HMX Cloud - 50g vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Lotus, both linear switches offer unique attributes that cater to specific typing preferences. The Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, appealing to enthusiasts who favor a bright, engaging typing experience. This switch provides a silky smooth feel, making it ideal for those who type extensively and seek a lively auditory feedback alongside a smooth keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Lotus features a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, delivering a bright and resonant sound that enhances its super bouncy sensation, turning each keystroke into a pleasurable experience. While both switches cater to users seeking a linear feel, their distinct characteristics set them apart in terms of sound and tactile feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Lotus utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, which contributes significantly to the typing experience. The choice of nylon as a switch housing material is integral to producing a sound profile that many typists favor. Its softer nature compared to harder plastics allows the material to absorb more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller audio experience when typing. Consequently, the Cloud - 50g and the Lotus create a similar auditory ambiance, with both switches exhibiting a duller and rounder sound that enhances comfort and satisfaction during extended typing sessions.
Beyond sound quality, the use of nylon in both the Cloud - 50g and the Lotus also influences the overall feel of each keypress. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing impacts the sound produced upon releasing a key. Since both models employ nylon for these housings, users can expect a consistent tactile feedback across both the Cloud - 50g and the Lotus. As such, both switches will deliver a comparable feel, where the softness of nylon enhances the smoothness of each press, allowing typists to enjoy a seamless interaction regardless of which model they choose.
In summary, the similarities in housing materials between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Lotus lead to a unified typing experience characterized by rich sound quality and smooth key action. By incorporating nylon in both the top and bottom housings, both switches provide users with a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. Whether one prefers the Cloud - 50g or the Lotus, the result is a harmonious blend of acoustics and tactile feedback that typists can appreciate. Thus, users can anticipate a similarly engaging experience from either option.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch both provide a light typing experience, but they differ slightly in their actuation forces. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Lotus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, which means they offer a consistent resistance when fully depressed. Therefore, users looking for a lighter typing experience may find the Cloud - 50g more suitable due to its lower actuation force, allowing for potentially less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lotus may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance, as its higher actuation force provides a somewhat more substantial feel while still being classified as light overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, one can observe a notable difference. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the longer option, whereas the Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference can influence user experience significantly; gamers and those seeking quicker response times may favor the Lotus due to its reduced travel distance, facilitating rapid key presses. Conversely, users who appreciate the more pronounced feedback of a deeper press might prefer the Cloud - 50g for its greater travel distance, which could provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Overall, while both switches can lead to enjoyable typing experiences, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference regarding depth and 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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 linear switch offers a clacky sound profile that provides a bright and engaging typing experience, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch also delivers a bright, resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience. It’s important to note that sound quality is influenced by additional factors, including your keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used, so while both switches may exhibit similar sound characteristics, the final output can vary depending on these elements.
When considering the feel of each switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g stands out with its silky smooth operation, allowing for effortless keystrokes that many users find pleasing. Conversely, the HMX Lotus switch offers a super bouncy feeling, which adds an element of fun to each key press, making the typing experience lively and enjoyable. Though both switches provide a satisfying experience, the Cloud's smoothness contrasts with the Lotus's bounciness, appealing to different preferences.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and HMX Lotus linear switches feature medium weight and bright sound profiles, but they differ in their tactile feedback. The Cloud provides a smooth feeling, while the Lotus is characterized by a bouncy sensation. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding feel, as both can deliver a vibrant auditory experience when paired with the right keyboard and keycap combination.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Lotus linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel during your typing experience. If you lean towards a clacky sound profile and want a smooth, light touch while typing, the Cloud - 50g is likely the better fit for you. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a bright typing experience and enjoy the sensation of quick, responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, if you favor a more resonant sound and are looking for a bouncier feel that adds a delightful springiness to every press, the Lotus switch would suit you well. Both switches share the same bottom-out force of 50 grams, but your choice may come down to whether you prefer the silky smoothness of the Cloud - 50g or the lively buoyancy of the Lotus. Ultimately, understanding these nuances will help you select the switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience to its fullest.
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