HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Huano Grape Orange stand out as two notable options, both categorized as linear switches but offering distinct traits that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile, delivering a bright and engaging typing experience while providing a silky smooth tactile feedback. With a moderate actuation force, it's well-suited for enthusiasts who appreciate a balance of responsiveness and noise. Conversely, the Huano Grape Orange takes the crown for its ultra-low 40g actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who may engage in long typing sessions and prefer an effortlessly light touch. While the HMX Cloud - 50g appeals to users who seek a lively auditory experience, the Grape Orange prioritizes comfort and ease of use. 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
40g
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
3.60 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Grape Orange switches both incorporate distinct housing materials that lead to differentiated sound profiles. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to create a deeper, more rounded sound due to the material's softness. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb sound effectively, producing a fuller acoustic experience when typing. In contrast, the Grape Orange employs a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes, making it ideal for users who favor an expressive auditory feedback as they type. This fundamental difference in the top housing material profoundly influences the typing experience, as the Cloud - 50g delivers a warmer and more plush sound, while the Grape Orange provides a penetrating and bright acoustic feedback.
Examining the bottom housings reveals commonality between the two switches. Both the Cloud - 50g and the Grape Orange feature nylon in their bottom housings, which serves to create a rich, fuller sound profile. As such, when users press down on either switch, they will experience the impacts of the nylon's sound-dampening qualities, resulting in a muted bottom-out sound and sensible tactile response. This consistency in the bottom housing material can create similarities in feel, allowing typists to enjoy that rich sensation regardless of the differences presented by the top housings. The nylon base harmonizes the acoustic profile of both switches, bridging the sound experiences in a way that showcases the benefits of this classic material.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Grape Orange switches creates a nuanced typing experience defined by their respective sound profiles and tactile sensations. While the top housings diverge—with the nylon delivering warmth and the polycarbonate providing crispness—the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a certain familiarity in key engagement and bottom-out response. Users looking for an engaging typing experience can expect similar top sensations between the two switches, while contrasting auditory elements will uniquely define each switch. This balance may cater to a variety of preferences, combining the comforting depth of nylon with the punchy brightness of polycarbonate in a way that ultimately satisfies a diverse set of typists.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams, whereas the Grape Orange features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that while their initial push requires different forces, they ultimately provide the same resistance at the bottom of the keypress. Therefore, for those who prioritize a softer key feel, the Grape Orange may be preferred due to its lighter actuation force. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g offers a slightly firmer typing experience but maintains the same bottom out pressure, catering to users who enjoy a more defined resistance. In conclusion, while both switches are light, with the Grape Orange being the lighter of the two, they are comparable in terms of bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the longer option, while the Grape Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference can significantly affect the feel and responsiveness of each switch. Gamers may lean towards the Grape Orange for its shorter travel distance, which allows for faster key presses and quicker response times. On the other hand, those preferring a deeper, more substantial feel under their fingers might find the Cloud - 50g more appealing due to its greater travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feedback and response time during usage.
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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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, offering a bright and lively acoustic experience that many typists and gamers enjoy. This makes it a great option for those who appreciate an audible feedback that enhances their overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch doesn't have a specific description provided, but it’s important to note that sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard’s design and components, such as the type of keycaps used and the board materials, which can influence the pitches and resonance of any switch.
When considering the feel of the two switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g is known for its silky smooth actuation, giving users a pleasant tactile experience as they type. This fluidity can be particularly enjoyable for typists seeking a responsive yet smooth input. Conversely, the Grape Orange switch offers an exceptionally light feel with its ultra-low 40g actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a barely-there touch, which can be particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions where finger fatigue may become an issue.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is perfect for users who appreciate a bright sound and silky smooth feedback, while the Grape Orange excels in offering a lightweight and effortless typing experience. While sound qualities might differ depending on your overall keyboard setup, the feel of these switches is distinctly tailored to different typing styles, making it easier for users to choose the switch that best fits their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you are someone who enjoys a brighter, clacky sound profile combined with a smooth typing experience, the Cloud - 50g might be the better option for you. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for a comfortable yet responsive feel, making it suitable for both casual use and racing games. On the other hand, if you prioritize extended typing sessions and seek a quieter experience with an ultra-light actuation force of 40 grams, the Grape Orange switch is your go-to choice. This switch offers an effortless typing experience while maintaining smoothness and comfort, perfect for users who type for long periods without fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you value most in your typing experience—whether it’s the auditory feedback of the Cloud or the comfort and ease of the Grape Orange.
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