HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two standout options are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Ink Box Black, both featuring linear characteristics. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile, ideal for enthusiasts who crave a bright and lively typing experience, while its lighter actuation force—rated at 50g—offers a silky smooth feel that's perfect for those who enjoy rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black is renowned for its exceptionally smooth and creamy action, paired with a unique sound signature that evokes the subtle rattling of a spray paint can. This combination lends itself to a polished and refined typing experience. While both switches are linear and designed to deliver a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback, their distinctive sound profiles and actuation feel set them apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches reveal distinct characteristics that shape the typing experience. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is a traditional choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being made from a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound and contributes to a duller and rounder acoustic signature. This results in a typing experience that many find to be warm and smooth, allowing for a less abrasive auditory feedback. In contrast, the Ink Box Black employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. This material is designed to deliver a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that lacks sharpness, resulting in a clacky typing experience. These differences in material impact the overall sound and feel of the switches significantly.
While both switches use different materials for their housings, they share a fundamental quality: each influences the sound profile based on whether it is a top or bottom housing. The nylon construction of the Cloud - 50g means that the sound profile has a more muted quality, with both the top and bottom contributing to the deeper acoustics. In contrast, the Ink Box Black's INK blend enhances the overall clackiness with a more pronounced and lighter sound. This can lead to a more lively typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a responsive and airy feedback. When a key is pressed, the bottom housing typically has the most significant impact on the bottom-out sound, while releasing the key emphasizes the qualities of the top housing, illustrating how differing materials can separately influence these acoustic responses.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Ink Box Black offer unique characteristics based on their respective housing materials. The nylon of the Cloud - 50g, known for producing a rich and filled sound, contrasts sharply with the more pronounced high-pitched sounds generated by the Ink Box Black's INK blend. However, despite the differences, one can achieve pleasing auditory feedback from both switches, albeit in different ways. The combination of these materials allows each switch to cater to differing preferences in typing sound and feel. Users may lean towards one or the other based on the desired typing experience, highlighting how housing materials can greatly influence the final output of a keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial, tactile typing experience. Therefore, while both switches can provide satisfying performance, those seeking a lighter feel will gravitate towards the Cloud - 50g, while those who enjoy the heftier response will likely choose the Ink Box Black. In terms of force, the weights clearly contrast: the Cloud - 50g is lighter, whereas the Ink Box Black is heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Ink Box Black, you'll experience quicker key presses, making it more responsive, which is often favored by gamers for faster reaction times. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Cloud - 50g provides a deeper pressing sensation, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Ink Box Black is the better choice, but if you're looking for a switch that offers a fuller, more pronounced feel, the Cloud - 50g would be more suited to your needs.
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 Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience. This high-pitched sound gives a bright and percussive quality to each keystroke, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a more lively typing ambiance. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch brings a different auditory character, described as reminiscent of a shaking spray paint can. While it lacks the clacky sharpness of the Cloud - 50g, it presents a more subdued yet unique sound signature. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, and it's crucial to note that sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and keycap choice.
When we consider the feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch offers a silky smooth typing experience that enhances the overall enjoyment of each keystroke. This smoothness minimizes resistance, allowing for a fluid typing motion. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black is similarly recognized for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel. The polished finish of the Ink Box Black ensures a refined typing experience, reducing friction during key travel. Both switches excel in providing a smooth feel, and thus users can expect to achieve a similar sense of comfort and ease when typing.
In summary, while both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Ink Box Black switches deliver smooth and enjoyable tactile experiences, they differ significantly in sound. The Cloud - 50g offers a clacky and high-pitched auditory profile, perfect for those seeking an energetic keyboard experience, whereas the Ink Box Black provides a softer sound reminiscent of a spray can, making for a more subdued typing environment. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and the desired typing experience, knowing that both will offer smooth performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch largely depends on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you favor a lighter touch with a 50g actuation force and enjoy a clacky, bright sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g is likely the better option for you. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more responsive typing feel and prefer the auditory satisfaction of a sharper, high-pitched sound. On the other hand, if you desire a more substantial typing experience with a 70g bottom-out force, you might find the Gateron Ink Box Black to be the perfect fit. It offers a silky smoothness and a creamy touch, making it great for extended typing sessions, coupled with a unique sound signature reminiscent of a shaker can, which may appeal to those looking for a more subdued yet still satisfying auditory feedback. Therefore, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the physical characteristics of each switch to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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