HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Glory Yellow each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its distinctively clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who relish a bright and engaging typing experience. Its silky smooth feel adds to the overall enjoyment, especially for those who favor a more responsive touch. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow boasts a heavier actuation, delivering a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance that many users find enhances their typing comfort and precision. While both switches are linear, they serve different purposes depending on whether one prefers a lighter, more audible switch or a firmer, more controlled typing experience. 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
50g
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Glory Yellow both employ nylon as the primary material for their housing, which contributes significantly to the auditory experience when typing. Each has a nylon top and bottom housing that facilitates a deeper and fuller sound profile, leaning towards a duller, rounder tonal quality due to nylon’s softer plastic properties. This shared feature indicates that users can expect similar auditory characteristics from both switches, emphasizing a softer, more muted keystroke sound that many typists find appealing. Thus, if you're prioritizing sound quality in your typing experience, both switches offer comparable results owing to their identical housing materials.
In examining the tactile and acoustic responsiveness between the Cloud - 50g and the Glory Yellow, the consistent use of nylon in both switches becomes particularly significant. However, the overall feel during typing can still differ due to other elements such as spring characteristics or stem design, which are not detailed in your provided information. While the nylon housings collectively thermal and sound-silent qualities allow for reduced echo and sound, the difference in their internal mechanisms might create varying tactile experiences. Yet, since both switches utilize nylon throughout, one could argue the overall typing experience will still maintain a resonant quality if the switch components otherwise remain constant.
Lastly, it's crucial to note the interplay between the top and bottom housings in shaping the overall performance of these switches. Since both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Glory Yellow employ nylon for both top and bottom housings, the impact on sound and feel will be uniformly integrated. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound on key release. Therefore, regardless of any differences in switch layout or mechanism, users can anticipate a cohesive acoustic profile and tactile feedback across both switch models, largely thanks to their identical housing materials. This consistency ensures that whether typing on the Cloud - 50g or the Glory Yellow, a similar typing experience is guaranteed.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cloud - 50g requires an actuation force of 42 grams, making it a lighter option that is well-suited for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, which means it offers a stronger push feel and can provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer heavier switches. However, the bottom out force of the Glory Yellow is not available, making it difficult to directly compare that aspect with the Cloud's bottom out force of 50 grams. Given these details, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter switch, while the Gateron Glory Yellow is the heavier option. For users who prefer a lighter feel, the Cloud - 50g would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more robust keypress may find the Gateron Glory Yellow more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we find a slight difference that could influence user preference. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Glory Yellow offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gateron Glory Yellow, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more traditional and deeper typing experience, which some users prefer for its tactile feedback. Conversely, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers or those prioritizing faster response times. While neither switch has an extremely short travel distance, the Cloud - 50g's 3.9 mm could feel more abrupt and responsive compared to the more generous 4 mm of the Glory Yellow, making it the primary choice for users who prefer speed over depth.
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 Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 produces a clacky sound profile, which appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a brighter auditory experience while typing. This makes it particularly suitable for those who enjoy an audible feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch has a different sound profile, typically characterized as deeper and less pronounced than that of the Cloud - 50g, which may lead to a quieter typing experience overall. However, it's important to keep in mind that the sound produced by any switch can vary depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is known for its silky smooth actuation, which ensures a particularly enjoyable typing experience with minimal friction. This smoothness can make it easier for typists to achieve fast, fluid keystrokes. Conversely, the Glory Yellow switch also emphasizes a smooth keystroke, though it is described as having a pleasing travel distance that may appeal to users who prefer a slightly heftier feel. This combination of a smooth keystroke and substantial travel can contribute to an engaging typing experience, especially for those who enjoy tactile sensations beneath their fingers.
Overall, while both switches offer smooth keystrokes, they present different auditory and tactile experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g caters to those seeking a clacky sound and a lighter feel, fostering a bright and energetic typing environment. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch provides a more subdued sound profile and a heftier feel, perfect for users who appreciate solid keystrokes and a more pronounced typing experience. Depending on your preferences, either option can result in an enjoyable typing experience, even if the qualities differ.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a clacky sound profile that enhances your typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom out force provides a silky smooth feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more responsive and lively keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier feel with a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, the Gateron Glory Yellow might be the better option for you. Although its specific bottom out force isn't available, its reputation for providing an enjoyable typing experience remains strong. In essence, if you're drawn to a bright and engaging sound with a lighter touch, go for the Cloud - 50g; however, if you value a more substantial keystroke and subtly enjoyable sound, the Glory Yellow will likely serve you better.
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