HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Dustproof Blue each offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a clacky sound profile, providing enthusiasts with a bright and engaging typing experience along with a silky smooth feel. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue is renowned for its clicky feedback, which not only offers tactile confirmation with each keystroke but also delivers a satisfying auditory response that many typists find appealing. While the HMX Cloud - 50g is often favored by those seeking rapid key presses for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Dustproof Blue caters to users who appreciate a more traditional typing sensation accompanied by a pronounced click. Both switches have their distinctive advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and use cases; 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Dustproof Blue, a key distinction lies in their top housing compositions. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon, a classic material that is softer and known for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. This characteristic renders the typing experience more muted and pleasant for users who prefer a subtler auditory feedback. Conversely, the Dustproof Blue is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This elemental difference results in markedly different sound profiles; while the nylon housing promotes a rounder tone, the polycarbonate enhances brightness and clarity, especially when RGB lighting is employed, as its translucence allows light to shine through effectively.
Despite the disparity in the top housing materials, both switches share a common factor in their bottom housings, which are made of nylon for both models. This uniformity means that while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key, the bottom housing’s characteristics affect the overall typing experience significantly. The nylon bottom housing in both models continues to provide that familiar deeper sound profile and subtle feedback upon keystroke activation. Therefore, regardless of the differences at the top level, users will still experience the same base auditory sensation and tactile response from the bottom housing across both switches.
In terms of performance, these differences in the top housing will ultimately lead to a varied acoustic experience, although the underlying consistency in the bottom housing will serve to balance them. The HMX Cloud - 50g's nylon top provides a deeper, more muted output, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue offers a crisp, bright sound due to its polycarbonate feature. Users will discover that while they achieve distinct auditory results, both switches encapsulate the benefits of nylon's sound absorption capabilities at their bases, creating a uniquely nuanced typing experience that balances or enhances their preferences based on the top housing material. Thus, enthusiasts can enjoy various sound profiles and textures while still leveraging the familiar qualities inherent to nylon in both models.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial tactile experience for those who prefer a firmer push. As a result, the HMX Cloud - 50g is better for users seeking ease and comfort during extended use, while the Dustproof Blue caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and resistance in their typing experience. Overall, the lighter and more accessible actuation of the Cloud - 50g versus the heavier feel of the Dustproof Blue provides a clear distinction in user preference based on typing style and purpose.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the former has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the latter measures at 4.0 mm. This makes the Outemu Dustproof Blue the longer switch by a slight margin. For gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Cloud - 50g may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial key press might prefer the Dustproof Blue’s longer travel distance, which offers a more pronounced feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your typing preferences, with the shorter Cloud - 50g providing a snappier response and the longer Dustproof Blue delivering a deeper 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 Dustproof 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 bright and clacky sound profile, which provides a lively auditory experience that many typists and gamers enjoy. This lighter variant caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch is noted for its clicky sound, known for delivering a more traditional typing experience reminiscent of vintage typewriters. Thus, while the Cloud - 50g is characterized by its clackiness, the Dustproof Blue contributes a distinct and sharper click, creating a notable difference in the auditory feedback of each switch.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is recognized for its silky smooth action, ensuring a fluid typing experience without any tactile bumps to interrupt the keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who prefer a seamless transition between keys. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue provides a tactile feedback with its pronounced click, which allows typists to register each keystroke distinctly. This tactile sensation can enhance typing accuracy for those who enjoy feeling each activation point, giving a satisfying punctuation to their typing rhythm.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g is designed for users who favor a bright, clacky noise complemented by a smooth keystroke, while the Dustproof Blue offers a more traditional clicky sound paired with a tactile feel that many typists appreciate. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on your personal preference for auditory feedback and tactile sensation during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and the kind of experience you wish to have while using your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smooth and effortless keypress, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent option. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions, especially if you favor a quiet environment but still desire a little auditory feedback without excessive noise. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile and audible click while typing, the Outemu Dustproof Blue with its medium-heavy 65-gram force will provide more resistance and a satisfying sound profile, making your typing more engaging and lively. Additionally, if you work in a bustling office or public space where you want to assert your presence through sound, the clicky nature of the Dustproof Blue can be a fun choice. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you prioritize a smoother, quieter experience with the Cloud - 50g or a more pronounced, tactile interaction with the Dustproof Blue.
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