HMX Cloud - 50g vs. HMX Deep Navy

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and HMX Deep Navy offer unique experiences tailored for different preferences, despite both being linear switches. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright, lively typing experience. Its silky smooth feel contributes to an enjoyable typing rhythm, especially for those who value fast, responsive keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy impresses with a rich, sharp sound profile and is constructed entirely from nylon, providing durability and a premium feel. Users can expect a similarly smooth experience with each keystroke, thanks to its high-quality Ly stem, appealing to those who prioritize both sound and tactile satisfaction. Both switches have their distinct advantages, which makes choosing between them a personal decision based on individual 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

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Cloud - 50g and HMX Deep Navy switches both feature nylon housings for their top and bottom components, leading to a cohesive tactile and auditory experience during use. The choice of nylon as the primary material is key to eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switch types. Since nylon is a softer plastic compared to alternatives like polycarbonate or ABS, it effectively absorbs sound, contributing to a pronounced dullness and roundness in the audio feedback when typing. This characteristic promises a satisfying keystroke experience for users of both the Cloud - 50g and Deep Navy switches, ensuring that sound quality remains consistent across both models.

Furthermore, with identical nylon materials used in the top and bottom housings for both switches, users can anticipate similar performance outcomes in terms of feel and acoustics. When striking keys, the softer nylon material allows for a more muted bottom-out sound and a pleasant tactile experience, regardless of the specific model. This means that whether you opt for the Cloud - 50g or the Deep Navy, you'll enjoy the benefits of a sound profile that favors smoothness and depth, creating an appealing typing environment.

It's important to note that while the housing materials are the same, the overall experience may vary slightly based on other factors like switch design, actuation force, or spring characteristics. However, given the consistency of nylon in both models, users can expect that any differences will be subtle and more related to personal preference rather than a significant divergence in acoustic signature. The shared properties of nylon will ensure that both switches deliver a comparable typing experience, making it easier for users to choose between them based on other preferences, such as color or design aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, we find that while both switches are relatively light, they do exhibit slight differences. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Deep Navy slightly lighter in both regards, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Cloud - 50g. Therefore, users who prioritize a lighter typing experience for extended sessions may find the Deep Navy switch more appealing. Conversely, for those who prefer a slightly more substantial feel while typing, the Cloud - 50g may suit them better, albeit only marginally heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that offers a lighter touch, the HMX Deep Navy is the way to go, while the Cloud - 50g offers a bit more resistance.

Travel distance

The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cloud - 50g switch offers a more pronounced keypress experience, appealing to users who prefer a hearty depth when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker responsiveness and rapid key actuation, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming environments. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance, with the Cloud - 50g providing a deeper feel and the Deep Navy offering a more immediate response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch delivers a clacky sound profile that provides a bright typing experience, making it particularly appealing to enthusiasts who favor that auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switch boasts a rich and sharp sound profile, attributed to its full nylon construction, adding to its character. Both switches produce distinctive audio cues, but the Cloud - 50g leans towards a lighter, more vibrant sound, while the Deep Navy offers a deeper, more resonant tone. Ultimately, the actual sound experience will also be influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard, the material of the keycaps, and the overall build.

When it comes to feel, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Deep Navy switches promise a silky smooth experience with every keystroke. The Cloud - 50g's lighter actuation force makes for a minimal effort typing experience that many users find enjoyable for prolonged usage, whereas the Deep Navy switch, with its Ly stem, also contributes to a consistent and smooth feel. With both switches aiming to provide a seamless typing experience, users can expect a satisfying tactile interaction regardless of their choice.

In summary, if you’re seeking a mechanical switch that can deliver a distinctive auditory character, the HMX Cloud - 50g presents a lively, clacky sound while the HMX Deep Navy provides a richer, sharper note. Both switches offer a remarkably smooth feel that enhances the typing experience. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the Cloud’s bright sound or the Deep Navy’s rich acoustics, you can be assured of a satisfying tactile performance and an enjoyable auditory experience, aided by your keyboard’s overall construction and components.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches, you should consider both your typing style and sound preferences. If you are someone who enjoys a bright, clacky sound profile and a perfectly smooth feel while typing, the Cloud - 50g might be the better option for you, especially given its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams which can facilitate faster, more precise keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch that still offers an amazing typing experience but with a richer, sharper sound, the Deep Navy linear switch is an excellent choice, thanks to its full nylon construction and the silky smooth Ly stem. Both switches are light and provide a pleasant tactile experience, but ultimately, your decision should align with whether you lean more toward a cheerful auditory feedback in your typing sessions or the acoustic depth provided by the Deep Navy. Consider what aspects matter most to you, and let that guide your choice.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more