Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 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, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Cloud - 50g offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 stands out with its clicky mechanism, delivering a sharp tactile feedback accompanied by an audible click sound—ideal for typists who thrive on the satisfying sound and feedback of each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g is a linear switch that favors a smooth operation with a lighter actuation force, providing a more muted clack sound that maintains a pleasant typing experience without any tactile interruptions. This switch appeals especially to those who favor a quieter workspace and prefer swift, uninterrupted keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the satisfying click of the Kailh Box White V2 and the silky smoothness of the HMX Cloud - 50g will hinge on your personal typing style and environment. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The Box White V2 is constructed with polycarbonate, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This material significantly affects the sound profile produced when typing, as it generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer composition. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g employs a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer nature absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. Therefore, users can expect a clearer, crisper response from the Box White V2 compared to the more rounded and subdued output from the Cloud - 50g.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, leading to similarities in sound and tactile feedback at that level. The nylon bottom in both the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Cloud - 50g provides a somewhat consistent auditory experience, as both materials facilitate a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality suggests that while the top housing differs dramatically in character, the shared nylon bottom housing will blend those distinctive sonic qualities together during use. Consequently, for the bottom-out sound, both switches should exhibit a plump and rounded auditory feedback due to the consistent impact of the nylon material.
Ultimately, the combined effect of these differing top and bottom housings results in a unique typing experience for each switch. With the Box White V2, users will find a sharper sound during the key release phase thanks to the polycarbonate top, while experiencing a fuller sound upon bottoming out due to its nylon base. Conversely, the HMX Cloud - 50g presents a more homogeneous sound experience with its nylon top and bottom, ensuring consistency but with a noticeably deeper character. Users seeking an intricate sound profile may prefer the Kaillh Box White V2, whereas those desiring a more uniform and subdued typing feel may gravitate towards the HMX Cloud - 50g.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch offer distinct actuation forces while sharing a common bottom out force. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Cloud switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams. Both switches have an identical bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that regardless of their differences in actuation forces, users will experience the same resistance when fully bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Cloud switch is the better option, as it has a lower actuation force, making it potentially easier to type or game for extended periods. In contrast, the Box White V2 provides a slightly stronger push feel with its higher actuation force, appealing to users who favor a more substantial tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, we find notable differences. The Box White V2 offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cloud - 50g has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Box White V2 is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as shorter distances generally enable faster actuation. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Cloud - 50g may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer the depth and tactile feedback in their keystrokes. Therefore, if you value responsiveness in gaming, the Kailh Box White V2 would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke experience might lean towards the HMX Cloud - 50g.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its crisp, tactile feedback combined with a pronounced audible click. This characteristic makes it appealing for those who enjoy a more prominent auditory response while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g produces a clackier sound profile that caters to users seeking a brighter auditory experience. Both switches provide a distinct soundscape, though the Box White V2 will appeal more to those who prefer a sharper click, while the Cloud - 50g features a lighter, clackier tone. Importantly, the sound experience can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, meaning users might find a degree of similarity or divergence from one switch to another.
When considering feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is known for its tactile feedback that delivers satisfying resistance at the actuation point, giving typists a pronounced sensation that is both engaging and responsive. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth feel, lacking the tactile bump of the Box White V2. This smoothness may appeal to individuals who prefer effortless keystrokes, particularly during long typing sessions or gaming. While both offer unique experiences, they target different preferences within the linear versus clicky switch spectrum, ensuring that users will find distinct yet enjoyable typing sensations.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches cater to varying tastes in both sound and feel. The Box White V2 excels in tactile feedback and a sharp click, ideal for users who appreciate clear auditory cues, while the Cloud - 50g provides a smoother, more flowing typing experience with a clackier sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences, as each offers a unique approach to mechanical keyboard enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory feedback while typing, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its clicky nature provides a satisfying response with each keystroke, which can enhance your overall typing experience, particularly if you like to hear and feel your actions on the keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, you should consider the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch. This switch allows for a more fluid motion without the click, making it ideal for those who value a distraction-free environment or enjoy gaming where rapid keystrokes are necessary without added noise. Both switches have a bottom-out force of 50 grams, meaning that neither feels significantly heavier than the other, but the tactile feedback and sound will influence how you perceive them during use. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize the audible feedback of the Box White V2 or the smooth, quiet operation of the Cloud - 50g.
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