HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Gold present two distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its light touch and silky smooth feel, providing a seamless, frictionless keystroke that many enthusiasts appreciate for its clarity and responsiveness. In contrast, the Outemu Gold is characterized by its clicky sound profile, delivering an audible feedback that can enhance typing enjoyment for those who love a more tactile experience. The choice between these switches often boils down to personal preference; the HMX Cloud - 50g is ideal for users seeking a quieter, faster typing experience, while the Outemu Gold appeals to those who thrive on the distinctive auditory confirmation of each keystroke. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Gold switches, the delineation is particularly stark in the top housing. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic is largely attributable to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound waves rather than reflecting them, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Gold's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for delivering a sharper and more resonant sound. This distinction means that while the Cloud - 50g may provide a more muted feel that emphasizes deeper bass tones, the Outemu Gold is likely to produce a brighter and crisper sound profile typical of polycarbonate materials.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Gold utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material contributes to a consistent auditory experience when it comes to the overall feel and sound when bottoming out the key. The nylon bottom housing in both switches is responsible for providing that fuller, rounder sound typical of nylon construction, thus aligning the tactile experiences to some extent. Therefore, the qualities emphasized in the bottom housing will be quite similar between the two switches, potentially creating a smoother transition between the press and release motion of the keys.
The interaction between the housing materials ultimately defines the switches' overall performance and sound profile. The variance in the top housing means that while both switches may provide a robust bottom-out experience due to their nylon components, the audible feedback will differ based on the top materials. Users seeking a richer, bass-oriented pitch may prefer the HMX Cloud - 50g, while those looking for clarity and sharpness will likely gravitate towards the Outemu Gold. In essence, while both switches share similarities in their bottom housing, the top housing determines the distinct auditory characteristics, offering diverse experiences for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to press and more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Its bottom out force is also lighter at 50 grams, providing a softer feel when fully depressed. In contrast, the Outemu Gold has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial push that some typists may prefer for a tactile experience. Therefore, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, while the Outemu Gold is the heavier switch, catering to different preferences for typing feel and endurance. While both switches differ in their force specifications, they will provide similar results in terms of keystroke reliability, but the overall typing experience will vary significantly between the two due to their weight differences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, we find distinct differences. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Gold measures 4.0 mm. This means that the Cloud - 50g offers a shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers or users who prefer a more responsive keystroke, as shorter distances tend to facilitate quicker actions. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold, with its greater travel distance, provides a deeper keypress that can be more satisfying for users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile response. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you favor a snappier feel or a more substantial depth in your keystrokes.
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 Gold 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 switch delivers a clacky sound profile that provides a bright and engaging auditory experience during typing. This is particularly appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy the feedback that comes with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have a well-defined sound profile based on the given information, leaving its auditory characteristics as an unknown. However, it’s important to remember that sound perception can vary significantly based on the type of keyboard and keycaps used, which can influence the overall acoustic experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g is renowned for a silky smooth actuation, making typing a fluid and enjoyable experience. This smoothness can enhance typing speed and overall satisfaction for users who prefer a less tactile resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks a detailed description regarding its tactile feel, resulting in an unknown quality in this regard. The tactile feedback from clicky switches generally offers a distinct bump that some typists adore, while the Cloud - 50g prioritizes seamless motion.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch provides a unique combination of a clacky sound and a silky smooth feel, appealing to those who favor an expressive and fluid typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Gold's properties remain less defined when it comes to auditory and tactile characteristics. For users selecting between these switches, the Cloud - 50g would be a clear choice for an engaging typing experience, while the Outemu Gold's qualities would need more exploration to adequately compare. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience with a smooth feel and a lively sound profile that enhances your overall enjoyment, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, as it allows for quick key presses without straining your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that's more pronounced and enjoy the satisfaction of an audible click with each keystroke, the Outemu Gold could be your go-to switch. The slightly heavier 60-gram bottom-out force provides a more deliberate typing experience, which might be preferable if you appreciate a switch that emphasizes each action. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth and speedy typing experience or a more tactile and engaging one.
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