HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence the overall typing experience, and two popular options worth considering are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Jupiter Brown. The HMX Cloud - 50g, known for its clacky sound profile, offers a lighter and smoother experience, making it ideal for enthusiasts who crave a bright and engaging typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown presents a more traditional tactile feel with its medium-heavy weight and single-stage spring, catering to those who appreciate a satisfying bump without sacrificing durability or performance. While the Cloud switch appeals to users seeking a lively auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes, the Jupiter Brown embraces a classic touch, delivering reliability paired with aesthetic enhancements. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, two key aspects of their design are the materials used for their top housings. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Conversely, the Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper and more resonant sound due to its stiffer nature. This difference in material results in contrasting auditory experiences; users of the Cloud - 50g are likely to appreciate the subdued tones it offers, while those who prefer the Jupiter Brown's crisper timbre may find it more pleasurable for sharp auditory feedback.
However, when examining the bottom housing of both switches, an interesting parallel emerges. Both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jupiter Brown employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similar foundational characteristics in terms of sound profile. This similarity means that when users press down on either switch, they are likely to experience a deep and rounded bottom-out sound owing to the nylon material. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the tactile feedback and sound encountered during the actuation of a key, both switches will evoke a comparable sense of fullness and richness in this aspect, despite differing experiences regarding the sound when releasing a key.
Therefore, while the top and bottom housings of the Cloud - 50g and Jupiter Brown switches utilize different materials—nylon for the former and polycarbonate for the latter—the similarities in their nylon bottom housings ensure that users will find a shared auditory experience during key presses. This is particularly notable since the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, allowing both switches to maintain a degree of harmony in their performance, despite the distinctive characteristics introduced by the differing top housing materials. In practical terms, users looking for a satisfying typing experience with a blend of audible feedback will find aspects in common between these two switches, driven by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is conducive to longer typing sessions and ease of use, especially for those who regularly carry their keyboard for work or gaming. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for tactile feedback. Therefore, the Cloud switch is better suited for users seeking a lighter touch, while the Jupiter Brown caters to those who appreciate a medium-heavy feel. Overall, the significant disparity in the forces between these two switches indicates that users will experience different typing dynamics based on their choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, we find that the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Jupiter Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. As such, the Cloud switch is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers and those who prefer quicker key presses. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown's 4 mm distance aligns more closely with traditional switch designs, providing a sense of depth that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences, with the Cloud - 50g being ideal for those seeking speed and the Jupiter Brown for those wanting a more substantial typing 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 Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 profile, making it particularly appealing to enthusiasts who revel in a brighter auditory experience while typing. This sound is often enhanced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, potentially leading to a more pronounced acoustic response. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch provides a more subdued and muted sound typical of tactile switches, allowing for a quieter typing experience. While both switches offer satisfying auditory feedback, the distinctive clack of the Cloud - 50g may draw those who prefer a livelier sound, while the Jupiter Brown caters to individuals seeking a softer, less intrusive noise.
When examining the feel of both switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g delivers a notably silky smooth experience, allowing for rapid key presses with a fluid action that many find highly satisfying. This smoothness can facilitate extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch offers a mild yet polished sensation, combining a classic keystroke feel with a stepped tactile feedback that many users find comfortable. The moderately heavy weight of the Jupiter Brown adds to its tactile nature, giving a gentle bump that can guide typists through each keystroke. The polished finish of the Jupiter Brown ensures that its key travel remains smooth with reduced friction, which might appeal to both novice and experienced users alike.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer an auditory experience with a clacky sound and a smooth feel, the Cloud - 50g is the way to go, whereas the Jupiter Brown blends traditional tactile feedback with a subtle sound profile and a polished feel. Depending on your typing style and sound enjoyment, either switch can provide an excellent typing experience, ensuring you'll achieve satisfying results whether you lean towards the vibrant or the muted.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a silky smooth feel and enjoy a clacky sound profile that adds excitement to your typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent option. It's especially well-suited for fast typists or gamers who prioritize responsive keystrokes without unnecessary resistance, making it a great choice for prolonged use without fatigue. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more traditional typing experience with tactile feedback, the Gateron Jupiter Brown should be your go-to switch. Its medium-heavy bottom out force delivers a more substantial feel, and the mild, polished nature of its keystrokes provides a balanced experience that’s approachable for most users. Moreover, the stepping in the keystroke allows for a satisfying tactile response while still offering a smooth typing experience. In essence, your choice should align with whether you value speed and sound or tactile feedback and tradition in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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