HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Ocean, each catering to different typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is a linear switch that stands out with its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and smooth typing experience. Its silky feel allows for rapid key presses, making it ideal for gamers and typists looking for effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean, characterized as a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, offering feedback that many users find satisfying for both typing and gaming. This tactile response can enhance accuracy and typing rhythm, appealing to those who prefer a more engaged typing experience. While both switches have their unique merits—smoothness in the Cloud - 50g and tactile feedback in the Ocean—choosing the right switch ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Ocean exhibit both similarities and differences that impact their overall performance and sound characteristics. The HMX Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which is known for its softer texture. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, giving the switches a warm sonic quality that absorbs sound effectively. The nylon top housing not only contributes to the sound profile but also dampens noise during typing, leading to a rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer type of plastic that produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in materials creates distinct acoustic properties, with the Cloud - 50g providing a softer, more muted experience compared to the Ocean's brighter and more resonant output.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Ocean use nylon, which reinforces the deeper sound profile associated with the Cloud - 50g. This shared component means that both switches exhibit similar qualities when it comes to the bottom-out feel, producing a cushioned and satisfying response while typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches helps maintain consistency in feel, with its sound-absorbing properties ensuring a softer landing that contributes to the overall typing experience. However, the impact of the polycarbonate top housing in the Outemu Ocean introduces a higher-pitched sound when keys are released, a feature absent in the nylon construction of the Cloud - 50g.
Ultimately, the combined characteristics of both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Outemu Ocean influence how users experience typing and sound. Users seeking a warmer, more subdued sound profile may prefer the nylon construction of the Cloud - 50g, while those desiring a brighter, more resonant clicking sound would likely gravitate towards the Outemu Ocean due to its polycarbonate top housing. Yet, with both switches sharing the same nylon bottom housing, they maintain a similar foundational feel, ensuring that while their auditory outputs differ, the tactile experience remains consistent. The diverging materials, therefore, create a nuanced landscape for keyboard enthusiasts, highlighting individual preferences in acoustic and tactile response.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch present distinct differences in their actuation forces, with the Cloud switch being the lighter option. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing periods or extended gaming sessions due to its lighter touch. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Ocean switch is unknown, it implies that users may need to consider how this could affect their overall typing feel and performance. Ultimately, if you favor lighter switches for comfort during long use, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the superior choice, while those who enjoy a firmer response might lean towards the Outemu Ocean.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, we find that the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Ocean has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Outemu Ocean provides a more pronounced depth when pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a hearty feel in their key presses. Conversely, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a shorter travel distance, which can lead to a more responsive typing experience, particularly favorable for gamers seeking quicker response times. For users who prefer a balance of both response and depth, the difference might not be significant. However, those who lean towards a more traditional typing feel might appreciate the Ocean's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a swift response or a more substantial tactile 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 Ocean 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, making it a fitting choice for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This bright typing experience can add an extra layer of enjoyment for enthusiasts who value a lively soundscape in their keyboard interactions. On the other hand, there is no specific description available for the Outemu Ocean tactile switch regarding its sound quality, leaving its auditory characteristics unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of any switch can significantly vary depending on the choice of board and keycaps, meaning that even if the Ocean has no noted sound profile, its performance can still be shaped by factors like these.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g delivers a silky smooth tactile experience, ideal for users who enjoy fluid and uninterrupted keystrokes. This smoothness can enhance typing speed and efficiency, making it a popular choice among gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean switch lacks a specific description of its feel, leaving the tactile perception of this switch unwritten. However, it is common for tactile switches to provide a distinctive bump to indicate actuation, typical of the category, although no specifics are provided here.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch stands out with its clacky sound and silky smooth feel, appealing to enthusiasts seeking an engaging and responsive typing experience. The Outemu Ocean's characteristics remain largely undefined, particularly regarding its sound and tactile qualities, which may limit specific insights for potential users. If you are aiming for a lively auditory feedback and a smooth typing experience, the Cloud - 50g would likely be the optimal choice, while the Ocean may still hold possibilities that are yet to be explored.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for both typing feel and sound. If you favor a lighter switch with a smooth and silky typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its 50-gram bottom out force, is an excellent option. This switch is particularly appealing if you enjoy a clacky sound profile that adds a lively atmosphere to your typing sessions, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or enthusiastic typing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more tactile feel, you might prefer the Outemu Ocean switch, which provides a satisfying bump during key presses, adding a degree of feedback that can enhance your typing accuracy. While the Ocean switch's sound profile details are not provided, tactile switches are typically quieter than their linear counterparts, making them a more suitable choice for shared spaces or quieter environments. In the end, consider what aspects of a switch matter most to you—whether it’s the lightweight and smooth nature of the HMX Cloud - 50g or the tactile feedback of the Outemu Ocean—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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