HMX Canglan V2 vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Canglan V2 and the HMX Cloud - 50g represent two appealing linear options, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky sound signature and a smooth, light feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate a deeper auditory experience while typing. Its meticulously crafted materials and advanced molding techniques provide a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a brighter, clackier sound profile, catering to those who prefer a more vibrant auditory cue with each keystroke. This lighter variant also ensures a silky-smooth typing experience, making it perfect for rapid typists or gamers seeking less resistance. Both switches have their merits, whether you prioritize a deeper, more resonant sound or a lighter, more effervescent feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the HMX Cloud - 50g share a remarkable similarity, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is recognized as a classic in switch design, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic signature that can enhance the overall typing experience. As both models employ nylon, users can expect a comparable auditory outcome, allowing for a consistent experience across both switches.
When examining the specifics of the housing, both the Canglan V2 and the Cloud - 50g confirm the advantageous properties that nylon brings to both the top and bottom housings. The common use of nylon in the bottom housing is particularly noteworthy since this part of the switch directly affects the bottom-out feel and sound when pressed. With both models exhibiting this design, users will experience a consistent tactile feedback and sound quality, reinforcing the sense of reliability for those who appreciate a specific acoustic profile while typing.
Ultimately, because both the HMX Canglan V2 and the HMX Cloud - 50g incorporate nylon in both their top and bottom housings, the resulting performance in terms of feel and sound is expected to be quite similar. The characteristics imparted by the nylon material will ensure that whether one chooses the Canglan V2 or the Cloud - 50g, they will achieve comparable auditory satisfaction and tactile responsiveness. This reinforces the value of nylon as a versatile material within the realm of mechanical switches, enhancing user satisfaction through consistent experiences across different products.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 42 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces: the Canglan V2 has a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Cloud - 50g has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that although both switches provide a similar feel during normal typing or gaming sessions due to their identical actuation forces, the Cloud - 50g offers a marginally heavier feel when bottoming out, which may appeal to those who prefer more resistance for a substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches cater to users looking for lighter options, but the Cloud - 50g presents a slightly firmer response at the end of the key press.
Travel distance
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Canglan V2 offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 50g. For those who prioritize quicker response times, the Canglan V2 may be the preferred choice due to its shorter actuation distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking fast action. Conversely, enthusiasts who enjoy a deeper keystroke and a more pronounced tactile experience might lean towards the Cloud - 50g, as its longer 3.9 mm travel distance can provide a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Ultimately, these differing travel distances cater to varied user preferences, enhancing either responsiveness or depth depending on the switch chosen.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan 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 Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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 sound profile of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch is characterized by its deep and thocky signature, lending a rich acoustic experience that many users find satisfying and appealing. This switch is engineered to minimize unwanted noise while maximizing that robust sound typical of high-quality linear switches. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch presents a clacky sound profile, which tends to be brighter and more pronounced. This difference caters to enthusiasts who prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference. Additionally, the final sound will also be influenced by other factors such as keycap material and the keyboard's construction.
When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 offers a smooth and light tactile experience, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions while still providing a notable response that appeals to those desiring a fluid keystroke. It is crafted to enhance the typing experience by ensuring a release that is both satisfying and quick. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g also promotes a silky smooth feel, which complements its lighter action. This makes it well-suited for rapid typing or gaming, as it requires less force to actuate, allowing for a swift and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Canglan V2 and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches each have their distinctive qualities that cater to different user preferences. If you're seeking a deep, thocky sound with a smooth and light feel, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you enjoy a brighter sound profile with an equally smooth action but a lighter touch, then the Cloud - 50g may be more appealing. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch aligns best with your typing style and auditory desires.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and tactile response. If you gravitate towards a typing experience that is characterized by a deep, thocky sound signature and a smooth, light feel, then the Canglan V2 is the ideal choice. Its slightly lower bottom-out force of 48 grams makes it an excellent option for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a brighter, clackier sound profile coupled with a silky smooth typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its 50 grams of bottom-out force, might be the better fit for you. This switch provides a slightly firmer resistance, which can be appealing if you want a bit more feedback while typing, especially for gaming. Ultimately, consider what aspects of switch performance matter most to you and how those features align with your typing style, as both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different user preferences.
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