Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Cloud - 50g, both linear switches, present intriguing yet distinct options for different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary stands out for its innovative design featuring a novel CAP structure that enhances keypress smoothness and stability, thanks to its aerodynamic stem and air-release holes that reduce resistance. Users often describe its feel as snappy, creamy, and polished, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a refined and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a clacky sound profile with a lighter actuation feel, appealing to enthusiasts who seek a brighter auditory experience while typing. Both switches promise silky smooth keystrokes, yet cater to varying aesthetic and tactile preferences. 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX Cloud - 50g switches use different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles and may influence the overall typing experience. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing. On the contrary, the HMX Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This contrast between the two materials showcases how the choice of housing can create distinctive sound profiles, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of bottom housings, both the CAP Anniversary and HMX Cloud - 50g switches utilize nylon, which contributes to a consistent performance regarding sound absorption and overall tactile feel. The nylon bottom housing, shared by both switches, lends a similar deeper and rounder sound profile that complements the sharper tones produced by a polycarbonate top housing. This shared material element means that certain acoustical characteristics will still align between the two switches, creating a cohesive sound regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. Consequently, users can expect a muted bottom-out sound from both switches, enhancing the overall typing experience.
When combining the effects of both housings, the result is an intriguing interplay between the unique qualities each type of plastic brings to the switches. The CAP Anniversary’s polycarbonate top provides an upbeat and energetic sound that may be more exciting for some typists, while the nylon bottom ensures a softened landing with every key press. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g’s all-nylon construction lends itself to a more uniform sound profile that focuses on a warmer and fuller experience. Regardless of individual preferences, both switches yield satisfying results reflective of their respective design choices, showcasing how material selection can drastically impact acoustic and tactile feedback while still providing enjoyable performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CAP Anniversary switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, the CAP Anniversary switch is heavier than the Cloud - 50g, meaning it requires more force to activate and bottom out, which may appeal to users seeking more resistance during typing. This difference can significantly influence user preferences, with the CAP Anniversary offering a more robust feel while the HMX Cloud - 50g provides a softer experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. This makes the CAP Anniversary the deeper option, providing a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. For those who appreciate a greater depth and a more traditional typing experience, the CAP Anniversary would be the better choice. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g, with its shorter travel distance, may offer slightly quicker response times, appealing more to gamers who prefer rapid actions. While the differences in travel distance might seem minimal at just 0.1 mm, they underscore the nuance in tactile feel and responsiveness that typists and gamers often evaluate when selecting their switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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 CAP Anniversary switch is known for its quiet operation, offering a muted sound profile that allows for focused typing without significant distractions. This makes it suitable for environments where noise can be an issue, such as offices or shared workspaces. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch features a clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This lively sound can add a rewarding acoustic satisfaction, especially for enthusiasts who relish the auditory experience of keystrokes. Ultimately, while both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, the specific auditory experience can be influenced by the chosen keyboard and keycap materials.
Regarding feel, the CAP Anniversary switch excels in providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Its innovative design incorporates a snappy responsiveness, aided by a refined stem structure that reduces wobble and enhances overall stability. This, combined with creamy and polished qualities, results in a typing sensation that is both effortless and precise, making each keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch also claims a silky smooth feel, likely due to its lighter actuation force; however, the exact tactile qualities are less defined. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Cloud - 50g may offer a compelling alternative, but it may not provide the same level of stability and smoothness as the CAP Anniversary.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX Cloud - 50g switches present unique options for different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary provides a quiet, smooth, and stable typing experience ideal for focused work environments, while the Cloud - 50g offers a brighter, clacky sound that many enthusiasts find enjoyable. Both switches are designed to deliver a seamless tactile experience, albeit through different sound profiles and responsive characteristics, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a heavier switch that offers a snappy, creamy, and polished feel with exceptionally smooth keystrokes, then the CAP Anniversary would be the ideal pick for you. This switch's medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams means it’s better suited for those who prefer a bit more resistance while typing or gaming, providing a tactile feedback that can enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter touch with a clacky sound profile that embodies a bright and lively typing sensation, the HMX Cloud - 50g is likely your best bet. This switch, at only 50 grams of actuation force, can be a fantastic choice for fast typists or those who enjoy a more responsive feel, making it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, your preference for weight, sound, and tactile feedback will dictate which switch aligns best with your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
