key is pressed. This cooperation emphasizes that while typing, scenarios involving the bottom-out sound will primarily reflect the bottom housing's traits, and the release sound will resonate more from the top housing. Consequently, if the intention is to seek a rich, full-bodied auditory experience while typing, both switch models should perform admirably due to their shared nylon material, despite other potential mechanical differences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cloud switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to activate. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, while the Cloud - 50g switch is the lighter option overall, the Cream Blue's increased force may cater to those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback. Thus, users' preferences for either a lighter or heavier force will significantly influence their choice between these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference between the two. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Cream Blue measures 4 mm. This means that the Cloud - 50g is the shorter travel distance option, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who appreciate quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Cream Blue, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more tactile and fulfilling typing experience for those who prefer a deeper feel. Overall, if you prioritize rapid responses, the Cloud - 50g might be the better choice, whereas if depth and satisfaction in keystrokes are more your style, you may gravitate towards the Cream Blue.
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 Cream Blue 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 - 50g linear switch offers a distinct clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a bright and lively typing experience. This sound signature is particularly enjoyable for enthusiasts who appreciate the auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue switch doesn't have a defined sound profile noted, which could suggest a more muted or less distinctly recognizable sound when compared to the Cloud - 50g. It's important to remember that the overall sound experience can also vary significantly based on the keyboard build and the keycaps used, but the Cloud - 50g's inherent clackiness is a standout feature.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is renowned for its silky smooth actuation, making for a pleasant and effortless typing experience. This smoothness is essential for users looking for a satisfying response without any tactile interruptions. The Cream Blue switch does not have a specific description available for its feel, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, many clicky switches are recognized for their tactile bumps and audible clicks which can impact the overall typing sensation differently than the smoother HMX Cloud - 50g.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch presents a clacky sound and silky smooth feel, making it an appealing option for enthusiasts who enjoy both auditory and tactile satisfaction when typing. The Outemu Cream Blue switch lacks a defined sound profile and feel description, which leaves it open to interpretation; however, it may focus on a different sensory experience with its clicky nature. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will hinge on personal preference, especially regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the type of experience you wish to have. If you favor a smooth, lighter touch and a typing experience that allows for rapid keystrokes without too much resistance, the HMX Cloud - 50g is likely your best option. Its low actuation force of 50 grams provides a silky smooth feel that can enhance your typing speed, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more fluid, less strenuous typing experience, especially during long hours of work or gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and an audible click that confirms each keystroke, the Outemu Cream Blue is the way to go. With a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, it gives more resistance, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a more deliberate typing style and enjoy the satisfying sound produced with every press. Thus, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a quiet, smooth experience or a more pronounced, tactile feedback with added auditory satisfaction.
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