HMX Blue Topaz vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Cloud - 50g stand out as appealing options for users seeking a linear experience. The Blue Topaz is renowned for its ultra-smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making every keystroke a delight. Its eye-catching glittery housing and unique clacky sound signature not only enhance the aesthetics of your keyboard but also provide an auditory joy that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a similarly smooth typing experience but emphasizes a brighter and more lively auditory profile, making it a fantastic choice for enthusiasts who crave an engaging and energetic environment while typing. While both switches share a linear design, they cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. 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
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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 Blue Topaz and HMX Cloud - 50g switches exhibit distinct characteristics primarily due to the differences in their top housing materials. The Blue Topaz utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This material's stiffness allows for a clear and resonant auditory experience, making it especially suitable for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory discharge. Therefore, while the Blue Topaz produces a crisper sound with sharper accents, the Cloud - 50g offers a more muted and rounded auditory sensation, appealing to users who prefer a softer typing experience.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the Blue Topaz and Cloud - 50g utilize nylon for this component. This consistency in material leads to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches when bottoming out, reinforcing the notion that nylon excels at sound absorption and alters the tactile response of the switches. Consequently, while the top housing materials create different soundscapes, the bottom nylon housing harmonizes both switches in providing a satisfying and rounded feeling when pressed down. This makes the typing experience more cohesive between the two models, catering to users who prioritize sound absorption during key presses.
Ultimately, the overall performance of the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Cloud - 50g can yield similar results despite the differences in their top housing materials. The polycarbonate top of the Blue Topaz enhances clarity and brightness, particularly vibrant when RGB backlighting is in play, while the Cloud - 50g offers a seasoned, traditional sound profile through its nylon top. However, both switches can be expected to deliver a comfort-driven experience owing to their nylon bottom housings, which dominate the bottom-out characteristics. As a result, users may find enjoyment in either model, capitalizing on their specific auditory preferences while still sharing a welcoming level of full-bodied sound that nylon delivers from the bottom.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, we find some interesting differences. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it generally lighter and allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g requires a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, positioning it as a marginally heavier option. While both switches are categorized as light, the Blue Topaz is the lighter of the two, which might appeal to users seeking comfort during prolonged use. In terms of feeling the actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect a more effortless experience with the Blue Topaz, while the Cloud - 50g will provide a bit more resistance, delivering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heftier feedback.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.9 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar keypress feel when using either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that the actuation and overall typing experience will be consistent between the two switches, allowing for a comparable tactile experience whether one chooses the Blue Topaz or the Cloud - 50g. Hence, both switches can cater effectively to users looking for a uniform key travel sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 HMX Blue Topaz linear switch boasts a distinctly clacky sound profile, delivering a sharp and snappy noise that resonates with a crisp, bright quality when pressed. This auditory feedback adds an enjoyable dimension to typing, making every keystroke feel significant. In comparison, while the sound characteristics of the HMX Cloud - 50g are also clacky, detailed descriptions of its acoustic profile are not provided. However, it's reasonable to expect a similar bright, percussive quality due to its design focus on delivering a lively typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Topaz is known for its easy-to-press mechanism, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for activation. This lightweight actuation results in a typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making it exceptionally comfortable for long sessions. The Cloud - 50g mirrors this sentiment with its silky smooth feel, catering to users who appreciate a light and responsive touch. Therefore, both switches prioritize a user-friendly design that enhances comfort and enjoyment while typing.
In conclusion, both the HMX Blue Topaz and HMX Cloud - 50g linear switches provide an engaging typing experience characterized by their clacky sound profiles and smooth actuation. While the sound specifics of the Cloud - 50g remain unspecified, its design intentions align closely with those of the Blue Topaz, suggesting that users will enjoy similar auditory and tactile benefits with both switches. Ultimately, choosing between these two could come down to personal preference in aesthetics and subtle variations in sound, but either switch will serve well for enthusiasts seeking a lightweight and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you desire a switch that provides a light touch and effortless actuation, the Blue Topaz is an excellent option. Its lightweight feel makes it ideal for long typing sessions, perfect for writers, programmers, or anyone who spends hours at the keyboard. The distinctive clacky sound signature adds a playful auditory element, making it suitable for those who appreciate both sound and aesthetics. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer touch but still want a smooth, satisfying keystroke, the HMX Cloud - 50g might be the better choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers just a bit more resistance, which can help you feel more in control, particularly during gaming or fast-paced typing activities. The cloud switch maintains a vibrant auditory profile, appealing to those who enjoy a bright, energetic typing experience. Ultimately, consider these factors to enhance your keyboard experience and select the switch that best aligns with your needs.
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