HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to both auditory and tactile preferences. On one hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is celebrated for its lighter feel and distinctive clacky sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who desire a bright and expressive typing experience. Its silky smooth action enhances comfort during extended typing sessions, making it a great option for casual users and typists alike. In contrast, the Gazzew LT switch offers a visual delight with its enticing lilac hue and delivers a deeper, resonant sound that fans of 'thocky' switches are sure to appreciate. With a rich auditory experience and a seamless glide, these switches can elevate the overall typing sensation for those who prioritize a bassy, satisfying feedback. Each switch offers a unique blend of characteristics tailored to different preferences—while the HMX Cloud - 50g is vibrant and smooth, the Gazzew LT is all about richness and depth. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gazzew LT, it is noteworthy that both switches utilize a softer type of plastic in their construction, which significantly impacts their acoustic properties. The Cloud - 50g features nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This classic material is revered for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Similarly, the Gazzew LT employs a proprietary plastic blend known as "boba plastic" for its top and bottom housings. This unique blend, while not nylon, shares the essential trait of being soft enough to yield a rich auditory experience and dampen sound effectively, bringing forth a similarly deep and resonant typing sound.
Though the specific materials differ, the Gazzew LT's proprietary blend effectively mimics the acoustic characteristics found in nylon. Both switches have been designed with an emphasis on sound quality, where the softness of the material plays a critical role. While the nylon of the Cloud - 50g is a traditional standard known for its sound-dampening qualities, the Gazzew LT's boba plastic aims to replicate this effect, ensuring that users experience a rich auditory feedback. Each switch, regardless of the slight variance in materials, delivers a comparable typing experience in terms of sound, as they effectively capitalize on the benefits of softer housing to enhance their respective sound profiles.
Both switches, while portraying unique materials, operate under similar principles when it comes to sound transmission and feel during use. The Cloud - 50g and Gazzew LT utilize softer plastics, which influence how they feel during typing, particularly at the bottom-out phase and rebound release. This engineering choice means that while the top housing affects the sound during release, and the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out feedback, users may notice that the end results in terms of typing experience remain closely aligned. In essence, whether one opts for the nylon of the Cloud - 50g or the boba plastic of the Gazzew LT, they can expect notable similarities in the typing sound and overall tactile feedback, allowing for enjoyable usability across both options.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions and gaming, as its lighter weight can help reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gazzew LT switch has an unspecified actuation force but has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This heavier force can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feedback when pressing the key. Consequently, the LT is the heavier option, making it potentially less suitable for users who type for long periods without breaks. Overall, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Cloud - 50g favor comfortable use, while the LT's heavier feel may appeal to those looking for more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The HMX Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it a longer option, while the Gazzew LT features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. For users seeking a more responsive keystroke, the Gazzew LT may be the preferable choice due to its quicker activation, which is often favored by gamers. In contrast, those who appreciate a more traditional and deeper feel when typing might lean towards the HMX Cloud - 50g, as its longer travel distance provides a more substantial tactile experience. Thus, the switch you choose will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth in keystroke 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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 clackiness, providing an engaging and bright auditory experience reminiscent of traditional clicky switches but without the high pitch. This sound profile is intended to enhance the enjoyment of typing for enthusiasts who thrive on audible feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew LT linear switch offers a deep, resonant thockiness that presents a rich, satisfying sound. The thockiness envelopes the user in a warm, bass-heavy tone that provides a deeper and thicker audio experience compared to the more high-pitched clack of the Cloud - 50g. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different auditory preferences, they enhance the typing experience in their unique ways, with the Cloud leaning towards a brighter sound and the LT embodying a richer, low-pitched thock.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g switch is renowned for its silky smoothness, offering a lightweight touch that minimizes resistance during keystrokes and lends itself easily to rapid typing or gaming scenarios. This seamless feedback is particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate a lighter switch. The Gazzew LT, on the other hand, is designed for a seamless glide with every keystroke, ensuring that the typing experience is pleasurable and fluid. Users may find that the LTs provide a very comfortable typing experience, but they do not have the specific descriptive nuances attributed to the silky texture of the Cloud - 50g. Thus, while both switches promise smooth operation, the feel of the HMX Cloud may be more tailored for those who prefer a lighter, more effortless touch.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gazzew LT switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Cloud switch delivers a lively, clacky auditory experience with a silky light touch, ideal for those who enjoy a bright typing atmosphere. In contrast, the LT switch provides a soothing, thocky sound with a smooth glide, appealing to users who prefer a deeper audio profile with a solid typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, as each offers a unique contribution to the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you lean towards a lighter key feel and enjoy a bright, clacky sound, the Cloud - 50g will likely resonate with you. Its 50-gram actuation makes it particularly appealing for those who type both rapidly and comfortably over extended sessions. On the other hand, if you seek a more substantial tactile experience paired with a deeper, more resonant auditory feedback, the Gazzew LT switch is worth considering. With its heavier 65-gram actuation and satisfying "thocky" sound, it provides a rich typing experience that's both engaging and immersive, perfect for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic response. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the sensory experience you wish to create while using your mechanical keyboard.
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