HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options in the linear category are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red. The HMX Cloud - 50g is well-regarded for its distinct clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, appealing to enthusiasts who crave a brighter typing experience. This lighter switch offers responsiveness that many users appreciate, especially for fast-paced gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red strikes a harmonious balance between budget and performance. With its medium-light actuation force and polished touch, this switch is designed for an enjoyable and accessible typing experience, making it a great choice for newcomers and casual users. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, adding a visually striking element to your setup. Both switches have their unique advantages, but the right choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red showcase distinct housing materials, significantly influencing their acoustic profiles. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This softer plastic diminishes harsh high frequencies, leading to a sound that feels more rounded and plush. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate means that it produces a more resonant sound, bringing clearer distinctions in auditory feedback. Users who prioritize a well-rounded, softer key press experience may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 50g, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced and brighter response might prefer the G Pro 3.0 Red.
While the top housings of both switches differ, their bottom housings are similar, with both being constructed from nylon. This shared material dictates the deeper, fuller sound profile that typifies both models when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing is vital for creating a softer and more muted sound at the end of a key press, contributing to a less jarring auditory experience regardless of the top housing material. This emphasizes the idea that even within contrasting designs, the bottom housing retains a semblance of uniformity, enriching the tactile feedback and auditory cues when typing.
In scenarios where the top and bottom housings deviate in material, the interaction between these two components can yield varied sound outputs. For the Cloud - 50g, the nylon housing dominates the auditory experience, particularly when pressing down on the key, while the polycarbonate top adds clarity to the sound once released. Conversely, for the G Pro 3.0 Red, the blend of nylon bottom and polycarbonate top means the user experiences sharper initial impacts alongside a brighter auditory release. Ultimately, both switches bring their unique characteristics to the table, yet when focusing on the bottom sound profile, the similarities in housing materials can produce comparable tactile and auditory satisfaction, appealing to different user preferences effectively.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and the same bottom out force of 50 grams, we see some interesting distinctions. Both switches feature a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they offer a similar amount of resistance when pressed down completely. However, the Cloud switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red, with its heavier actuation force, provides a more substantial feel that some typists may prefer for a more tactile experience. Therefore, users seeking a lighter touch may gravitate towards the HMX Cloud switch, while those desiring a firmer keystroke may favor the Gateron option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Red features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the HMX Cloud - 50g the shorter of the two switches, offering a slightly more responsive feel that some gamers might prefer for quicker reaction times. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial keystroke feel, which could appeal to users who favor a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference; if you seek a quicker response, the Cloud - 50g is optimal, while the G Pro 3.0 Red may suit those who appreciate more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is recognized for its clacky sound profile, providing a bright auditory experience that can be quite satisfying, especially for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red features a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate auditory response that strikes a balance across different uses. This makes the G Pro Red suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting, where a less noticeable sound could be preferable. However, it is important to remember that the overall sound of both switches can be influenced by other factors like the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g stands out with its silky smooth operation, offering a seamless typing experience that enthusiasts will genuinely appreciate. This smoothness is a significant draw for users seeking effortless keystrokes. The G Pro 3.0 Red switch also emphasizes a smooth feel, described as creamy, polished, and silky. The G Pro Red's medium-light actuation force offers a gentle yet responsive typing experience, making it approachable for different skill levels. The combination of these descriptors suggests that both switches provide a refined and enjoyable keystroke, but the Cloud - 50g may appeal slightly more to those who actively seek out smoother tactile feedback while typing.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches bring unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g’s clackiness might attract gamers and typists who enjoy auditory feedback, while the G Pro Red serves those who seek a neutral sound suitable for any environment. When it comes to feel, both switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, but the Cloud - 50g may have a slight edge for enthusiasts looking for the utmost in silkiness. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to sound preference and the overall typing experience one values, yet both will deliver satisfying results for various users.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you’re an enthusiast seeking a bright and clacky sound profile that enhances your overall typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent option. Its silky smooth feel makes it perfect for long typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue while delivering a vibrant auditory feedback. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that provides a balanced experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a great choice. Its creamy and polished feel ensures a smooth keystroke, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced users. With its frosted light diffuser, this switch also offers visually appealing RGB effects, making it a practical option for enhancing aesthetics without compromising on performance. Overall, consider what aspects—sound, feel, or budget—are most important to you to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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