HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Dustproof Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Dustproof Red, both linear switches. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts who prefer a bright, engaging typing experience coupled with a silky smooth feel. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red, while lacking the specific sound profile distinction, offers durability and reliability, appealing to users looking for consistent performance in a more straightforward package. Both switches cater to different preferences; the HMX Cloud - 50g is perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory feedback while typing, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Red emphasizes functional longevity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

$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 Dustproof Red, a clear differentiation arises in the composition of their top housings. The Cloud - 50g employs nylon for its top housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This attribute stems from nylon's softer plastic nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives, leading to a heavier, more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Red utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly advantageous for setups with RGB lighting, as this material allows light to pass through more vividly.

Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the Cloud - 50g and the Dustproof Red feature nylon in this area. This uniformity means that when it comes to the tactile feedback and sound produced upon bottoming out, both switches will deliver similar experiences due to the nylon properties. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile and a satisfying feel during key presses, ensuring that users experience comfort and consistency while typing. As such, the influence of the bottom housing overrides individual material differences when a key is fully depressed.

Ultimately, the hybrid nature of each switch’s housing material yields unique results in terms of sound and tactile response. Users of the Cloud - 50g will enjoy the soft sound profile paired with the nylon bottom's richness. Meanwhile, Outemu Dustproof Red users benefit from the polycarbonate's brightness combined with the nylon's warmth when pressing down a key. Although their top housings yield contrasting sound characteristics, the common bottom housing ensures a foundational similarity in experience, leading to an interesting interplay of sound and tactile feedback that both switches offer.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Cloud requires an actuation force of 42 grams, providing a lighter feel, which can contribute to a more comfortable typing experience during extended use, be it for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Looking at the bottom out forces, the Cloud - 50g reaches 50 grams, while the Dustproof Red is heavier at 60 grams. Therefore, the HMX Cloud is the lighter option overall, making it better suited for users looking for ease of use over long periods, while the Outemu Dustproof Red offers a firmer feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more robust tactile response.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it's evident that the two options offer slightly different experiences. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Dustproof Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Cloud - 50g, you'll experience a shorter, more responsive feel under your fingers, which can be advantageous for fast-paced gaming. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Red, with its longer travel distance, provides a deeper and more substantial key press, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards speed and responsiveness or a more tactile and profound feel while typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch produces a clacky sound profile that caters to enthusiasts who appreciate a more vibrant auditory experience while typing. This bright and lively sound can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing, making each keystroke feel more satisfying. In contrast, there is no specific sound profile attributed to the Outemu Dustproof Red switch, which means its auditory output lacks the character that the Cloud - 50g provides. However, it’s important to note that the sound of any switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard build, stabilizers, and keycap material chosen.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch offers a silky smooth experience, making it pleasurable for typing and gaming alike. This smoothness can contribute to less finger fatigue over extended use, allowing for quicker and more precise inputs. Meanwhile, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch does not have a defined feel, leaving users to experience what might be a variable tactile sensation. This could mean that the feel may fall somewhere on the smooth spectrum, similar to other linear switches, but without the distinguishing features of the Cloud - 50g.

In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 50g switch stands out with its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, the Outemu Dustproof Red lacks specific attributes in both categories. If you opt for the Cloud - 50g, expect an engaging auditory experience and a smooth typing feel, which are valued by many keyboard enthusiasts. In contrast, the Outemu Red may offer a more neutral experience, giving users a simpler, quieter option, but potentially without the standout qualities that some may prefer.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style play a crucial role. If you enjoy a lighter touch while typing and appreciate a somewhat clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the way to go. Its smooth feel and lighter actuation make it ideal for long typing sessions and gaming, allowing for quick responses without much effort. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a moderate bottom out force, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch might be more suited to your needs. Although it doesn’t have a distinct sound profile, its 60g actuation force provides a firmer feedback, which some users find more reassuring and preferable for typing or gaming precision. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you find most comfortable and enjoyable in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more