HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to the tactile feel and sound profile that best suits a user’s preferences and typing style. The HMX Cloud - 50g is a linear switch known for its light actuation force and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and smooth typing experience. Its silky feel contributes to an enjoyable, uninterrupted keypress, perfect for those who favor a seamless flow while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish offers a more tactile experience with its medium weight and neutral sound signature, appealing to users seeking a balanced feel without excessive noise. As a stellar default tactile option crafted from custom molds, the EF Grayish provides a reliable and snappy response, suited for many typing tasks. Both switches each offer unique advantages, catering to different preferences, but 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
59g
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
3.40 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
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct auditory experiences. The Cloud - 50g boasts a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, the typing experience on the Cloud - 50g is characterized by a warmer, more subdued acoustic output that many users find pleasant and satisfying, particularly during long typing sessions. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Grayish features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This rigid construction allows for a resonant sound that enhances clarity, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a crisper audio feedback when typing.
Despite the differing top housing materials, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing content, which significantly influences the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches produces a deeper and fuller sound profile that balances the sharper characteristics of the EF Grayish's polycarbonate top. When pressed, the Cloud - 50g and the EverFree (EF) Grayish will provide a somewhat similar typing feel due to this shared material in the bottom, allowing for a tactile foundation that emphasizes softer auditory results. This common ground creates a cohesive acoustical experience, as both switches will feel and sound more rounded when bottoming out compared to how they sound during release, where the differing top materials diverge in sound profile.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches illustrates how housing material can impact typing sound and feel. While the nylon top of the Cloud - 50g contributes to a warmer, more muted acoustic signature, the polycarbonate top of the EverFree provides a brighter, crisper tone. Nonetheless, each switch features nylon for its bottom housing, ensuring that both switches can deliver a rich, full sound when key presses are completed. Users looking for a balance of deep sounds when bottoming out can find satisfaction in both models, although the top housing will dictate the auditory experience during the key release. This intricate blend of materials allows each switch to cater to different preferences, offering a unique yet familiar typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Cloud - 50g boasts a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Grayish features a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams, which appeals to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the EverFree switch is currently unknown. Thus, while the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option with a more effortless keystroke, the EverFree switch provides a firmer resistance, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Users seeking similar results in terms of typing fatigue should consider the Cloud - 50g's lighter actuation force as advantageous, while those requiring a heavier feedback experience would lean towards the EverFree switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, we find that the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the EverFree measures at a slightly shorter 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Cloud - 50g provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more tactile feedback and a more pronounced keypress. Conversely, the EverFree’s shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm aligns with the preferences of those who favor quicker response times, making it more suitable for gaming scenarios. Ultimately, if you opt for the EverFree, you may experience a more responsive feel, while the HMX Cloud - 50g may cater to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke 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 Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EverFree (EF) Grayish for $2.69.
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 is characterized by its clacky sound profile, which appeals to enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience. This lively acoustic signature can create an engaging atmosphere, making each keystroke feel rewarding. Conversely, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a neutral sound signature, which strikes a balance that makes it suitable for various settings, whether at home or in the office. Its moderate sound profile ensures that it won't be overly distracting, aligning well with users who prefer a more subdued typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is noted for its silky smooth operation, providing a fluid typing experience. This smoothness makes it particularly enjoyable for long typing sessions, as there’s minimal friction or resistance. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Grayish features a stepped tactile feel, delivering a mild yet noticeable bump during actuation. This design allows for some pre-travel and post-travel feedback, while its snappy responsiveness contributes to a more engaging and lively typing experience. While both switches provide distinct tactile sensations, the Cloud - 50g excels in smoothness, whereas the EverFree (EF) Grayish offers a unique blend of step-wise feedback.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches present different auditory and tactile experiences, catering to varied preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloud - 50g is ideal for those who appreciate a clacky sound and silky smooth interactions, while the EverFree (EF) Grayish provides a neutral acoustic environment with a mild tactile feedback and a snappy response. Choosing between them largely depends on whether you prioritize sound and smoothness or a balanced sound profile with responsive tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, but your choice will reflect your personal preferences and intended use.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing sound along with an ultra-smooth feel, the Cloud - 50g, with its lighter actuation force, is an excellent choice, especially for gaming and rapid typing scenarios where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balanced experience that combines responsiveness with a gentle tactile feedback, the EF Grayish is more suited for a wide range of uses, whether you're at home or in a professional environment. Its neutral sound and stepped tactile feedback provide a satisfying middle ground for both beginners and advanced users alike. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you prioritize aspects like sound, feel, and typing purpose to find the switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
