HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can profoundly impact your typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g switch stands out as a linear option, renowned for its lighter actuation force and clacky sound profile, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile alternative, known for its quiet and "thocky" sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback along with a punchy tactile bump. While the HMX Cloud - 50g is ideal for users seeking a carefree and fluid keystroke, the Silent Yellow Jade is perfect for typists who enjoy the tactile sensation without the noticeable noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is the best fit 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which plays a significant role in their acoustic and tactile characteristics. Nylon is well-regarded in the keyboard community for its softer nature compared to harder plastics; it tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared use of nylon in both switch designs means that they are likely to produce a similar auditory experience during typing. Users can expect a sound that is more muted, lacking the higher pitch tones that come from harder plastic switches, which can be appealing for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of the individual impact of the top and bottom housings, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches share similarities. Since both switches use nylon for both the top and bottom housings, the overall sound and feel during key presses will be cohesive. The bottom housing of these switches influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, while the top housing affects the sound produced when a key is released. Given that both switches share the same materials, this means the nuanced qualities of each housing work harmoniously together to create a consistent soft sound profile, regardless of which switch is being pressed.
However, while the materials are the same, other factors such as the switch design, stem, and spring tension might differentiate the overall typing experience between the two. If one switch has a different spring or stem profile than the other, it could create variances in the actuation force required and the feel of each keystroke. Ultimately, even with the same housing materials, the experience of typing on the HMX Cloud - 50g may have unique tactile feedback that sets it apart from the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, making it essential for users to test both to find their preferred ergonomic and tactile experience.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch present a distinct contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch has a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, as it requires less effort to press the keys. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and an even more substantial bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel during their typing experience. As a result, the Cloud switch can be considered the lighter option while the Silent Yellow Jade is the heavier choice. With this variance, users looking for comfort during extended use might lean towards the Cloud switch, whereas those seeking a firmer typing feedback may opt for the Silent Yellow Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it's clear that there is a distinct difference: the Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Cloud switch provides a more substantial feel when pressed, appealing to those who prefer a hearty depth in their key presses. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and users seeking faster response times, though some may find it feels too abrupt. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for either a deeper press or more responsive feedback in your typing 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 Silent Yellow Jade 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 sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a bright auditory experience. This switch is designed to emit a lively, engaging sound that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is characterized by its quiet, satisfying "thocky" sound, created to minimize noise while still providing enjoyable acoustic feedback. The muted profile of the Silent Yellow Jade caters especially well to environments where noise levels need to be kept low, making it a desirable choice for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a more discreet typing experience.
Regarding feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth action that ensures a seamless keystroke experience, perfect for rapid typing or gaming. This lack of resistance allows for quick, effortless presses, which many users appreciate during intense sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a tactile bump that offers a satisfying physical feedback without the accompanying noise. This tactile sensation allows users to feel the actuation point clearly, enhancing the typing experience for those who prefer a noticeable response without the clatter typically associated with tactile switches.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 50g provides a lively, clacky sound and a silky smooth feel, which may appeal to typists who thrive on auditory feedback and fluid typing. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter, thocky sound combined with a tactile bump, making it an excellent option for those who value a more muted yet responsive typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize sound and smooth action or a balanced tactile sensation with a quieter profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter keypress and prefer a brighter, more acoustic typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its silky smooth feel and clacky sound profile make it ideal for those who relish a lively, engaging typing environment. This switch is particularly suited for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness, as its lower actuation force allows for quicker key presses.
On the other hand, if you crave a more subdued typing experience with a tactile element, the Silent Yellow Jade switches would be your best bet. Their medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams provides a satisfying resistance that many find pleasurable, especially during lengthy typing sessions. The "thocky" sound and the pronounced tactile bump contribute to a more nuanced feedback with each keystroke, making it suitable for both typists and those who work in quieter environments. Overall, your decision should align with whether you prefer a light, bright sound with a smooth feel or a heavier, quieter switch with tactile feedback.
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