Gateron Beer vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the HMX Cloud - 50g stand out as two distinct choices catering to different typing preferences. The Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, evokes the sparkling allure of Tsingtao beer with its translucent green design and offers a unique stepped tactility that provides a more nuanced feedback compared to traditional tactile switches. This switch is particularly appealing for those who enjoy pronounced feedback with a characteristic clacky sound, making typing not only efficient but also engaging. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, boasts a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a bright and fluid typing sensation without the tactile bump. Its lighter action allows for faster typing, making it an excellent choice for gamers and heavy typists alike. While both switches offer unique benefits—whether you prefer the dynamic feedback of the Gateron Beer or the seamless flow of the HMX Cloud - 50g—each can transform your typing or gaming experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer switches and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches, a clear distinction arises from their top housing choices. The Gateron Beer uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This hard plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound that many enthusiasts find appealing, especially in RGB lighting setups where the transmissiveness of the material enhances visual effects. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which offers a subdued, deeper sound profile thanks to its softer composition. The differences in material affect the auditory experience significantly; while the Beer’s polycarbonate produces bright tones suitable for clear acoustics, the Cloud’s nylon emphasizes warmth and richness in sound.
The bottom housings of both switches reflect similar material choices to their respective tops, with the Gateron Beer also employing polycarbonate, while the HMX Cloud - 50g uses nylon. This consistency in material for both top and bottom housings in the Beer adds to the clarity and brightness in sound, enhancing the synthesis of a sharper auditory experience during keypress release sounds. Conversely, the combination of nylon in both the top and bottom of the Cloud reinforces its deeper, fuller sound profile. Thus, the interaction of the materials ultimately defines the switches' overall acoustics and feel, creating a distinct experience depending on the housing composition.
Ultimately, understanding the nuances of how top and bottom housings interact is crucial for grasping the overall performance of each switch. For those using the Gateron Beers, the clear polycarbonate contributes toward a unified, lucid sound experience that sharpens the typing sensation and auditory response. On the other hand, the consistent use of nylon across the HMX Cloud - 50g switches provides a homogenous sound signature that is more rounded and softer. While the switches utilize different materials and the resulting acoustics vary greatly, each offers a unique typing experience that can satisfy different user preferences. The choice between sharper and fuller sound profiles not only reflects personal preference but also influences the overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, we find key differences that could influence a typist's choice. The Gateron Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the HMX Cloud features a marginally higher actuation force of 42 grams, while also sharing the same bottom out force of 50 grams as the Beer. This means that although both switches bottom out at the same force, the Beer switch requires less force to actuate a keystroke, making it a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Conversely, the Cloud switch, with its heavier actuation force, offers a bit more resistance, which might appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel while typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, it becomes evident that they differ significantly. The Gateron Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, which is longer. This difference in travel distance can affect user experience: the shorter 3.4 mm on the Beer allows for quicker response times, catering well to gamers who prefer a more immediate tactile feedback. On the other hand, the longer 3.9 mm travel on the Cloud - 50g can provide a more hearty feel, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth, with the Gateron Beer being suited for those who value speed and the HMX Cloud - 50g for those who appreciate a more substantial key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
In the realm of sound, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch produce a clacky sound profile, contributing to an engaging auditory experience while typing. The Beer switch delivers a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that aligns well with the lively feel of its tactile characteristics. While specifics about the Cloud - 50g are sparse, its description as a lighter variant also points toward a similarly vibrant sound that aims to keep a bright typing atmosphere. Therefore, any keyboard housing either switch is likely to produce a satisfying clack with each keystroke, underscoring their shared auditory appeal.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Beer switch excels with its easy-to-press nature and stepped tactility, which distinguishes itself from other types of tactile feedback. The gentle resistance during key presses offers a comfortable experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. The stepped tactility allows users to feel discrete stages in the key travel, enhancing the typing experience with a more controlled and deliberate response. The HMX Cloud - 50g, on the other hand, is characterized by a silky smooth feel; however, there is limited information regarding its exact tactile feedback. This smoothness may offer a different experience altogether, prioritizing fluidity over pronounced tactile sensations.
In summary, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch delivers a lively and engaging sound with a nuanced tactile feedback, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a smooth typing experience and a similarly bright sound profile. If you desire a switch with distinct tactile feedback that still maintains a clacky sound, the Beer may fit your preferences. Conversely, if smoothness and a bright auditory experience are your priority, the Cloud - 50g could be your ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches cater to enthusiasts who appreciate an engaging typing atmosphere, though they do so through different tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you appreciate a tactile feel and enjoy the unique sensation of a stepped tactile response, the Beer switch may be ideal for you. Its lightweight actuation and clacky sound can make it particularly enjoyable for casual typing or even gaming, bringing a lively auditory experience to your setup. On the other hand, if you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch would be a better choice. Its gentle actuation and fluid feel cater to those who prefer a quieter and more streamlined typing experience, which can be particularly beneficial during long work sessions when focus and comfort are paramount. So, consider your typing style and whether you lean more toward tactile feedback or a smooth linear sensation when making your selection between these two engaging switches.
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