HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended use, with the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver representing two compelling options. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who seek a bright and engaging typing experience. Its lighter actuation force can enhance overall comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver takes a different approach, focusing on delivering exceptional value for gamers with a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, which translates to rapid key presses and swift reaction times. This switch is not only tailored for an exhilarating gaming experience with its medium-high pitch sound, but it also boasts robust RGB lighting capabilities, enhancing the visual appeal of your setup. While both switches possess unique attributes appealing to distinct user needs, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver showcase distinct properties in their top housing materials, which contributes significantly to their auditory characteristics. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder acoustic profile. This softer material dampens sound frequencies, creating a mellow typing experience that many users appreciate for its lower-pitched feedback. Its construction also contributes to a somewhat muted resonance, enhancing the overall typing experience for those who prefer a more understated auditory response.
In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonance, making each keystroke more audible and pronounced. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, particularly in setups featuring RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination to shine through the material. Consequently, users looking for a more dynamic sound with brighter acoustic qualities may find the G Pro 3.0 Silver more appealing than the G Cloud - 50g, which tends to focus on a deeper sound experience.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, leading to similar outcomes in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon construction in this part enhances the muted audio experience, as it absorbs frequencies and provides a softer landing when the key is pressed down. This similarity means that when it comes to the tactile sensation of bottoming out, users might not notice a significant difference regardless of the top housing material, as both switches will yield a fuller, more resonant sound at that moment. However, the overall auditory profile will remain distinct due to the contrasting nature of the top housing materials, thus offering a unique typing experience between the two models.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch exhibit similar bottom out forces, both measuring at 50 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to reach the lowest point of the key travel. However, there are distinctions in their actuation forces: the HMX Cloud has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver requires slightly more at 45 grams. This makes the Cloud switch lighter overall, which may appeal to users looking for a switch that allows for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without tiring their fingers. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the slightly heavier G Pro 3.0 Silver for its stronger push sensation. In summary, if users favor a lighter touch, the HMX Cloud switch would be ideal, while those seeking a firmer feedback will likely prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver the better choice for gamers seeking faster response times, as shorter travel distances can enhance quick actions. On the other hand, the Cloud - 50g's greater travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience and deeper keystrokes. Ultimately, your preference for either switch depends on whether you prioritize speed or a more traditional feel, with the Cloud - 50g offering a longer travel distance and the G Pro 3.0 Silver providing a shorter, snappier response.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch has a defined clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a brighter auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches produce a bassy, low-pitched sound that is thocky in nature. This results in a deeper and richer auditory feedback, creating a more pronounced and satisfying sound with each keystroke. While both switches can offer enjoyable sound experiences, the Cloud - 50g leans toward a high-pitched character, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a more mellow, bass-heavy depth that can resonate well with gamers seeking a robust auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth typing sensation that many typists find delightful, enhancing the overall experience during long sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, on the other hand, is characterized by its buttery and creamy feel, providing an effortlessly smooth keystroke as fingers glide over the keys with ease. This fluidity is often attributed to either the use of lubricants in the switch or specific materials used in its construction. Both switches ensure a satisfying tactile experience but cater to different preferences; the Cloud - 50g may appeal more to those who appreciate that smooth feel, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver promises a combination of smoothness with an engaging response ideal for fast-paced gaming.
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. If you seek a brighter, clacky typing sound paired with a silky smooth keystroke, the Cloud - 50g will suit your needs well. Conversely, if you prefer deep, thocky sounds with a buttery, creamy feel that enhances your gaming performance, then the G Pro 3.0 Silver is an excellent choice. Both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, yet their distinct characteristics cater to different user preferences, ensuring there's a suitable option for every mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch will largely depend on your primary usage and personal preferences. If you are someone who enjoys a more tactile and acoustic experience in your typing, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its lighter feel and clacky sound profile, is an excellent option. This switch caters to enthusiasts seeking a bright and engaging typing experience, making it suitable for typing-intensive tasks and general use. On the other hand, if gaming is your main focus, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better fit. Its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm allows for quicker key presses, giving you that much-needed edge in gaming scenarios. The G Pro also offers a buttery and creamy feel, perfectly complemented by a low-pitched, thocky sound, enhancing the overall auditory experience while gaming. In essence, if you prioritize a smooth, fast response for competitive gaming, opt for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver. However, if you seek an enjoyable and lively typing experience above all else, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be your best choice.
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