HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offer two distinct yet appealing experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, known for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, is a linear switch that caters to enthusiasts seeking a bright and engaging typing experience. Its lighter actuation force makes it ideal for those who prefer a rapid and effortless keystroke, perfect for both gaming and fast-paced typing tasks. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown excels as a tactile switch, providing a delightful, subtle bump that enhances tactile feedback without overwhelming the flow of typing. Its medium-high pitch sound and frosted light diffuser enhance the auditory experience while allowing RGB lighting to shine through, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate both functionality and aesthetics in their keyboard setup. While both switches offer unique advantages—such as the Cloud's smoothness and the Brown's tactile feedback—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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly impacts their sound profiles. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a duller and rounder acoustic output, creating a typing experience that is generally quieter and more muted. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience, ideal for users who prefer a more resonant and pronounced typing feedback. The choice of materials creates divergent sound profiles, catering to different preferences in tactile and acoustic feedback.
When examining the bottom housing materials, both switches align more closely, as they utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the substantial sound damping characteristic shared between both models. Users will find that both switches tend to produce a deeper and fuller sound at bottom-out, a quality attributed to the nylon material's ability to absorb sound vibrations effectively. This similarity in the bottom housing means that regardless of the top housing differences, the fundamental bottom-out sound will feel comparable when pressing down on either switch. Typists can enjoy the same muted experience during key presses, even though the release sound will vary significantly between the two.
Ultimately, the impact of these housing materials becomes evident in the overall typing experience provided by each switch. The Cloud - 50g's nylon top provides a softer and deeper auditory experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top delivers a more vibrant and crisp sound upon key release. However, since both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, users will sense a cohesive bottom-out experience. Thus, while the switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their differing top housing materials, they maintain similarities in their bottom housing performance, ensuring a consistent experience in terms of the response and feel during key actuations.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces become evident. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may find preferable. Consequently, the Cloud - 50g is clearly the lighter option, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the heavier switch. This difference in force specifications suggests that users seeking a more responsive feel may opt for the lighter switch, while those desiring a firmer resistance might gravitate towards the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, we find that they differ slightly. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that for those who prefer a more responsive experience, the Cloud - 50g may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker actuation. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced depth, which some users prefer for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. Therefore, the Cloud - 50g is the shorter option, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the longer one.
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 G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 characterized by its clacky sound profile, delivering a bright and engaging auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a medium-high pitch sound that provides satisfying auditory feedback without being overwhelming. This subtlety complements its tactile characteristics, making it a versatile choice for those who seek a balance between auditory stimulation and typing comfort. Ultimately, both switches deliver enjoyable sound profiles, but with distinctly different tones that cater to varying preferences.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its silky smoothness, offering a seamless typing experience that minimizes friction and enhances overall comfort. This switch type requires a lighter actuation force, allowing users to type with less effort, making it ideal for long typing sessions. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch features a gentle bump that provides a mild tactile feedback, known for its easy-to-press nature. The lack of an aggressive tactile response means it strikes a balance, offering a comfortable, low-impact typing feel while maintaining an engaging typing experience. The stepped design of the G Pro Brown further supports a more gradual feedback, with defined pre-travel and post-travel phases that can help users better identify keyactuation points.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Cloud - 50g leans towards enthusiasts who favor a clacky, smooth typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown serves as a reliable, budget-friendly option with a gentle tactile response and pleasant auditory feedback. Both switches fulfill their promises of comfort and enjoyment, yet each brings a unique set of subjective qualities that can appeal to different user preferences. It's important to consider your personal typing style and environment when deciding between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter switch with a quick actuation and a bright, clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. This switch provides a smooth typing experience that is especially suited for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a more responsive feel. Its 50-gram actuation force means you can type for longer periods without experiencing as much fatigue, making it ideal for extended sessions. However, if you enjoy a more defined tactile feedback while typing, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is likely to be more your speed. With its subtle bump and medium actuation force of 63 grams, it provides a balanced typing experience that feels satisfying without being overwhelming. The auditory feedback, although not as pronounced as the Cloud switch, adds a layer of enjoyment to your keystrokes, making it a solid option for both typing and casual gaming. Ultimately, consider trying both types of switches to determine which one aligns best with your needs—be it a smooth linear feel for speed or a tactile experience for enhanced precision and comfort.
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