HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Orange each offer unique characteristics that cater to distinct preferences among typists and gamers alike. The HMX Cloud - 50g, with its lighter actuation force and clacky sound profile, appeals to enthusiasts who favor a brighter typing experience complemented by a silky smooth feel. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange switches deliver a similarly clacky response but emphasize a lightweight and feathery sensation, providing crisp and audible feedback that invigorates the typing experience. While both switches excel in their clacky nature and light touch, the choice between them ultimately comes down to the specific nuances of sound and tactile feedback one desires in their setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
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
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Orange, we see a notable distinction in their top housings. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience. Conversely, the Jerrzi Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is notably stiffer. This stiffer material produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a more clear and resonant auditory experience. The visual appeal of the Jerrzi Orange is enhanced by the translucent nature of polycarbonate, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, making this aspect a point of similarity. As a classic switch housing material, nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, regardless of the switch's top housing materials. Therefore, even with the differences introduced by the top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing in both the Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Orange ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel will maintain a richness attributable to nylon’s softer characteristics. This characteristic provides a consistent experience during typing, anchoring a satisfying tactile response in both switches.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and Jerrzi Orange vary in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—both switches share a nylon bottom housing that ensures cohesion in their sound profiles. This blend of different materials highlights how the switch's overall auditory character is influenced by the interplay of the softer nylon and the stiffer polycarbonate. Such a combination allows enthusiasts to choose between different sound profiles while still benefiting from the familiar richness brought by the nylon housing in both models. Whether one prefers the deeper sound of the nylon or the sharper clarity of polycarbonate, the underlying shared material guarantees a satisfying and distinct experience when typing.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch differ in both actuation force and weight, catering to varying user preferences. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it a relatively light option, ideal for users who favor longer typing sessions without excessive fatigue. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown. This could potentially mean a softer landing when pressed to the bottom, but the lack of a defined measurement leaves some uncertainty. Consequently, while the HMX Cloud - 50g is the heavier switch with a definitive bottom out force, the Jerrzi Orange is the lighter alternative, potentially offering a different typing experience that some may find more comfortable or suitable for extended use. In summary, the Cloud - 50g provides a substantial feel, while the Orange leans towards a lighter touch, with both switches catering to distinct typing preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Cloud - 50g the longer of the two, providing a more gradual keypress experience compared to the more responsive and quicker engagement of the Jerrzi Orange. For those who enjoy a deeper feel while typing, the Cloud - 50g may be the preferred option, as it offers a more pronounced travel distance. On the other hand, for gamers or users favoring rapid key actuation and a snappier response, the Jerrzi Orange's shorter travel distance could be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference—whether one values a more substantial feedback or quicker response times.
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 Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who revel in an energetic and pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This lively sound can enhance the overall experience, making each keystroke feel more dynamic and engaging. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch is also clacky, delivering a crisp and sharp sound with each press. While it leans towards a more lively and vibrant auditory experience, it balances this with a certain degree of variation; it is described as both clacky and somewhat subdued. This means that, depending on other factors such as the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used, the Orange switch can cater to those who appreciate a less overwhelming sound profile while still providing the liveliness typical of clacky switches.
In the realm of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch boasts a silky smooth experience that makes typing feel effortless and enjoyable. This smoothness often enhances the overall tactile experience, reducing the likelihood of any finger fatigue over long typing sessions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange switch is characterized by its feathery touch and easy-to-press design. This means that it requires minimal effort to actuate, making it particularly comfortable for prolonged use, whether for gaming, work, or school. Both switches offer a lightweight feel, promoting an effortless typing experience, though the Cloud - 50g emphasizes a smoother touch, while the Orange focuses on minimal exertion.
Overall, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Orange linear switches cater to enthusiasts looking for a lively and engaging typing experience. The Cloud - 50g's bright, clacky sound and silky smooth tactile feedback provide a distinctive joy in typing, while the Jerrzi Orange matches that liveliness with its crisp audio response and feather-like feel. If you're drawn to a responsive and enjoyable typing experience, either switch can deliver similar results tailored to your preferences, allowing you to choose based on which qualities—sound or feel—you prioritize the most.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences regarding sound, feel, and the type of experience you desire. If you lean toward a lighter typing experience with a silkier touch and enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g will likely be the right fit for you. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a fast response and a lively auditory feedback, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks where speed and clarity are crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound yet still desire a lively tactile feedback with minimal exertion, the Jerrzi Orange switch might be your go-to option. The feather-light feel combined with its easy-to-press nature makes it a great choice for long typing sessions, reducing fatigue while still providing that satisfying clack. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you in your keyboard experience, such as sound profile and typing comfort, to make the best choice between these two engaging switch options.
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