HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Jerrzi Coral
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Coral switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Coral stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to distinct preferences among typists and gamers. The Cloud - 50g is renowned for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it ideal for enthusiasts who revel in a bright typing experience; its silky smooth feel ensures that every keystroke is a joy. In contrast, the Coral switch offers a uniquely crisp typing experience, complemented by a lower-pitched resonance that strikes a sophisticated balance between nuanced feedback and stellar performance, providing tactile satisfaction with every press. While both switches share linear characteristics, their sound profiles and feel create different atmospheres for users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Coral, one can observe notable contrasts in the top housing. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for its upper casing, a material known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer composition, which effectively absorbs sound waves, yielding a rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Coral employs a polycarbonate top housing, which, due to its stiffer nature, generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's translucency also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting setups, making it aesthetically appealing for those who prioritize visual aspects alongside functionality.
On the other hand, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Coral feature nylon for their bottom housing, which means they share a similar capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile in this regard. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows them to create a rounder acoustic effect, influencing the overall typing experience in a consistent manner. This commonality means that while the upper housings introduce distinct sound characteristics, the shared nylon material in the lower section ensures that users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and feel across both models. Hence, regardless of the differences in the top materials, the two switches will converge in their tactile and auditory feedback when pressed.
In considering the overall performance of the HMX Cloud - 50g and Jerrzi Coral, the split functionality of the top and bottom housing materials is crucial. Users pressing the Cloud - 50g will likely notice the rich resonance from the nylon bottom housing, while the more pronounced sounds will be derived from the nylon's interaction with the upper nylon layer. In comparison, the Coral's stiffer polycarbonate top housing lends a crisper sound on release, as users experience a sharper acoustic profile alongside the fuller characteristics retained by the nylon bottom housing. This interplay highlights how the combination of different materials influences the final outcome, providing distinct auditory experiences while maintaining a shared foundation in their bottom housing construction.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch differ slightly in their actuation forces, with the Cloud - 50g requiring 42 grams of force to actuate compared to the Coral's lower actuation force of 40 grams. This makes the Jerrzi Coral somewhat lighter, which could benefit users who seek a more effortless typing experience for extended usage. However, the bottom-out force for the Coral switch is unspecified, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons regarding how it feels when keys are fully pressed down. The Cloud - 50g, on the other hand, has a bottom-out force of 50 grams, indicating a slightly more resistant feel when hitting the bottom of the key press. Therefore, while both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, the Cloud - 50g provides a more defined bottoming-out sensation, which users who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback may prefer.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, we see a slight difference: the Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Coral switch measures at 3.7 mm. This makes the Coral the shorter of the two, providing a quicker actuation which may appeal to gamers seeking rapid response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Cloud switch may cater to those who prefer a more substantial feel with more depth in their key presses. Thus, if you lean towards responsiveness and swiftness, the Coral is an advantageous choice, while the Cloud is better suited for a fuller typing experience.
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 Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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 the realm of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is known for its clacky sound profile, making it particularly appealing to those who appreciate a bright and engaging auditory experience while typing. This zestiness in sound can provide a more stimulating feel during use. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Coral switch features a distinctly low-pitched resonance, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This quality sets it apart by offering a more subdued auditory experience, which some users may prefer for its calming effect. Both switches’ sound characteristics can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choices, but the fundamental differences in their sound profiles remain.
When it comes to the feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, ensuring that each keystroke is effortless and fluid. This smooth action contributes significantly to a pleasurable typing experience, minimizing any resistance while pressing and releasing keys. Conversely, the Jerrzi Coral switch also emphasizes a crisp typing feel, promising an enjoyable and refined tactile experience. Although the Cloud is described specifically as silky, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different nuances that cater to varying preferences in touch dynamics.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Coral switches cater to different preferences within the linear switch domain. The Cloud - 50g offers a clacky sound with a silky feel, making it perfect for enthusiasts who love a bright and smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Coral distinguishes itself with its low-pitched sound and crisp typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a more refined touch. While they do have their unique characteristics, users can still expect a pleasing typing experience from either switch, depending on their individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter switch that delivers a clackier sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is your go-to option. Its 50g actuation force provides a responsive and engaging typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a bright acoustic signature while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a more refined feel with lower-pitched acoustics, the Coral switch may be the better choice. The Coral's reputation for a silky smooth experience coupled with its sophisticated sound profile ensures that your keystrokes are not only pleasant but also satisfying. In summary, if you're an enthusiast who thrives on lively feedback and a bit of auditory excitement, lean towards the Cloud - 50g. Conversely, if you seek elegance in both sound and feel, the Coral is likely to fulfill that desire, enhancing your overall typing enjoyment.
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