HMX Cloud - 50g vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX EMO are both excellent choices for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience, yet they offer distinct characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it ideal for those who relish an engaging auditory feedback while typing. Its 50g actuation force provides a balance between comfort and precision, catering to users who enjoy a slightly firmer touch. On the other hand, the HMX EMO stands out with its lively, clacky feedback and incredibly light 46g bottom-out force, creating an effortlessly responsive and bouncy typing sensation. Exceptionally factory-lubed, the EMO switch offers a smoothness that can enhance prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, while both switches are linear and provide unique strengths, they cater to different styles of typing and user 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
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX EMO, their housing materials reveal significant distinctions that impact their sound profiles and overall feel. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the HMX EMO features a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition leads to more resonant sounds, making it ideal for creating a lively typing experience that excels in clarity. Thus, while the Cloud - 50g might attract users looking for a warm and subdued auditory sensation, the EMO caters to those preferring a more vibrant and penetrating sound.
When examining the bottom housings of both models, they both utilize nylon, creating a consistent auditory experience in this aspect. Since nylon is a classic housing material known for its sound absorbing qualities, the bottom-out sound when typing is similar across both switches. This shared characteristic leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile that enriches the tactile feedback users receive during each keystroke. Given that the nylon bottom housing serves a pivotal role in shaping the bottom-out feel and sound, both HMX models achieve a level of uniformity in this area. Hence, despite the different materials used in their top housing, users can still expect a comparable auditory response when bottoming out on either switch.
In terms of the overall impact of the housing materials, the contrasting upper housing choices do play a vital role in defining the entire switch performance. The Cloud - 50g's nylon top housing dampens the sound when keys are released, leading to a heavier, more muted feedback that can instill a sense of comfort. Conversely, the EMO's polycarbonate top housing heightens the acoustic qualities of the switch, especially when releasing the keys, resulting in a brighter sound. Therefore, while the bottom housings align in their nylon composition to create a shared experience for the user, the uniqueness of their top housings creates differentiated auditory environments, allowing each model to shine in its intended use case.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, both switches fall within a light range, appealing to typists and gamers who prefer less resistance. The Cloud - 50g switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the EMO switch has a slightly lower actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. This makes the EMO switch the lighter option in terms of actuation force. Both switches are designed for quick keystrokes, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Neither switch offers a heavy push feel; thus, users seeking a more substantial typing experience would likely prefer a switch with a higher force. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces are relatively similar between the two, the EMO's slightly lower actuation force may provide an easier keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, with the Cloud - 50g having a travel distance of 3.9 mm and the EMO measuring 3.5 mm. This makes the EMO the shorter option, offering a more responsive typing experience that is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more traditional feel and a fuller keypress. If you prefer a depth in your key travel, the 50g is the better choice, while the shorter EMO can cater to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference for travel depth versus snappiness.
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 HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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 produces a bright and clacky profile that will appeal to enthusiasts seeking a lively auditory experience while typing. This sound signature tends to resonate well in gaming and typing scenarios, offering a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. The HMX EMO switch, on the other hand, also features a lively clacky sound. However, with its lighter 46g bottom-out force, it may present a slightly different auditory response. Regardless, both switches are likely to provide a similar energetic sound profile, though the ultimate sound experience will also be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is noted for its silky smoothness, allowing for effortless keystrokes. This smooth operation enhances the overall typing experience, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX EMO switch is characterized by its lively, bouncy feel, which is supported by its factory lubrication. The EMO provides a satisfying and responsive typing experience that can feel particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a bit of springiness in their keystrokes. Both switches promise smooth action, but the EMO's bounciness may offer a slightly different tactile sensation compared to the Cloud's silky feel.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Cloud - 50g and HMX EMO linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to similar preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Cloud - 50g stands out with its smooth typing experience and bright sound, while the EMO presents a lively feel with a slightly lighter force and similarly clacky sound. Ultimately, enthusiasts can expect to achieve a satisfying typing experience regardless of choice, though individual preferences will determine the best fit for each user.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX EMO linear switches, consider your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a light and bright typing experience with a clackier sound, the Cloud - 50g might be your ideal choice. With its 50g bottom-out force and silky-smooth feel, it caters well to those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you're looking for an even lighter switch that delivers a bouncy, effortless experience, the HMX EMO, with its 46g bottom-out force, might suit you better. Its factory lubrication enhances the smoothness and satisfaction that many typists crave. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a slightly firmer response and a brighter sound or a nearly effortless typing experience with a livelier feel.
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