HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Milk Blue offer distinct experiences catering to different typing preferences. The Cloud - 50g, a linear switch characterized by its silky smooth feel and lighter actuation force, best suits users who appreciate a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience without tactile feedback, making it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Blue, known for its prominent clicky sound profile, provides an audible and tactile response that many typists find satisfying, offering a more engaging typing experience that can enhance focus and precision. While the Cloud - 50g appeals to those seeking a quieter, smoother operation, the Milk Blue caters to enthusiasts who thrive on the feedback 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

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Milk Blue switches, significant differences arise primarily from the materials used for their top housings. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer consistency, which allows it to absorb sound rather than amplify it, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its higher-pitched and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound profile, making it ideal for scenarios where clarity and brightness are desired, especially when RGB lighting is taken into account due to the material's inherent translucency.

However, both switches share a common feature in their bottom housings, which are made from nylon. This convergence in material means that when typing on either switch, you can expect to experience a similar deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon provides. The softer plastic used in the bottom housing of both models helps to absorb sound, thereby ensuring consistent bottom-out characteristics. As a result, the feel and response at the bottom of the keystroke will be largely comparable between the two switches, allowing for a satisfying tactile feedback regardless of the differing top housing materials.

Ultimately, the distinctions between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Milk Blue switch primarily result from their unique top housing materials, with nylon imparting a warmer tone and polycarbonate delivering a brighter sound. Nevertheless, the use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches creates a foundation of similarity in the typing experience, particularly in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, despite the contrasting auditory signatures that their respective top housings produce, users can expect a shared depth of experience grounded in the characteristics of nylon, providing a satisfying interplay between the different housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we find distinct differences. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, allowing for quick keystrokes that can reduce fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users prefer for tactile feedback. The bottom out force for the Milk Blue switch is unknown, while the Cloud switch has a clear bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, users looking for a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Cloud - 50g switch, while those seeking a more pronounced tactile experience might opt for the heavier Milk Blue. Overall, the differences in actuation force highlight their suitability for various preferences in typing feel and endurance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we find that the Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Milk Blue switch measures slightly longer at 4 mm. This means that the HMX Cloud switch is the shorter of the two, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking a more responsive typing experience due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue, with its longer travel distance, may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, as it provides a deeper, more tactile experience. Both switches contrast in their approach to keystroke depth, highlighting different user preferences in the keyboard market.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch offers a clacky sound profile that enthusiasts particularly enjoy for its brightness and character. This makes it stand out for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. The Outemu Milk Blue, while specific sound qualities are not provided, typically belongs to the clicky switch category, which often produces a sharper, more pronounced auditory feedback during actuation. The overall sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction, keycap material, and design, meaning users can expect unique auditory experiences depending on these combinations.

When considering the tactile feel, the Cloud - 50g is renowned for its silky smoothness, providing a seamless experience as fingers glide across the keys. This makes it particularly appealing for those who prefer a fluid typing experience without the distraction of tactile bumps or resistance. In contrast, the Milk Blue, being a clicky switch, is likely designed to offer a more textured interaction with a noticeable tactile bump at actuation, which provides a satisfying feedback sensation that can enhance typing precision and accuracy. However, without specific descriptions for the Milk Blue’s feel, it's difficult to compare it directly to the smoothness of the Cloud - 50g.

In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is favored for its bright clacky sound and silky smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. The Outemu Milk Blue, while lacking specific sound and feel details, likely offers a sharp auditory feedback indicative of clicky switches and a tactile engagement that appeals to users seeking that distinct click sensation. Ultimately, while the Cloud - 50g caters to those pursuing smoothness and an enthusiastic sound profile, the Milk Blue likely targets users who appreciate a more textured typing experience with audible feedback, leading to a diverse choice based on individual preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and what you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience. If you prefer a lighter touch and a silkier, smoother feel while typing, the HMX Cloud - 50g is your best bet. It offers a bright, clacky sound profile that can enhance your typing rhythm without the tactile feedback, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a quieter, uninterrupted workflow or want a switch that feels effortless to press. On the other hand, if you relish the tactile feedback of clicky switches and love the distinctive sound that accompanies every keystroke, the Outemu Milk Blue is ideal for you. Its satisfying click can invigorate your typing experience, providing a stronger auditory and tactile signal with each key press. In summary, choose the HMX Cloud - 50g for a smooth, light, and quieter experience, whereas the Outemu Milk Blue is perfect for those who thrive on clicky feedback and don't mind the added sound.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more