HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both of which offer a linear switch experience with unique characteristics. The Cloud - 50g stands out with its lighter 50g actuation force, providing a more effortless and smooth typing experience, complemented by a distinctively clacky sound profile that appeals to users who appreciate a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3, produced by Haimu, features an equally engaging clacky yet high-pitched sound signature, and a silky feel that enhances typing comfort. Additionally, its integrated light diffuser not only enriches the RGB illumination of your keyboard but also adds a splash of vibrancy to your setup. While the Cloud - 50g may cater to those who prefer a subtle touch, the Lightning Silver V3 attracts users looking for a more dynamic visual experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, each switch employs a different approach with its choice of materials, leading to distinct auditory experiences. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This choice renders a deeper, fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound. Thus, users can expect a sound that is more muted and rounded, creating an immersive typing environment. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, more resonant sound profile that is characterized by clarity and crispness. The use of a stiffer plastic like polycarbonate allows for a higher-pitched sound, which can be particularly appealing to users who prefer a brighter auditory feedback during typing.
Although the materials differ, it is important to note that both switches can yield high typing satisfaction through their unique sound profiles. The HMX Cloud - 50g's nylon construction excels in warmth and overall depth, making it suitable for those who favor a softer auditory experience. Conversely, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3’s polycarbonate housing shines where clarity and brightness are desired, accommodating users who appreciate a more energetic sound. Both switches cater to different preferences, but they serve the dual purpose of delivering enjoyable typing sounds, albeit through their differing sonic qualities.
Moreover, the different effects of both top and bottom housing materials further distinguish the user experience. With the Cloud - 50g, the nylon housings contribute consistently to a unified sound signature, enhancing the softness whether pressed or released. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's dual polycarbonate design introduces a more dynamic response, creating a clear delineation between the bottoming-out impact and the release's resonant clarity. This separation enhances the typing experience, as it allows for variability in sound and feel, with the bottom housing contributing more significantly to the impact sound upon keypress. Ultimately, while the housing materials diverge in composition and resultant sound profile, both switches can provide comparable levels of satisfaction based on individual preferences for auditory feedback—all hinging on the user’s desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Cloud - 50g requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial push that some typists may favor for a firmer feel. Thus, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the lighter option overall, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is the heavier choice, offering a tactile experience that can enhance typing feedback for those who appreciate it.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it's evident that the Cloud - 50g offers a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference can significantly affect the feel of typing or gaming experiences. Gamers may appreciate the Lightning Silver V3 for its quicker response time, as shorter travel distances generally allow for faster actuation. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the deeper 3.9 mm travel of the Cloud - 50g switch more fulfilling and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches should align with personal preferences regarding responsiveness and depth in key feel.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
The HMX Cloud - 50g switch delivers a delightful clacky sound profile that appeals to those who appreciate a brighter and more energetic typing experience. Its lighter variant contrasts with some heavier switches, providing crisp, percussive tones upon each keystroke. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3, on the other hand, boasts a similarly clacky and high-pitched sound signature. This combination of sharpness and brightness makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a vibrant auditory feedback. Both switches share this engaging sound quality, but the overall acoustic experience can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g switch is praised for its silky smoothness, making for a seamless and enjoyable typing experience. This smooth action ensures that users can glide their fingers effortlessly across the keys. Similarly, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky feel that enhances the typing experience as well. The emphasis on smoothness in both switches provides a consistent tactile experience, minimizing resistance and allowing for quick and fluid key presses. As a result, users can expect a comfortable and satisfying sensation from either switch.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer a compelling combination of clacky sound profiles and silky smooth typing experiences. While their auditory qualities are distinctly bright and engaging, the tactile sensations provided by both switches are equally refined, creating an overall satisfying experience for any keyboard enthusiast. Whether you opt for the Cloud or the Lightning Silver, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, making either choice a solid addition to your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and what you prioritize in your keyboard experience. If you prefer a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a clacky and bright typing sound. This switch is perfect for extended typing sessions where you appreciate a more responsive feel without excessive fatigue. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a slightly heavier switch that offers a medium actuation force of 60 grams and enjoy vibrant RGB illumination, then the Lightning Silver V3 might be your go-to option. With its high-pitched clack and silky typing experience, it also enhances the aesthetic of your setup with its light diffuser feature. Ultimately, consider how important sound, feel, and typing experience are to you when deciding between these two switches—your ideal keyboard setup is just a switch away!
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