HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer distinct experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g stands out with its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, appealing to those who crave a bright and engaging typing experience. This linear switch provides a silky smooth keystroke, making it ideal for both typists and gamers who appreciate tactile feedback without the noise of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White offers a more subtle performance, designed for users who prefer a quieter typing environment without sacrificing the smooth action of a linear switch. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, their sound profiles and feel can significantly influence your typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Silent White switches highlight a distinct contrast in sound and acoustic properties due to the differences in their top housings. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture, which absorbs sound and produces a deeper and fuller auditory profile. This characteristic makes it a favorable option for users seeking a more subdued typing experience, where sound dampening enhances comfort. Conversely, the Outemu Silent White’s top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that facilitates a sharper and more resonant sound. Although both switches utilize nylon for their bottoms, the top materials create a dichotomy that defines each switch’s acoustic signature.
On the bottom end, both switches employ nylon as their bottom housing material, leading to shared characteristics in how they feel and sound at the actuation point. The nylon bottoms of both the Cloud - 50g and Silent White contribute a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out, effectively unifying the sensory experience during the pressing phase between the two switches. While the top housing materials play significant roles in defining their individual sound profiles, the consistent use of nylon in the bottoms means that users can expect a similar tactile feel from both switches as they register key presses. This aspect highlights a level of comfort and familiarity, even as the top housings diverge in audio performance.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and Outemu Silent White switches differ in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a central experience that enhances typing comfort. This combination invites users to select a switch based on their preferences for sound quality: the subdued tones of the Cloud - 50g or the crisper acoustics of the Silent White. Ultimately, whether one seeks the warmth of nylon or the brightness of polycarbonate, both switches deliver a dependable tactile experience, demonstrating how variations in housing materials affect overall function and auditory output.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch, which can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial feel for typists who enjoy a firmer push. As such, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option among the two, while the Silent White, with its higher forces, is the heavier choice. Overall, these differences cater to varying preferences; if a lighter touch is desired, the Cloud - 50g would be the optimal selection, while those seeking a medium resistance might gravitate towards the Silent White.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Silent White measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This means that if you opt for the Silent White, you'll experience quicker actuation, which is favored by gamers for its faster response times. On the other hand, the Cloud - 50g with its longer travel distance may offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer deeper keystrokes. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive switch, the Outemu Silent White would be the better choice, while the Cloud - 50g could appeal to users who enjoy a pronounced depth when typing or gaming.
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 White 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 linear switch presents a clacky profile, making it a vibrant choice for typists who appreciate a bright auditory feedback while typing. This lively sound can enhance the overall typing experience, providing an engaging environment for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch lacks specific sound characteristics mentioned in the available data, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, it’s worth noting that sound can vary significantly depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, so users may find the Silent White switches have a distinct acoustic signature when combined with different setups.
Regarding feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is noted for its silky smooth actuation, which is a desirable quality for those who enjoy a seamless typing experience. This smoothness can lead to faster typing and a more enjoyable overall feel during extended use. Unlike the Cloud - 50g, the tactile characteristics of the Silent White switch are unknown, making it hard to determine how it would compare in terms of responsiveness and comfort. Each switch's feel is a crucial factor that can heavily influence a typist’s preference, and the lack of detailed data on the Silent White might leave users curious about its performance.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch stands out with its clacky sound profile and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who value an engaging and fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White switch lacks documented sound and feel characteristics, which may leave potential users wanting more clarity. As sound and feel can be subjective and influenced by the keyboard configuration, users looking for a specific typing experience may prefer to test these switches themselves to determine their personal favorites.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, your individual preferences and intended use will greatly influence your choice. If you prefer a lighter pressing experience with a clacky sound profile, making your typing feel both bright and enjoyable, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the ideal option for you. This switch excels in providing a silky smooth feel, perfect for fast typists and those who appreciate a more responsive tactile experience. In contrast, if you're seeking a switch that offers a slightly firmer feel with a more muted sound profile, the Outemu Silent White at 60 grams may be the better fit. This switch suits environments where noise levels should be kept to a minimum, making them ideal for office settings or shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience every time you type.
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