HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different styles to match their typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, stands out with its lighter actuation force and a delightful clacky sound profile, creating a bright typing experience that complements fast-paced gaming and typing alike. Its smooth feel enhances the overall experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch boasts a tactile profile that provides a pronounced bump upon actuation, allowing typists to enjoy a more deliberate tactile feedback with each press. This switch is particularly suited for users who appreciate a more traditional typing sensation and the satisfaction of feeling a clear response. Ultimately, choosing between these two options hinges on personal preference: whether you're inclined towards the sleek and smooth performance of the HMX Cloud or the reassuring tactile feedback of the Outemu Dustproof Purple. 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
55g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches demonstrate distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which in turn affect the auditory experience while typing. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing known for its relatively softer composition. This softness absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is markedly stiffer and thus provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material composition impacts not just the sound but also the tactile experience, creating a unique auditory signature for each switch type.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, a remarkable similarity arises. Both the Cloud - 50g and the Dustproof Purple feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience. This shared material leads to a consistent acoustic response when a key is bottomed out, providing a rounder and more muted sound. Although the top housings of these switches differ significantly, the nylon bottom housing ensures that those who prefer the deeper sound profile still achieve a harmonious auditory experience when typing. This consistency between the bottom housings means that users may perceive more comparative sound qualities during key pressure compared to the sound upon key release.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches contrast sharply, focusing on either nylon or polycarbonate, their shared nylon bottom housing allows for cohesive sound characteristics at the point of bottoming out. The end result is a diverse typing experience: the Cloud - 50g offers a rounder and richer sound profile on both key press and release, thanks to its all-nylon housing, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple features a brighter sound on release, enhanced by its polycarbonate top housing, yet still maintains a deep sound on the press due to its nylon base. This interplay of materials showcases the nuanced intricacies of mechanical keyboard design while providing users with distinctive sound profiles based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct typing experiences. The Cloud - 50g switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer keystroke for extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial, tactile feel while typing, which may enhance accuracy for some users. Overall, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, providing a gentle touch, while the Dustproof Purple offers a firmer push, appealing to users who appreciate a stronger feedback. As such, individuals can choose based on their preference for typing comfort versus the tactile resistance they desire.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, it's clear that they differ slightly. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Dustproof Purple has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Cloud - 50g may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience with greater depth, the Dustproof Purple switch’s 4 mm travel distance would be preferable, as it can provide a more satisfying bottom-out sensation. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you value responsiveness or depth in your 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 Purple 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 clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a brighter auditory experience while typing. This switch is engineered to produce a distinctive noise that enhances the overall enjoyment of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch lacks specific sound details, making it difficult to directly compare its acoustic characteristics. However, it’s important to note that sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, construction, and keycaps used alongside the switches, so similar results might be achievable depending on these factors.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth experience, which is characteristic of linear switches. This seamless action allows for fluid keystrokes without the tactile bump found in other switch types. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple, being a tactile switch, presumably provides a distinct tactile feedback, although no specific information is available regarding its exact feel. Thus, while the Cloud switch is known for its smoothness, the Dustproof Purple's tactile nature would typically yield a different sensation during typing.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g excels with its bright clacky sound and smooth feel, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Purple switch remains less defined in its qualities, particularly regarding sound and feel, which makes it harder to place in direct comparison. Overall, if you prefer a more dynamic auditory experience alongside smooth keystrokes, the Cloud - 50g is the way to go, while the Dustproof Purple may offer its own unique characteristics that remain to be explored.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch can greatly depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter touch and desire a smooth, clacky sound profile that enhances your typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent option. It excels in providing a brighter acoustical feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming sessions where speed is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and a tactile bump that offers a medium-heavy resistance, the Dustproof Purple is your best bet. While it may not have a distinctive sound profile, its 65-gram bottom-out force can provide a satisfying feedback sensation that can be particularly advantageous for typing tasks requiring precision and deliberate keystrokes. Thus, align your choice with whether you prioritize a lighter, more fluid typing experience or a firmer, tactile engagement with the keys.
Mentioned in this article
