HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style, as exemplified by the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it ideal for enthusiasts who favor a bright and energetic typing experience. Its linear design ensures a silky smooth feel, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes that can enhance typing speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a different appeal with its unique blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback, creating a richly satisfying experience for those who appreciate the sensation of a deliberate tactile bump. This tactile switch excels in providing a nuanced and polished feel that can enhance the typing experience for users who value feedback with each keystroke. Both switches present compelling reasons to be selected based on individual preferences; 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
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, creating a distinctive sound profile that is often characterized by its depth and fullness. Since both switches feature nylon consistently throughout their construction, users can expect a similar auditory experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. This shared material choice diminishes sharpness in sound feedback, contributing to a more pleasant typing experience that is particularly appealing to enthusiasts who favor a softer acoustic profile.
Despite the shared material, the implications of using nylon for both the top and bottom housings can vary subtly between the two switches. In both cases, the bottom housing will significantly influence the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when pressing the switch down, while the top housing will predominately affect the sound of releasing the key. While both switches will deliver a similarly rich sound profile due to their nylon construction, the specific design and engineering of each switch—such as their actuation points and spring mechanisms—may affect the overall feel and response during operation.
In conclusion, the similarities in the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings of the HMX Cloud - 50g and Durock Ice King Tactile switches are a crucial factor in achieving a comparable auditory experience. The characteristics imparted by nylon ensure that both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound, inviting users to enjoy a softened and refined typing experience. Although they may have unique features affecting actuation and feedback, the use of the same housing material ultimately results in shared acoustic qualities that define both switch models.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces are evident. The Cloud switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users seeking a comfortable typing experience for extended periods or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switch features a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feedback when typing. As a result, while the Cloud switch allows for easier key presses with less fatigue, the Ice King provides a more robust feel for those who appreciate added resistance. Ultimately, users will find that the choice between these two switches significantly influences their typing experience, depending on their preference for lighter or heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, the differences become apparent. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the longer option, while the Ice King Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This distinction may influence a user's choice based on their preferences; those who favor a more responsive keypress, such as gamers, might lean towards the quicker activation of the Ice King Tactile due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their key presses may find the HMX Cloud - 50g more appealing for its longer travel distance. Thus, depending on one's typing style and gaming needs, the differences between these switches can significantly affect the overall user experience.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 exhibits a clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a bright and lively auditory experience while typing. This engaging characteristic provides a more pronounced acoustic feedback compared to many other switches, making it suitable for those who enjoy the satisfying resonance associated with keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is known for its subdued sound, which produces a dampened profile when pressed. Although it is not completely silent, the Ice King offers a more subtle sound signature compared to louder switches, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter typing environment without sacrificing the tactile feedback.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by its silky smoothness, providing a pleasant typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses. This smoothness enhances the overall fluidity of typing, enabling a seamless experience for typists. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switch elevates tactile typing with a unique blend of sensations. It features a pronounced tactile bump that contributes to a satisfying keystroke, complemented by silky and frictionless qualities that heighten the overall experience. The stepped design provides a more refined tactile feedback, where users can feel a mild transition during the keystroke, rather than a major bump. This nuanced tactile feedback is further enhanced by the polished feel, which indicates a refined finish that reduces friction during key travel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches cater to different preferences and offer a rich typing experience. The Cloud - 50g provides that vibrant clacky sound and a silky smooth feel ideal for those who thrive on auditory feedback, while the Ice King Tactile balances a more subdued sound with a remarkable tactile experience that combines smoothness and frictionless action. Choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize the bright and lively aspects of a switch or the subtler, yet richly tactile sensations presented by the tactile variant.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch should depend heavily on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you appreciate a lighter touch, a more vibrant sound profile, and an exceptionally smooth feel during extensive typing sessions, the HMX Cloud - 50g would be ideal for you. Its lighter actuation force makes it particularly suitable for typing or gaming where quick key presses are essential, and the clacky sound adds a fun dimension to your experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a bit more resistance, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is your go-to option. Its medium-heavy actuation provides satisfying resistance with every keystroke, and the creamy smoothness combined with a notable tactile bump elevates your typing experience to new heights. This switch’s subdued sound profile also makes it a fantastic choice for quieter environments where noise could be a concern. Ultimately, your unique typing style and environment will guide you in selecting the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
