HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences and experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch renowned for its lighter actuation force, offers a bright, clacky sound profile that appeals to those who crave an engaging and vibrant typing experience. Its silky smooth keystrokes provide a delightful tactile response, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer quick, responsive feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron CM breaks the mold with its full nylon housing, producing a richer, deeper sound that resonates with users seeking a more immersive auditory experience. Complemented by an impeccable factory lube job and a unique dual-staged spring design, these switches create a bouncy and frictionless typing journey, delivering a luxurious feel that can elevate both gaming and typing sessions. While both switches offer compelling characteristics suitable for different user preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your unique style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron CM both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which renders their acoustic and tactile profiles remarkably similar. Nylon is celebrated for its softer characteristics compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively. This absorption creates a deeper and fuller sound signature when typing, resulting in a dulled and rounder auditory experience. Both switches, therefore, offer users a consistent typing experience, with reduced noise and a cushioned sensation during keystrokes. This common material usage positions both switches as excellent options for typists seeking a muted yet rich sound profile.
While the top and bottom housings for both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron CM are made from the same nylon material, their acoustics during usage can be slightly nuanced. The bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound and feel when bottoming out a keypress, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. This duality means that even with similar materials, the specific acoustic characteristics can vary slightly depending on the interaction of the two housings during typing. However, since both switches use nylon, users can expect relatively consistent performance and sound, despite any minor differences in tactile feedback or resonance.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron CM exemplify how the use of the same housing material can yield comparable results in user experience. The nylon construction in both switches ensures a strong foundation for a richer typing sound and a softer feel, providing an overall quieter keypress action. Despite potential differences in how each switch's design interacts, the fundamental similarities in housing materials emphasize the shared qualities of a dull, rounded sound profile, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts and casual users alike.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron CM linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer more resistance. This means that users who enjoy a light touch will find the HMX Cloud - 50g more appealing, while those who favor a firmer feel will likely gravitate towards the Gateron CM. Overall, the Cloud - 50g is lighter and ideal for prolonged use, whereas the Gateron CM offers a more tactile experience for users who enjoy heavier switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, the Cloud - 50g boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron CM has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that those who opt for the Gateron CM can benefit from a more responsive feel, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Cloud - 50g's longer travel distance may appeal more to users who prefer a deeper and more substantial typing experience, allowing for a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on individual preferences regarding key response and typing comfort, with the Gateron CM offering a snappier experience, while the HMX Cloud caters to those who enjoy a more deliberate key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 HMX Cloud - 50g switch stands out with its clacky sound profile, creating a brighter, more enthusiastic typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. The sound is characterized by a light, percussive note that resonates well with those seeking a fun auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a deeper and richer auditory signature. Its unique nylon housing contributes to a bassy and thocky sound that provides a satisfying "thud" upon key presses. This low-pitched auditory quality evokes a more solid and robust feel to the sounds produced during typing, contrasting with the Clouds' higher-pitched clack.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g is known for its silky smooth keystrokes, allowing a pleasant typing experience that's easy on the fingers. This switch promotes a gentle flow with every keystroke, ideal for long typing sessions. Conversely, the Gateron CM offers an exceptionally buttery typing sensation, enhanced further by its factory lube job. This results in a frictionless and polished experience, making typing feel effortlessly smooth and seamless. The dual-staged spring also adds a hint of bounce, giving a playful characteristic to the overall feel that the Cloud - 50g lacks.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron CM linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, they each offer compelling experiences. The Cloud - 50g excites with its lighter, clacky sound and smooth feel, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate brightness in their typing. The Gateron CM, with its deep, thocky sound and buttery frictionless experience, provides richness and refinement that others may prefer. Depending on your taste, you'll find enjoyment in either switch, although they each deliver distinctly unique qualities that set them apart.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and a more pronounced clacky sound, the Cloud - 50g is ideal for you. Its 50g bottom-out force makes it suitable for fast typists and enthusiasts who appreciate an engaging, bright typing experience with a smooth feel. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial key press and enjoy a deeper, richer sound profile, the Gateron CM switch is the way to go. The CM's 63.5g bottom-out force and its full nylon housing produce a thocky, low-pitched sound, providing a polished and creamy feel that's perfect for those who relish a bouncier typing experience. Additionally, the factory lubing that enhances the Gateron CM's buttery and frictionless sensation can elevate your typing pleasure to new heights. In the end, your choice comes down to whether you value a lighter, airy interaction or a more robust, resonant experience as you engage with your mechanical keyboard.
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