HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, as exemplified by the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Dustproof Brown. The HMX Cloud - 50g is a linear switch that offers a silky smooth feel, making it a favorite among typists who appreciate a light touch and a clacky sound profile for an engaging typing experience. This switch is particularly suited for gamers and fast typists looking for a non-tactile response that allows for rapid key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch designed for those who want a bit more feedback with each keystroke, helping users to know when a key has been actuated without needing to bottom out. This switch's tactile bump makes it ideal for typists who value precision and a more deliberate typing experience but seek to minimize noise. Both switches have their unique appeals, with the Cloud - 50g favoring speed and smoothness, while the Dustproof Brown prioritizes tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-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 Brown, distinct differences arise primarily from the top housing materials used in each switch. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is famously known for contributing to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic absorption properties allow it to dampen sound, creating a pleasingly round auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material not only enhances the clarity of the keystrokes but also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting due to its translucency, which allows light to shine through vividly.
In contrast, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a uniformity in the overall sound experience during key presses. The nylon bottom of the Cloud - 50g and the Dustproof Brown produces a similarly muted, rich sound due to nylon's ability to absorb and dampen sound waves. This shared characteristic means that while the top housings impart individual traits unique to each switch, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the bottom-out feel and sound maintain a consistent quality across the two. Therefore, users can expect a somewhat cohesive typing experience concerning the tactile and auditory feedback provided by both switches, particularly on the actuation.
The differing contributions of the top and bottom housing materials exemplify how sound and tactile feedback can be distinctly characterized within a switch. The nylon top of the HMX Cloud - 50g works harmoniously with its nylon bottom to produce a uniform, deep sound while typing. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown’s polycarbonate top invokes a brightness that contrasts with its nylon base, ultimately allowing for a more complex audio experience. This divergence means that, although the bottom sections of both switches share the same material and auditory characteristics, the top allows for a broader range of sound profiles, allowing users to choose the switch that best aligns with their preferences in terms of sound and light effects.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, conducive for long work hours or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a more substantial bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who favor a firmer keystroke and a more substantial typing feel. Therefore, the Cloud switch is the lighter option, while the Dustproof Brown is the heavier one. This distinction in weight contributes significantly to the typing experience, with the Cloud switch promoting ease of use and comfort over time, while the Dustproof Brown switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback for users who desire resistance.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cloud - 50g the shorter option when compared to the Outemu Dustproof Brown. The difference in travel distance, though minimal, suggests that users of the Cloud - 50g may experience a more responsive and quicker keypress, which can be beneficial for gaming scenarios. Conversely, those who choose the Dustproof Brown switch might appreciate the additional depth, providing a more substantial typing experience. In essence, if you lean towards shorter travel distances for responsiveness, the HMX Cloud - 50g is a better choice, while the Outemu Brown is ideal for those who favor a deeper, tactile feel in their 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 Brown 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 delivers a distinct clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. This auditory feedback can enhance the enjoyment of typing, making each keystroke feel more pronounced and engaging. On the other hand, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, tactile switches are generally known to produce a more muted, thocky sound compared to linear switches. This suggests that users might experience a quieter typing experience with the Dustproof Brown, adding to a more subdued atmosphere during use. However, it's worth noting that sound characteristics can also heavily depend on the choice of keyboard and keycap material, which means the overall experience could vary.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g features a silky smooth action, which enhances the overall typing experience by allowing for rapid and effortless keystrokes. This smoothness is crucial for users who may prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch, which typically provides noticeable feedback when the actuation point is reached. Although specific details about the feel of the Dustproof Brown are not provided, tactile switches generally offer a distinctive bump that helps typists know when they've successfully pressed a key without having to bottom out. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more feedback-oriented typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Cloud - 50g linear switch is ideal for those who enjoy a lighter touch with a clacky sound and silky smooth feel, while the Dustproof Brown is suitable for users who favor tactile feedback with a potentially quieter sound profile. Depending on the type of typing experience you're seeking—whether brightness and fluidity or tactile precision—you can expect to find satisfaction in either option, with the understanding that external factors like your keyboard design and keycap choice will play a significant role in the overall performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, clacky sound profile while typing, the Cloud - 50g would be the ideal choice for you, especially if you engage in fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions where speed and comfort are paramount. However, if you're looking for a switch that provides more tactile feedback with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Dustproof Brown could offer a satisfying experience, enhancing your typing accuracy and allowing you to feel the actuation point more distinctly. This can be particularly advantageous if you value a balanced feel for both typing and general computer use, as it provides a combination of feedback and resistance that can mitigate typing fatigue over long periods. Ultimately, deciding on a switch comes down to how you prefer your keyboard to feel and sound during your tasks, whether you favor the fluidity of a lighter linear switch or the tactile sensation of a heavier switch.
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