Huano Acacia vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often weigh the distinct characteristics and performance of different options to find the perfect fit for their typing style. The Huano Acacia, celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a reliable, low-resistance feel. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g presents a notable contrast with its lively clacky sound profile and lightweight design, appealing to those who enjoy a more auditory and dynamic typing experience. While both switches are linear and designed for seamless key presses, the Acacia prioritizes a refined feel and stability, whereas the Cloud - 50g focuses on delivering a bright, engaging sound with a silky smooth action. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches, it becomes evident that each utilizes different materials for the top housing, while both employ nylon for the bottom housing. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffness and translucency. This combination results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting setups where the clear housing enhances the visual effect of the backlighting. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g uses a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbing nature. This disparity in top housing materials significantly influences the auditory experience when typing, with the Acacia's polycarbonate delivering a crisper sound while the Cloud - 50g offers a warmer, more rounded auditory output.
On the other hand, both switch models utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes similarly to the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both the Acacia and the HMX Cloud - 50g enhances the deeper, fuller sound profile, making each switch feel quieter and more cushioned upon bottoming out. This commonality allows both switches to deliver similar results in terms of sound absorption and resonance effects stemming from the bottom housing. Since the bottom housing influences the feel and sound when a key is pressed down, both switches can create a satisfying typing experience despite their differences in top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing in the Acacia creates a unique sound profile characterized by clarity and sharpness, while the Cloud - 50g’s nylon top housing provides a softer, deeper auditory experience. When considering the overall performance of both switches, the unique qualities of the different top housings blend with the similar nylon bottoms, resulting in distinctive yet complementary soundscapes. If one were to aim for a specific auditory feel, it would be prudent to consider both the top and bottom housing materials — recognizing how they work together to shape the final sound when typing.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which positions it as a medium-light option. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter switch overall. This means that users who prioritize ease of typing for extended periods may find the Cloud - 50g more appealing. However, the Acacia switch's heavier actuation force may cater to those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. In summary, while the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches differ, with the Huano Acacia being the heavier option, the lighter actuation of the Cloud - 50g allows for a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, the Huano Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Acacia switch is the shorter of the two, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g, with its more substantial travel distance, might be favored by those who appreciate a deeper tactile experience. Ultimately, if you're seeking responsiveness, the shorter Acacia is the better option, but if a more pronounced key travel resonates with your typing style, the Cloud - 50g could be the right choice for you.
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 Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 Huano Acacia linear switch exhibits a subdued tonal quality, maintaining a more muted profile that allows for a quieter typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer to type without drawing too much attention or creating excessive noise in shared settings. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch has a pronounced clacky sound profile, providing a brighter and more engaging auditory response. This switch caters to enthusiasts who appreciate a more evocative sound when typing, adding a layer of satisfaction to the experience. Both sound signatures, while distinct, will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, making them versatile to personal preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia offers a smooth and comfortable experience that benefits from its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication. This combination reduces friction and allows for a seamless keypress, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is known for its silky smoothness, which, coupled with its lighter actuation force, provides an effortless typing experience. Both switches excel in offering a satisfying tactile sensation with minimal stem wobble, enhancing user engagement with each keystroke, though the Acacia might feel a bit more robust due to its weight.
Considering the overall qualities of both switches, the Huano Acacia and HMX Cloud - 50g present unique options for different typing preferences. The Acacia prioritizes a quieter, more subdued sound profile along with a smooth and reliable feel, making it well-suited for office environments or quieter settings. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g appeals to those who enjoy a livelier sound and a lighter touch. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, allowing newcomers to select based on their personal priorities regarding sound and feel. Whether one seeks an understated or an expressive experience, both switches deliver in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you prioritize a balanced typing feel with a medium-light resistance, along with smooth operation due to generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Acacia switch would be an excellent choice. It provides an enjoyable and confident typing experience right out of the box, making it suitable for both typing and gaming sessions alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that offers a clacky sound profile and a more vibrant typing experience, the Cloud - 50g would be ideal. Its 50-gram bottom-out force and silky smooth feel appeal to those who enjoy a lively and responsive switch under their fingers. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you value the robust and balanced feel of the Acacia or the bright auditory feedback and lighter action of the Cloud - 50g, ensuring that your keyboard gets the switches that best suit your style.
Mentioned in this article
