HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing different types to match their unique preferences and typing styles. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its lighter touch and clacky sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a bright and responsive typing experience paired with a silky smooth feel. Conversely, the Outemu Cream Yellow, designed as a tactile switch, provides a more pronounced feedback with every keystroke, making it ideal for users who appreciate tactile responsiveness while typing or gaming. While the Cloud - 50g offers a seamless experience with minimal resistance, the Cream Yellow adds an engaging tactile bump that can enhance accuracy in typing. Both switches cater to different preferences and styles, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard aficionados. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Cream Yellow, it is worth noting that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality in materials suggests that users will experience similar acoustic and tactile characteristics while typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile across both switches. As a consequence, typing on either the Cloud - 50g or the Cream Yellow is likely to produce a more muted and rounded auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who favor a quieter environment.

Furthermore, since both switches feature nylon in their top and bottom housings, the impact on the sound and feel during key presses will be relatively consistent. The nylon top housing contributes to the acoustic signature when releasing the key, while the nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Given that the attributes of the nylon material are consistent across both switch models, users can expect a similar tactile response that emphasizes smoothness and a cushioned bottom-out. This predictability can provide comfort for users transitioning between the two switches, ensuring a somewhat familiar typing experience irrespective of the model in use.

In conclusion, while there are minor differences in the design and intended feel of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Cream Yellow, the use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that the overall sound characteristics will remain largely comparable. The shared material choice allows for a consistent delivery of sound and tactile sensations, resulting in a rounded typing experience that many enthusiasts may find appealing. Consequently, users can achieve similar results in terms of acoustic feedback and overall satisfaction, regardless of which switch they choose, making both options suitable for those seeking a soft and enjoyable typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Cream Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Cream Yellow is designed for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, providing a firmer push response. Consequently, those who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the HMX Cloud switch for its lighter feel. Meanwhile, typists who enjoy a more tactile experience and don’t mind the additional weight might find the Outemu Cream Yellow more appealing. Overall, if you are seeking a lighter switch that allows for longer periods of comfortable use, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the better choice, while the Cream Yellow caters to those who favor a heavier switch for added feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Cream Yellow measures 3.3 mm. This makes the Cream Yellow the shorter switch, which may appeal to gamers or users who prioritize rapid response times in their typing experiences. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g provides a deeper travel distance, which can suit those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, if you prefer the quicker actuation of a shorter travel distance, the Cream Yellow would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with a longer travel distance, the Cloud - 50g would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch produces a clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and resonant typing experience. This characteristic sets it apart and contributes to a more engaging acoustic environment while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have a specified sound profile. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound produced by any switch can vary depending on the keyboard's build, materials, and keycaps used, so comparisons would ultimately be influenced by these factors.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a silky smooth operation, providing users with a gentle and fluid keypress experience. This smoothness contributes to a comfortable typing experience that many users may find enjoyable for long typing sessions. The Cream Yellow switch, however, lacks detailed information regarding its tactile feel. This lack of information leaves uncertainty about its specific characteristics, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons.

In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is notable for its clacky sound and silky smooth feel, ideal for those who prioritize a lively acoustic and tactile experience. The Outemu Cream Yellow switch, while lacking detailed insights into its sound and feel, may still offer its own unique characteristics that could appeal to different preferences. Ultimately, while the Cloud - 50g offers a distinctive auditory and tactile experience, the absence of information on the Cream Yellow leaves it as an option that may require personal testing to fully appreciate its qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a smooth, silent typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice for you. It's ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy the auditory feedback of a lighter switch. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more pronounced tactile experience and don’t mind a slightly heavier actuation force, the Outemu Cream Yellow would better suit your needs. It might not stand out for its specifications, but it offers a consistent typing experience that many users appreciate for both gaming and typing. Ultimately, you should consider how much feedback you want from the switch and whether you prefer a lighter or heavier feel while typing. Your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a clackier sound and smoothness or a firmer tactile response.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more