HMX Cloud - 50g vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between a variety of options, each with its own unique appeal. The HMX Cloud - 50g switch is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it a favorite among those who relish a bright and engaging typing experience. Its silky smooth feel ensures fluid keypresses, ideal for users seeking both performance and pleasure. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch, manufactured by KTT, offers a delightful typing experience characterized by a gentle 43.5g bottom-out force, making it incredibly forgiving on the fingers for extended typing sessions. The Jacaranda's distinct sound signature also leans towards the clacky side, delivering crisp feedback with each keystroke, while its unique 22mm spring provides an enjoyable bounce, enhancing both comfort and satisfaction. Each switch has its strengths, appealing to different preferences and typing styles; 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
39g
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
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and PH Studio Jacaranda each feature distinct top housing materials, which significantly influence their overall sound profiles when typing. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for its top housing, a classic choice known for its capacity to absorb sound, thereby producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Conversely, the Jacaranda employs polycarbonate in its top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's stiffer nature. This fundamental difference means that while the Cloud will provide a more muted and warm sound when typing, the Jacaranda’s polycarbonate top allows for a crisper and more resonant sound, especially suitable for setups utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Both switches, however, share a common bottom housing material made of nylon, which creates a consistent sound profile. This shared characteristic results in a deeper and rounder sound when keys are bottomed out, as nylon's softer nature tends to absorb and muffle vibrations. Therefore, while the overall typing experience of the Cloud - 50g may feel fuller and more muted due to the combination of materials, the Jacaranda can still produce similar depths of sound during bottoming out due to its nylon bottom. This harmony in bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a level of consistency in sound depth, even as their top housings diverge in auditory characteristics.
In summary, the distinction between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Jacaranda in terms of top housing material influences the auditory experience significantly, with nylon offering warmth and polycarbonate providing brightness. However, since both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, they maintain a degree of sound consistency during the bottoming out phase. A typist can expect a more pronounced depth with both switches, albeit the overall typing sound and feel will diverge based on the top housing's properties. In essence, users looking for a deeper sound can find satisfaction in both models, although the nuances in tonal quality and response will vary based on the configuration of housing materials.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch both feature light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a softer typing experience. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Jacaranda requires slightly less effort with an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Jacaranda is the lighter of the two switches in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. As both switches have relatively close light forces, users can expect similar typing experiences, with the Jacaranda providing an even lighter touch, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel may find the heavier Cloud - 50g switch more satisfying.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Cloud - 50g provides a deeper feel when pressing down on a key, which some users may find more satisfying or traditional compared to the Jacaranda's shorter response. If you're someone who values rapid response times, the Jacaranda's 3.5 mm travel distance could cater to that preference, making it suitable for gaming scenarios where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced keystroke that allows for a clearer tactile feedback, the Cloud - 50g would be the better choice with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will hinge on personal taste regarding depth versus responsiveness.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches deliver a clacky auditory experience that is bright and engaging. The Cloud - 50g switch provides a clearly defined, sharp sound profile that resonates well with those who appreciate a more vibrant typing atmosphere. Similarly, the Jacaranda's clacky sound signature is described as crisp and percussive, contributing to an immersive auditory feedback that enhances each keystroke. Both switches cater to enthusiasts who enjoy a lively acoustic environment while typing, making them well-suited for those who appreciate the auditory qualities of keyboard switches.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is known for its buttery smoothness, allowing for an effortless typing action that minimizes resistance throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda also boasts a silky feel, ensuring a similarly smooth and pleasant typing experience. What truly distinguishes the Jacaranda is its extended 22mm spring, which adds a bouncy sensation to each keystroke. However, both switches ultimately provide a consistently enjoyable experience, perfect for long typing sessions without finger fatigue.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches are characterized by their clacky sound profiles and smooth feel, the Jacaranda introduces a unique aspect with its bouncy spring that provides an additional layer of responsiveness. Enthusiasts who appreciate a lively auditory experience will find satisfaction in either option, while tactile feedback remains smooth and satisfying across both switches. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on a personal preference for that extra bounce or a simpler, yet equally enjoyable, typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a slightly heavier feel with a clacky sound profile that adds a bright character to your typing experience, the Cloud - 50g at a 50-gram bottom-out force may be the better option for you. Its smooth keypress provides a satisfying experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a lively and responsive feel during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch that emphasizes ease of use and a gentler touch, the Jacaranda could be your best bet. With its light 43.5-gram actuation force and 22mm spring, it offers a uniquely bouncy sensation paired with a clacky and crisp audio feedback that enhances each keystroke. This switch is particularly suited for long periods of typing or gaming, ensuring that you experience minimal finger fatigue. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct preferences, so consider what aspects—be it sound, feel, or actuation force—are most important to you when making your decision.
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