HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The HMX Cloud - 50g, known for its clacky sound profile, offers a delightful auditory experience alongside a silky smooth feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a brighter typing sensation. Its lighter 50g actuation force allows for swift key presses, great for gamers and typists who execute rapid commands. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch introduces a clicky response that not only provides tactile feedback but also has a higher actuation force, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience that enhances accuracy and provides satisfying auditory cues. Both switches cater to distinct preferences: the Cloud - 50g for those seeking a smoother and quieter operation and the Outemu Green for users who relish sharp feedback and clicky sounds. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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 housings of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Green, one immediately notices the distinction between the top housing materials. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This attribute makes for a richer auditory experience when typing, as nylon's softer composition dampens the noise produced during keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Green features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The clearer sound produced by polycarbonate is complemented by its translucency, making it a suitable choice for RGB lighting setups, where the aesthetic impact of illuminated switches is a consideration. Thus, while the Cloud - 50g leans towards a more muted sound, the Outemu Green offers a sharper auditory feedback.
On the bottom housing front, both switches share a commonality, as both the Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Green are equipped with nylon. This consistency in material results in a shared characteristic: a deep and full sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound effectively, providing a similar acoustic experience despite the contrast in top housing materials. Consequently, when in use, the sound and feel of each switch during keypresses will have a pronounced impact from the nylon bottom, leading to potentially comparable bottom-out experiences between them.
In essence, the overall sound and feel of each switch are influenced by their respective material compositions. The Cloud - 50g's nylon top and bottom housing creates a cohesive and rounded auditory experience, while the Outemu Green exhibits a more defined sound exchange due to its polycarbonate top. Users of the Cloud - 50g will appreciate the softer, muted feedback, while those opting for the Outemu Green can expect a clearer sound profile with a balance of brightness provided by the polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound while sharing the same nylon essence in the bottom housing, ensuring that regardless of choice, each offers its unique auditory and tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, a clear distinction emerges between the two. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer less resistance, facilitating longer typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to users who desire a more substantial tactile feedback and a firmer typing experience. Thus, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, while the Outemu Green is the heavier one. Users seeking a more effortless keypress for longer use would benefit from the Cloud, whereas those who enjoy a stronger tactile engagement should consider the Outemu Green.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, the two are quite similar yet distinct. The Cloud - 50g boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Green has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Cloud - 50g offers a shorter mechanical travel experience compared to the traditional length of the Outemu Green. For gamers looking for quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Cloud - 50g might be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their key presses may prefer the Outemu Green's longer travel distance, which provides a more substantial feel when typing. In essence, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the kind of typing experience that you desire.
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 Green 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
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch has a notably clacky sound profile that provides a bright and lively auditory experience when typing. This distinct sound is complemented by its lighter actuation force, allowing for a more responsive and active typing experience. In contrast, while nothing specific is mentioned about the Outemu Green clicky switch, clicky switches are generally designed to produce a distinct clicking sound at the actuation point, offering a tactile feedback that can make typing feel more precise and engaging. However, without specific details on the Outemu Green, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison in sound quality between the two.
When assessing the feel of both switches, the Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its silky smooth action, which enhances the typing experience and makes it comfortable for prolonged use. This smoothness allows for consistent keypresses without any hindrance. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Green switch isn't specified, but one can infer that as a clicky switch, it typically offers a tactile bump that provides feedback, making each keystroke feel more deliberate. Consequently, this could lead to a different experience where users might enjoy the feedback during typing—not unlike the smoothness of the Cloud - 50g, but with a more defined tactile sensation.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch stands out with its clacky sound and silky smooth feel, the Outemu Green clicky switch remains relatively unmatched in terms of specific characteristics. The distinct auditory experience of the Cloud - 50g may fascinate enthusiasts looking for a bright typing sound, whereas the clicky nature of the Outemu Green may appeal to those who prefer tactile feedback. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch type suits an individual best.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you're looking for. If you favor a lighter touch with a smooth and silky feel that allows for rapid key presses and a brighter sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g is your best bet. This switch is ideal for long typing sessions, gaming, or simply if you appreciate a more fluid keystroke. On the other hand, if you enjoy typing with more resistance and appreciate the tactile feedback of a heavier switch, the Outemu Green might be more suited to you. While it lacks a distinct sound profile, its greater bottom-out force of 80 grams can provide a satisfying, solid typing experience for those who prefer a more deliberate keystroke. In summary, consider the HMX Cloud - 50g for a lightweight, smooth typing experience and the Outemu Green for a more tactile, heavier feel.
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