HMX Game1989 vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and HMX Cloud - 50g both offer unique attributes that appeal to different typing preferences. The HMX 1989 is renowned for its deep, thocky sound profile, making it a go-to choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a heavy, satisfying keystroke. Its robust construction enhances durability, ideal for those who demand reliability during intense gaming sessions or extensive typing marathons. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g excels with its lighter actuation force and clacky sound, delivering a brighter, more engaging typing experience. This switch is perfect for enthusiasts who prefer a responsive feel combined with an acoustic signature that adds a fun dynamic to their workflow. Both switches are linear in nature, providing smooth key presses without tactile bumps, but their differing sound profiles and feel can significantly influence user 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the HMX Cloud - 50g utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which influences their overall sound profiles during use. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This rigidity allows for more resonant acoustics, making it a suitable choice for users who appreciate a clearer tonal quality, especially when RGB lighting is used to showcase the translucency of the polycarbonate. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g employs a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound waves and results in a more muted acoustic experience. Consequently, while both switches deliver high-quality performance, the auditory experience will differ significantly, with the 1989 offering a crisper tone and the Cloud presenting a rounder, more subdued sound.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the HMX 1989 and the HMX Cloud - 50g are made of nylon, leading to a consistent sound signature from this component. The use of nylon—considered a classic switch housing material—ensures that both switches give off a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottomed out. This soft material absorbs vibrations effectively, which diminishes harshness in the sound produced as keys are pressed down. The consistency in the bottom housing material means that irrespective of the differences in the top housings, the bottom-out sounds of both switches will feature more commonality, offering a smooth and comfortable tactile experience.
Ultimately, the differing top housing materials of the HMX 1989 and HMX Cloud - 50g create contrasting auditory experiences, while the similar nylon bottom housing harmonizes their tactile feedback. Users who prefer a brighter, crisper sound may gravitate towards the polycarbonate top of the 1989, while those who favor a more muted and rounded tone might appreciate the nylon top of the Cloud. However, the overall sound and feel at the bottom-out stage will remain comparable due to the shared nylon material, ensuring that users can achieve a satisfying performance from both switches, even amidst the nuances of their distinct top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the HMX Cloud - 50g has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Cloud switch is easier to actuate, requiring less force for a keystroke, making it a more suitable choice for users who prioritize prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the HMX 1989's slightly heavier actuation force can provide a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer a good typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, which may appeal to those looking for ease and comfort over longer periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, the HMX 1989 stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the 1989 provides a more substantial depth to each key press, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more tactile feel and a sense of satisfaction in their typing experience. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g, with its shorter travel distance, is designed for quicker response times, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking enhanced performance. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on personal preference: a longer travel distance like that of the 1989 offers a more pronounced depth, whereas the Cloud - 50g caters to those who favor a more responsive and rapid key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
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.
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 sound profile of the HMX 1989 linear switch is characterized by a deep, thocky resonance, making it one of the most satisfying acoustic experiences among the HMX Film series. This switch produces a rich sound that enhances the tactile feedback for gamers and typists alike, providing a solid auditory confirmation for each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a distinctively clacky sound that is brighter and more pronounced, catering to enthusiasts seeking a lively auditory experience. Both sound characteristics are influenced not only by the switch itself but also by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, potentially allowing users to modify the overall sound profile to their preferences.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the HMX 1989 is known for its plush, velvety operation, offering a deeply satisfying linear action that provides smooth key presses without any tactile bumps or clicks. This creates a seamless typing experience that appeals to those who prefer consistent feedback. Conversely, the HMX Cloud - 50g is designed to deliver a silky smooth experience, which, while also linear, tends to feel lighter, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a quick and effortless keystroke. Both switches excel in providing a smooth feel, though their weight and sound profiles create distinctly different sensory experiences.
In conclusion, the HMX 1989 and HMX Cloud - 50g switches each offer unique sound and feel characteristics suited for different preferences. The 1989 excels in producing a deep, thocky sound with a plush and smooth action, making it ideal for users who appreciate a robust auditory feedback. The Cloud - 50g presents a brighter, clacky sound with a lighter touch that caters to those who favor a more lively typing experience. Depending on individual priorities, each switch can deliver a satisfying performance, and the choice ultimately depends on what auditory and tactile qualities resonate best with the user.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing experience. If you find yourself gravitating towards a deeper sound profile with a satisfying thocky feel for gaming or typing, the HMX 1989 would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams offers a balanced tactile feedback that supports prolonged gaming sessions without sacrificing comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a more pronounced, clacky sound that enhances your typing experience, then the HMX Cloud - 50g is the switch for you. With a slightly lower bottom-out force of 50 grams, it caters to those who favor a smoother, more airy feel that can make typing a sheer joy. Ultimately, consider what aspects you prioritize—whether it’s the deep resonance of the 1989 or the bright clarity of the Cloud - 50g—to find the switch that will best elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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