HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Silent Yellow 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 like the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both of which are linear switches offering unique experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile, providing a distinct auditory feedback that appeals to those who appreciate a bright and engaging typing experience; its lighter actuation force of 50g lends itself to effortless keystrokes and a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, while the specifics of the Outemu Silent Yellow’s characteristics may not be highlighted, its design caters to users seeking a quieter, distraction-free typing experience that minimizes noise without sacrificing the smoothness linear switches are known for. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your preference for sound and the context in which you'll be using them. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Silent Yellow utilize different materials for their top housings, which leads to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This results in a cushioned auditory experience, ideal for users who prefer quieter keystrokes and a more subdued keyboard ambiance. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow employs polycarbonate for its top housing, producing a sharper and crisper acoustic profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound that can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory response when typing. Thus, while both switches perform well, the HMX Cloud - 50g is geared toward those who prefer a muted sound, while the Outemu Silent Yellow caters to users who favor clarity and brightness in their keystrokes.
When examining the bottom housings, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Silent Yellow utilize nylon, a classic choice well-regarded for its sound-absorbing characteristics. This shared material ensures that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound, contributing to a consistent typing experience across the two models. The nylon bottom housing provides a foundation that muffles the bottom-out sound and feel, leading to a softer impact upon keystrokes. This shared element reinforces a commonality between the two switches, making them both appealing to users who prioritize sound dampening and a plush typing experience, despite their differences in top housing materials.
When these switches are operated, the influences of the respective top and bottom housings will create unique results tailored to their specific designs. In the case of the HMX Cloud - 50g, the nylon top and bottom housings collaborate to produce a cohesive sound profile that is rich and round. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow's mix of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom brings together a brighter auditory experience with a still-comfortable bottom-out feel. By understanding the roles of each housing material, users can appreciate how the characteristics of the Cloud - 50g and the Silent Yellow manifest in their overall typing experiences, despite having different architectural approaches to sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, compared to the Silent Yellow's slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference makes the Cloud - 50g slightly more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Cloud - 50g also holds a lighter stance at 50 grams, whereas the Silent Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel on keystroke completion. Ultimately, those preferring a lighter switch for extended use may gravitate toward the HMX Cloud - 50g, while those who appreciate a heavier push for a more tactile experience might opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, the HMX Cloud has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow measures at 4 mm. This makes the Cloud - 50g the shorter of the two options, offering a more responsive feel that can benefit gamers looking for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's slightly longer travel distance provides a deeper experience, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: those seeking faster response times may prefer the Cloud - 50g, while users looking for a more pronounced keystroke sensation might lean towards the Silent Yellow.
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 Yellow 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
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, which many enthusiasts find appealing for its bright and engaging auditory feedback. This makes it a good choice for those who enjoy the nostalgic and satisfying sound of typing on a keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch does not have a specified sound profile, but it is worth noting that sound can be affected by various factors, such as the keyboard design and keycap material. This means that while the Cloud - 50g provides an explicit auditory experience, the Silent Yellow's sound characteristics remain uncertain.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth typing experience, making it enjoyable for extended use and enhancing overall comfort while typing or gaming. This smoothness is vital for users who want to minimize finger fatigue without sacrificing performance. The Silent Yellow switch lacks a detailed description regarding its feel, which leaves potential users guessing about its characteristics in this regard. However, linear switches are typically known for their smooth actuation without tactile bumps, suggesting that the Silent Yellow may also deliver a similar experience.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a distinct, clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow's qualities remain less defined, particularly regarding sound and tactile feedback. If you prefer a more audible typing experience, the Cloud - 50g would be the go-to choice. Conversely, if you are looking for a switch with potentially smoother feel characteristics but less known sound qualities, the Silent Yellow could be intriguing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on their sound and feel requirements.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a silky smooth feel and a bright, clacky sound profile, you'll likely find the Cloud - 50g to be your ideal switch. This switch is particularly suited for enthusiasts who relish an engaging and lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound and a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, the Silent Yellow may be a better fit for you. Although it may not have a distinctive reputation, its medium weight and more muted characteristics can be beneficial in environments where noise levels need to be minimized, such as shared workspaces or during late-night sessions. Ultimately, consider what aspects—such as sound, feel, and actuation force—are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard as you make your decision.
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