Gateron Aliaz vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch. The Aliaz is particularly suited for quiet environments like offices, offering a silent design that minimizes distractions while providing a medium-heavy weight for a pronounced typing feedback. This makes it ideal for those who appreciate a softer touch without sacrificing the tactile response of their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g appeals to enthusiasts seeking a livelier typing experience, boasting a lighter actuation and a distinctly clacky sound profile that adds excitement to every keystroke. Its silky smooth feel enhances the overall typing experience, making it a favorite among those who prioritize speed and fluidity. Ultimately, choice may come down to personal preference—whether you value the muted tactility of the Aliaz or the bright, smooth response of the HMX Cloud - 50g. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
75g
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
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and HMX Cloud - 50g switches employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinctive sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Gateron Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, which is known for its rigidity. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer characteristics. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic aspect, especially when paired with RGB lighting, by allowing light to penetrate and illuminate the switch effectively. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g leverages nylon for both housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile that tends toward a more rounded acoustic experience. The differences in sound characteristics stemming from the materials used clearly highlight how switches can feel and sound distinct based on their housing composition.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches exhibit the influence of their material choices on the overall tactile feedback and acoustic sensations. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing lends to a clear and resonant sound when bottoming out, enhancing the perception of precision in each keystroke. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the HMX Cloud - 50g introduces a dampened effect, which creates a softer thud rather than a sharper click, thus providing a more muted bottom-out experience. While the Aliaz's sharpness might be preferred by typists who favor auditory feedback, the Cloud - 50g appeals to users who enjoy a softer and more cushioned typing experience that minimizes sound.
In summary, while both the Gateron Aliaz and HMX Cloud - 50g switches utilize different housing materials to achieve their respective sound profiles, they will nonetheless deliver distinct results. Users who appreciate the sharp and precise feedback of polycarbonate will find solace in the Aliaz, appreciating its clear, resonant sound. Meanwhile, those who prefer a more subdued and muted acoustic experience may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 50g and its classic nylon housings. Regardless of the differences, anyone looking for a more balanced experience can expect that both switches will ultimately provide their unique advantages, ensuring that personal preference plays a key role in the final choice.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch with the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a sturdier option that may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who engage in long typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. Overall, the Aliaz is the heavier switch, while the HMX Cloud is significantly lighter, catering to different user preferences depending on their typing style and comfort needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, we find that the Aliaz has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cloud - 50g has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. This makes the Aliaz a better choice for those who prefer the depth and sensation of a longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, although some might find its actuation feel too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: whether one favors the deeper engagement of a longer travel distance or the rapid actuation of a shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is designed for quiet environments, providing a muted auditory profile that significantly reduces the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Aliaz an excellent choice for office settings where distraction needs to be minimized. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch boasts a clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a more vibrant and resonant typing experience. While the Aliaz prioritizes silence, the Cloud - 50g fosters an atmosphere where the sound of keystrokes is part of the enjoyment, adding to the tactile experience of typing.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz is celebrated for its silky and polished characteristics, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses and releases. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, making it feel refined and responsive. The weight of the Aliaz, described as medium-heavy, offers a substantial sense of feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, while the feel of the HMX Cloud - 50g isn't explicitly described, the fact that it's marketed as a linear switch implies a smooth action without any tactile bump, catering to users who prefer an uninterrupted keypress without the resistance of a tactile switch.
In conclusion, both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Aliaz excels in quiet environments with its muted sound and silky feel, making it ideal for those who require discretion while typing. Meanwhile, the HMX Cloud - 50g promises a fun, clacky sound and the smoothness typical of linear switches, attracting enthusiasts who appreciate a lively typing experience. Ultimately, whether you lean towards a quieter, more textured typing experience or seek the spirited sounds of a clack-heavy switch, both options deliver in their own unique ways, allowing you to choose based on your specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch will largely depend on your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you find yourself in a quiet office setting or need a keyboard that won’t disturb those around you, the Aliaz with its muted sound profile and substantial feel, thanks to its heavier bottom-out force of 75 grams, is an excellent option. Its tactile feedback can enhance your typing experience without the noise, making it suitable for focused work. On the other hand, if you’re an enthusiast who enjoys a lively and bright typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g with its lighter actuation force of 50 grams and smooth, clacky sound is likely the better choice for you. This switch offers a silky smooth feel, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming where speed is key. Ultimately, consider your environment and typing style to select the switch that will make your mechanical keyboard experience the most enjoyable.
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