HMX Cloud - 50g vs. HMX EVA
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX EVA switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX EVA both offer unique experiences, despite both being linear switches. The HMX Cloud - 50g is renowned for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation at 50g, appealing to enthusiasts who crave a brighter, more resonant typing experience. Its silky smooth keystroke enhances both speed and comfort, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize tactile feedback during fast-paced gaming or typing. On the other hand, the HMX EVA captivates users with its striking design inspired by the iconic Evangelion Unit-01, delivering a distinct resonant sound signature paired with an equally smooth typing feel. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a visual flair alongside performance. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX EVA, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This commonality in material results in a consistent typing experience across both models. Nylon, often praised for its sound-absorbing qualities, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of the same material in both switches means that users can expect a similar auditory feedback, characterized by a duller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon. This similarity is likely to appeal to typists looking for a consistent experience whether they opt for the Cloud - 50g or the EVA.
The impact of nylon on the bottom and top housings further solidifies the consistent performance between the two models. With both switches featuring nylon on the bottom, the bottom-out sound and feel will echo the same muted characteristics, regardless of which switch is used. This reinforces the notion that both switches are optimized for a comfortable typing experience. Coupled with the nylon top housing, users can also expect a sound profile when releasing the keys to be equally pleasant and full. Hence, those who appreciate the qualities of nylon will find their preferences met with either option.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX EVA share identical housing materials in both their top and bottom components, which ensures minimal variance in the overall typing experience. Users looking for similar auditory and tactile feedback will not be disappointed with either option. The consistent nylon composition allows for an expectation of uniformity in sound and feel, making both switches appealing to a wide array of typists. Whether one opts for the Cloud - 50g or the EVA, the results promise a similar quality of experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, both exhibit similar actuation forces, with each requiring 42 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that typing on both switches will feel relatively light, making them well-suited for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons where comfort is key. However, their bottom-out forces differ slightly, with the Cloud - 50g having a bottom-out force of 50 grams, while the EVA linear switch has a lower bottom-out force of 48 grams. This difference suggests that the Cloud switch provides a slightly more substantial feel when bottoming out, appealing to users who prefer a heavier push. In summary, while both switches are light and have the same actuation force, the Cloud - 50g switch is heavier in terms of bottom-out force, offering a more pronounced feedback upon full keystroke engagement.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch differ slightly, with the Cloud - 50g measuring 3.9 mm and the EVA at 3.6 mm. This makes the EVA the shorter option, providing a more immediate key response that can appeal to gamers seeking quick reaction times. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g’s longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you value rapid response and a lighter touch, the EVA may be the better fit; however, if you enjoy a deeper, more traditional switch feel, the Cloud - 50g would be more suitable.
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 EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a bright and engaging auditory experience that resonates well with typists who enjoy a more prominent click. On the other hand, the HMX EVA linear switch features a resonant sound signature, which may complement its aesthetic inspiration from the iconic Evangelion anime. While both switches offer distinct auditory qualities, the actual sound experience will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even the environment in which they are used.
Focusing on feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth typing experience, which enhances both speed and comfort during extended typing sessions. Similarly, the HMX EVA also boasts a silky smooth type feel, making both switches excellent choices for users seeking a seamless keystroke. The consistent smoothness between the two switches means that users can expect a comparable tactile engagement, allowing for a fluid typing rhythm.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g linear and HMX EVA linear switches present unique sound profiles and share a similar smooth typing experience. The Cloud - 50g leans toward a brighter, clacky sound, while the EVA delivers a resonant quality, both of which can be influenced significantly by external factors. However, when it comes to feel, users can anticipate a nearly identical silky smoothness from either switch. Ultimately, both options offer their own appeal, allowing newcomers to enjoy a satisfying typing experience tailored to their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and aesthetic appeal. If you value a brighter typing experience and enjoy a switch that produces a clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice for you. Its lighter actuation force and silky smooth feel make it a fantastic option for long typing sessions, especially if you're an enthusiast who loves to feel the feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're drawn to both the iconic design inspired by Evangelion Unit-01 and a resonant sound signature that beautifully balances auditory feedback with a smooth typing experience, the HMX EVA may be more suited to your taste. With its slightly lighter bottom-out force and unique sound profile, the EVA promises to deliver a satisfying typing experience that stands out visually and acoustically. So, consider how you want your mechanical keyboard to feel and sound, as well as any aesthetic preferences, and let those factors guide your decision between these two fantastic switches.
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