HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Outemu Silent Grey each offer distinctive advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is recognized for its lighter actuation force and clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who value a bright and engaging typing experience. This linear switch provides a silky smooth feel, making it a great option for rapid typists and gamers who prefer a more fluid keystroke without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch delivers a quiet yet highly tactile typing experience, characterized by a pronounced bump and a smooth keystroke. Ideal for professionals or casual users working in quiet environments, these switches ensure a satisfying feedback without disturbing those around you. While both switches have their distinct qualities, they cater to different needs and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey switches, one notable difference is the material used for the top housing. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound waves, creating a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its stiffer composition that delivers a sharper and crisper sound. This dichotomy in materials means that while both switches can offer satisfying tactile experiences, they produce distinctly different sound profiles when typing due to the variable characteristics of nylon versus polycarbonate.
Interestingly, both the Cloud - 50g and Outemu Silent Grey share nylon as their bottom housing material, which significantly influences their acoustic performance and tactile feel. Since both configurations have nylon bottom housings, they exhibit the same deeper and fuller sound profile, yielding a similar bottom-out sound when keys are pressed. This consistency suggests that, despite the differences in the top materials, the final result of the bottom housing brings them closer together in terms of auditory feedback and overall typing experience. This allows users to enjoy that characteristic sound quality of nylon regardless of the top housing differences.
In essence, the interaction between the different housing materials in each switch can lead to varied user experiences. The Cloud - 50g will evoke a muffled, rounded feedback due to its nylon top, while the Silent Grey will maintain a brighter, more prevalent sound due to its polycarbonate top. However, since they both share the nylon bottom housing, users can expect a similarly resonant sound at key bottoming out. Thus, even though the switches are crafted from different materials at the top, the bottom housing's nylon ensures there’s a common ground. This allows typists who appreciate the deep sound of nylon to find satisfaction in both switches, albeit with differing upper profiles that can cater to personal preferences in auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Cloud - 50g has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who enjoy longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Grey presents a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. As a result, the HMX Cloud switch is the lighter option, while the Outemu Silent Grey is considered medium-heavy, providing a firmer push that can enhance the typing experience for some users. Therefore, those seeking a lighter touch for extended use might gravitate towards the Cloud - 50g, whereas those who appreciate a stronger, more resistant feel may opt for the Silent Grey.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.1 mm difference positions the Cloud switch as the shorter option, which may appeal to those who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes, a common preference among gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch provides a traditional travel distance, aligning more with users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper keystroke. While both switches offer a comparable typing experience, the Cloud's slightly reduced travel distance could lead to quicker actuation, whereas the Silent Grey might satisfy those who appreciate the sensation of pressing deeper with each keystroke.
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 Grey 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 produces a clacky audio profile that adds an engaging auditory feedback with each keystroke. This bright sound can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and subdued sound, allowing for discreet typing without disturbing others. Its design focuses on minimizing noise, making it an ideal choice for environments where silence is paramount, such as offices or shared spaces. While the Cloud - 50g promotes an energizing typing experience through its sound, the Silent Grey prioritizes a quieter approach, providing a satisfying yet unintrusive auditory experience.
When considering the feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by a silky smooth action that allows for effortless key presses, appealing to users who enjoy a frictionless typing experience. This lightweight feel can contribute to faster typing speeds and a less strenuous experience during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch delivers a tactile sensation with a pronounced bump that offers satisfying feedback upon actuation. This tactile response is ideal for typists who appreciate knowing exactly when a key has been actuated without needing to bottom out each stroke. While the Cloud - 50g emphasizes smoothness, the Silent Grey switch balances smoothness with tactile feedback, catering to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch present strikingly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g excites the user with its clacky sound and smooth action, while the Silent Grey provides a quiet, tactile encounter that enhances typing satisfaction without added noise. Ultimately, both switches have their unique benefits, and your choice between them will depend on whether you prioritize sound and smoothness or a tactile feel combined with quieter performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you lean towards a lighter switch that provides a bright and clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent option for you, especially if you enjoy a smooth and fluid keystroke for fast-paced gaming or typing. Its 50g bottom-out force makes it suitable for those who prefer less resistance while typing, allowing for a more effortless experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter operation that offers a satisfying tactile feedback, the Silent Grey switch is your best bet. With a medium-heavy force of 65g and a pronounced bump, it caters to those who appreciate a more deliberate typing style without the distraction of noisy keystrokes, making it ideal for shared or quieter workspaces. Therefore, whether you prioritize a lively typing experience or a serene and tactile one will guide your choice between these two engaging switches.
Mentioned in this article
