HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Yellow Silver offer distinct yet appealing characteristics for different user preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch renowned for its clacky sound profile, is perfect for enthusiasts looking for a bright typing experience and a silky smooth feel, making it a joy for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch stands out for its neutral sound profile and light actuation force, which caters specifically to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. While the HMX Cloud - 50g emphasizes a lively acoustic experience, the Yellow Silver focuses on a silent yet tactile performance that enhances quick actions and precision. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Yellow Silver switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which plays a crucial role in their auditory characteristics and overall typing experience. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic effectively absorbs sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience that appeals to users who prefer a muted acoustic response when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer material enhances clarity and resonance, making each keystroke feel more pronounced and distinct, particularly advantageous for those who enjoy a crisp typing experience.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Cloud - 50g and the Yellow Silver employ nylon, providing a consistent trait in their sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes a similar depth and fullness to the acoustic feedback, allowing for a duller sound. Despite the disparity in top housing materials that leads to different auditory characteristics, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a certain cohesion in overall sound results. This similarity means that while users can expect varied sound experiences during typing, the bottom-out sound will offer a consistent depth and richness across both models.
In essence, while the Cloud - 50g and the Outemu Yellow Silver present discernible contrasts in their top housing materials with varying sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing of both switches establishes a baseline acoustic quality. The nylon’s sound-absorbing properties allow the users to experience a familiar, fuller sound, even amidst the diverse auditory characteristics produced by the top housings. Therefore, individuals can anticipate an engaging typing experience, underlined by the unique sound attributes of each switch, yet linked by the unified sound qualities imparted by their common bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, a noticeable difference in actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Cloud - 50g requires an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Yellow Silver demands a slightly heavier 45 grams for actuation. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Cloud - 50g has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 55 grams. This indicates that the HMX Cloud switch is overall lighter and may be more suitable for users looking for a softer touch and extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver, while still in the medium-light category, offers a slightly more substantial feel due to its heavier forces, catering to those who prefer a firmer keystroke. Therefore, depending on individual preferences for weight and feedback, users can anticipate different typing experiences from these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Yellow Silver measures at 4.0 mm. This makes the Cloud switch the shorter option, providing a slightly quicker keystroke response that can be appealing to gamers who favor rapid actions. In contrast, the Yellow Silver, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel and depth to those who prefer a more tactile experience while typing. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver may cater to users who appreciate a more traditional and deeper 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 Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 offers a distinctly clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a vibrant auditory experience while typing. This brightness can enhance the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard, providing satisfying acoustics that many enthusiasts seek. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch provides a neutral sound profile. This versatility makes it suitable for a broad range of users, whether they are beginners or more experienced typists and gamers. The moderate sound level allows for quiet use in various settings without being distracting, whether at home or in an office environment.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its silky smooth action, which contributes to a more enjoyable typing experience. This smoothness allows for fluid key presses, making it particularly appealing for long typing sessions. In contrast, the Yellow Silver is noted for its light actuation force, providing both quick responsiveness and ease of use. This makes the switch particularly favorable for gamers, where speed is critical, as well as for those who type rapidly. While the HMX Cloud - 50g leans towards a more luxurious typing sensation, the Yellow Silver focuses on efficiency and swift execution.
In summary, both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g excels in sound and a smooth feel, perfect for enthusiasts who seek an engaging typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Yellow Silver promotes speed and a neutral sound, making it an excellent option for both gamers and typists alike. Depending on your priorities—whether it’s the auditory feedback or the responsiveness—you’ll find both options capable of delivering satisfying results tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch ultimately depends on what you prioritize in your typing and gaming experience. If you are someone who enjoys a lighter touch with a clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the way to go. Its 50g actuation force will provide you with a silky smooth feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions and enhancing the enjoyment of each keystroke. This switch is particularly suitable for enthusiasts seeking a bright and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a balanced, neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver might be better suited for you. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, it delivers a more medium-light touch, making it a reliable option for both gaming and typing. This switch is designed to offer responsiveness and speed, catering well to gamers and those who appreciate a versatile switch that performs well in various settings. Ultimately, you should consider your specific needs and preferences when deciding, as each switch brings unique attributes that cater to different types of users.
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