HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and two intriguing options are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Spring Breeze. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it an exciting choice for enthusiasts who relish a bright, smooth typing experience. Its 'clacky', 'high-pitched', and 'bouncy' characteristics add an engaging auditory element that can enhance the overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch distinguished by its nylon housing and POM stem, which together produce a deeper, richer sound than what is typically found in other clicky switches. This unique material combination offers a satisfying tactile feedback that many typists appreciate. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you favor a smoother, subtler typing experience with the HMX Cloud or enjoy the pronounced sound and feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze switches share an identical approach to their housing materials, utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of nylon is not only classic but also serves a distinct purpose in enhancing the overall typing experience. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a consistent and pleasing auditory experience regardless of which switch they choose, with both switches creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the enjoyment of typing.
Moreover, with both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Spring Breeze featuring nylon in their switch constructions, the impact of each housing on the typing experience is uniformly elevated. The bottom housing of these switches primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a pivotal role in the sound produced during the release of the key. Since both the Cloud - 50g and Spring Breeze utilize nylon for both housings, users can anticipate similar sound characteristics and tactile feedback, creating an enjoyable and cohesive typing experience across both switch models.
In practice, the similarity in housing materials means that gamers and typists can achieve nearly identical results when using either switch. The consistent properties of nylon ensure that the deeper and fuller sound profiles, along with the energy absorption during typing, will be comparable. This congruence allows individuals to confidently choose either switch based on other features, such as actuation force or design, while expecting a familiar auditory and tactile experience that is characteristic of nylon switches. Therefore, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Spring Breeze can be based more on personal preference than on fundamental differences in sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, several notable differences emerge regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it relatively light, ideal for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Spring Breeze has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams but a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, which positions it in the medium-light category. This means that while both switches require minimal effort to actuate a keypress, the Spring Breeze requires a bit more force to bottom out, offering a more substantial typing experience closer to medium pressure. In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g is marginally heavier in terms of actuation force but lighter at bottom-out force, while the Outemu Spring Breeze, although slightly lighter at actuation, is heavier at bottom out, catering to those who might prefer a firmer feel with its clicky design.
Travel distance
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, there is a slight difference in travel distances that may influence user preference. The Cloud - 50g switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Spring Breeze switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that for those who favor a quicker response time, the HMX Cloud may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can provide a more immediate reaction suitable for gaming. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze, with its longer travel distance, may be more appealing to users who prefer a deeper and more tactile feel when pressing keys, as it can prevent the experience from feeling too abrupt. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will hinge on personal preference regarding response time and the desired depth of keypress.
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 Spring Breeze 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch offers a distinctively clacky profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound that appeals to those who enjoy a brightly resonant typing experience. The high-pitched nature of this switch ensures that each keystroke is not only clear but also percussive, making it feel lively during use. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch delivers a deeper sound, attributed to its unique material combination of a nylon housing and POM stem. This material choice provides a richer auditory feedback that diverges from the typical clicky switches, creating a more resonant and bass-heavy tone. Therefore, while both switches cater to different auditory preferences, the Cloud - 50g will give a brighter and more high-pitched sound, whereas the Spring Breeze leans towards a lower, deeper click.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g excels in providing a bouncy typing experience, characterized by a spring-like feedback that enhances the overall engagement with each keypress. This lively response can be delightful for typists who appreciate a tactile sensation that offers a sense of rebound. The Outemu Spring Breeze, on the other hand, lacks a specific description regarding its feel. Consequently, it is difficult to draw direct comparisons; however, being a clicky switch, it’s common for such switches to provide a tactile bump alongside any auditory feedback, albeit without the specific traits detailed for the Spring Breeze.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Outemu Spring Breeze switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a bright auditory profile combined with a bouncy tactile sensation, while the Spring Breeze caters to those who might favor a deeper sound characteristic. Your ultimate experience with these switches will also depend on other factors, like the keyboard's construction and keycap choices, which can further influence both feel and sound. For newcomers, trying both types can provide insight into personal preferences, as sound and feel play a pivotal role in the overall enjoyment of a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and typing feel. If you favor a lighter touch and a smooth, bouncy typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile offers a bright and crisp auditory feedback that can enhance your typing enjoyment, particularly if you appreciate the sensation of a lively keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Spring Breeze is worth considering. Its unique combination of nylon housing and POM stem provides a deeper sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced clicky feedback while typing. Ultimately, if you find joy in a light, airy touch, then go for the Cloud - 50g, while the Spring Breeze will suit you best if you’re after a richer, more resonant auditory experience.
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