HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Outemu Silent Green stand out as intriguing options, each with unique characteristics catering to different typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile, providing a bright and engaging typing experience, while its lighter actuation force of 50g makes it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate a silky smooth feel. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green, also a linear switch, prioritizes a quieter typing experience with its muted sound profile, making it a great choice for users who want to minimize noise without sacrificing smoothness during keystrokes. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, but their distinct auditory and tactile qualities make them suitable for different environments and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
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
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and Outemu Silent Green switches each utilize distinct materials for their housing, contributing to their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for its softer consistency. This choice of nylon allows the switch to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's ability to absorb more sound, giving typists a tactile experience that feels rounder and less piercing. Conversely, the Silent Green uses a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate lends itself to a more resonant and clear acoustic character, which can appeal to users who prefer a crisper sound when typing.
A comparison of the two switch designs reveals how the material choices influence the sound experience. The nylon construction of the HMX Cloud - 50g is less likely to create extreme auditory peaks when keys are pressed or released, resulting in a muted and pleasant auditory backdrop that some users may find comforting. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Green creates a more pronounced sound when keys bottom out or reset, making each action feel more distinct. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate also has implications for RGB lighting, as it allows light to diffuse more evenly, resulting in a vibrant and dynamic visual representation when the keyboard is illuminated. The nylon housings of the Cloud - 50g don't lend themselves to the same level of lighting effects due to their opaque qualities.
In terms of user experience, while the two switches employ different materials, their impact on typing can be moderated based on how each housing affects the overall sound and feel. The nylon of the HMX Cloud - 50g fosters a smooth and muted typing experience, whereas the Silent Green's polycarbonate creates a heightened auditory feedback. However, users can achieve similar results regarding tactile response if they focus on the overall design of each switch. For instance, both switches may ultimately provide satisfying typing experiences, just with different auditory and tactile nuances. Ultimately, the material selection plays a crucial role in how users interact with the switches, fostering personal preferences dependent on sound and typing feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, there are notable differences. The HMX Cloud switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Outemu Silent Green requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Cloud switch is generally more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, as its lighter force can reduce finger fatigue. Regarding bottom out forces, the Cloud switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter as well, whereas the Silent Green's bottom out force is 60 grams, indicating a firmer keystroke experience. Consequently, users who prefer a softer touch would likely favor the HMX Cloud switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Outemu Silent Green switch. Overall, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Cloud switch facilitate a more forgiving typing experience compared to the heavier and more resistant Silent Green switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Silent Green’s travel distance measures at 4 mm. This makes the Cloud - 50g the shorter of the two switches, which can be beneficial for users who prefer a more responsive feel and faster actuation, particularly in gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Silent Green, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile depth, offering a cushioned experience when pressing the keys. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, if you're looking for a swift response time, the Cloud - 50g would be the better choice; however, if you value a more substantial feel, the Silent Green would be ideal.
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 Silent 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, providing a bright and resonant auditory experience that many enthusiasts find engaging and satisfying during typing sessions. This lively sound can enhance the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard, especially for those who appreciate the feedback that comes with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have a specific sound profile listed, making it difficult to directly compare it. However, generally linear switches tend to produce a quieter sound since they lack tactile bumps, which could suggest a more subdued auditory experience compared to the Cloud - 50g. Ultimately, the overall sound is also influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap material.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g is noted for its silky smooth action, allowing for effortless key presses that can lead to more extended typing sessions without fatigue. This smoothness contributes to a pleasant typing experience, particularly for those who prioritize speed and fluidity. Conversely, no specific information is provided about the feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch, leaving its tactile characteristics unknown. Typically, linear switches are known for their consistent resistance throughout the keypress without any tactile feedback, which suggests the Silent Green may also offer a smooth experience but without further details, it is hard to make a definitive comparison.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Outemu Silent Green linear switches cater to different preferences, especially when it comes to sound and tactile feedback. The Cloud - 50g stands out with its clacky sound signature and smooth feel, perfect for those who enjoy an audible and engaging typing experience. While the Silent Green lacks specific descriptions, it may still provide a quiet and smooth keystroke typical of linear switches. For those looking to upgrade or try different switches, both options will yield particular yet similar experiences depending on individual preferences and keyboard setups.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smooth, enjoyable typing experience with a clackier sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g will likely be your best bet. Its 50-gram bottom out force makes it easier on your fingers, allowing for quicker, more agile typing, which can be especially appealing if you spend long hours in front of a keyboard or are into gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly heavier feel and a more subdued typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green – with its 60-gram force – might be more in line with what you’re looking for. Although it lacks a distinct sound profile, its quiet operation can create a more focused environment that’s ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Consider your typing habits and the acoustics of your setting to decide which switch aligns best with your needs.
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