HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White present compelling options for enthusiasts, each with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy an energetic and engaging typing experience; its 50g actuation force strikes a balance between tactile feedback and ease of use. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White, with its feather-light actuation force of just 38g, is designed for delicate typists who appreciate effortless keystrokes and a more muted auditory feedback. The G Pro White also features a frosted light diffuser that enhances the vibrancy of RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for gamers and aesthetic-focused setups. Both switches offer unique advantages, whether it’s the vibrant tactile feedback of the HMX Cloud or the lightweight, budget-friendly appeal of the G Pro. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches exhibit distinct characteristics due to their differing top housing materials. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for creating a sharper and crisper auditory experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows sound to resonate more clearly, resulting in a higher-pitched tone. While both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience, the sonic qualities emphasized by their respective top housing materials create a noticeable difference.
When it comes to bottom housing, both the Cloud - 50g and the G Pro 3.0 White utilize nylon, which produces a consistent sound experience and feel. The nylon bottom in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile and ensures a comfortable tactile sensation when typing. This similarity in bottom housing allows users to experience a comparable bottom-out sound and feel, highlighting the advantage of using nylon for absorbing sound vibrations. While the top housings diverge in their sound characteristics, the use of nylon in the bottom for both switches maintains a unified tactile experience during keystrokes, emphasizing the overall tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the contrasting top housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches lead to different sound profiles that users will perceive depending on how they interact with each switch. The Cloud - 50g's nylon top housing delivers a warm, rounded sound, while the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate construction offers a brighter, crisper tone. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will encounter similar auditory experiences when bottoming out, given that the bottom housing significantly influences this aspect. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound while providing a consistent tactile experience through their common nylon base.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer low-resistance typing. The Cloud - 50g switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 White requires slightly less force, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 White the lighter of the two options. Users looking for less strain during extended typing or gaming sessions may gravitate toward the G Pro 3.0 White due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Cloud - 50g despite its only slightly heavier specifications. Overall, while both switches are designed for lighter performance, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White offers an even easier keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, there is a slight difference that could influence a user's typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Cloud - 50g offers a more responsive feel, which can benefit gamers seeking quicker reactions. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 White, with its traditional 4.0 mm distance, may provide a more substantial tactile experience for users who appreciate a deeper key press. Therefore, if you prefer a quicker response, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be the better choice, while those who enjoy more depth in their keystrokes might opt for the Gateron switch.
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 White 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 White 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and engaging auditory experience while typing. This clacky quality produces a crisp and percussive sound that adds to the tactile feedback of each keystroke. Conversely, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch features a medium-high pitch that provides satisfying auditory feedback, though it can also be perceived as more neutral or subdued in certain contexts. While the Cloud - 50g promises a sharper auditory thrill, the G Pro 3.0 White strikes a balanced tone that caters to those seeking versatility in various environments, suggesting that the overall sound experience will depend heavily on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used in conjunction with either switch.
When considering the feel of these switches, both offer different tactile sensations geared toward their respective audiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g switch is noted for its silky smooth feel, allowing for a seamless typing experience as fingers glide effortlessly over the keys. This smoothness enhances the overall tactile engagement, catering particularly to those who value that aspect in their typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch boasts a creamy, easy-to-press nature that emphasizes comfort and responsiveness. With its light actuation force of only 38g, it enables a feathery, mild typing experience that can be especially forgiving during extended use. The G Pro 3.0 White's structure combines smoother action with an approachable feel, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize comfort over a pronounced tactile bump.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 50g excels in delivering a bright, clacky sound coupled with a silky smooth typing sensation, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy an engaging experience. The G Pro 3.0 White, meanwhile, presents a more neutral auditory feedback complemented by a creamy and easy-to-press feel, making it ideal for those who favor comfort and versatility. Ultimately, both switches allow for enjoyable typing experiences, so your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more lively sound and smooth feel or a subtler, low-effort typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you’re an enthusiast who enjoys a clacky sound and a bright typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice; its 50g bottom-out force offers a silky smooth feel, making each keystroke satisfying and enjoyable. This switch is particularly great for those who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing sessions and don’t mind a little extra heft in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the G Pro 3.0 White, with its incredibly low 45g bottom-out force, is designed for effortless keystrokes, offering a creamy and easy-to-press feel that is ideal for long typing sessions without fatigue. This switch’s budget-friendly nature pairs well with its bright RGB capabilities and neutral sound profile, making it a versatile choice for both home and office use. Ultimately, consider what aspects—be it sound, feel, or gaming context—are most important to you, and this will guide you toward the right switch for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
