HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Lunar Probe stand out as two compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts. The HMX Cloud - 50g is renowned for its clacky sound profile, catering to those who appreciate a lively and bright typing experience, all while providing a silky smooth feel under the fingers. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe offers a unique advantage with its innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses, delivering an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed sensation that is complemented by a subtle sound signature. While the Cloud - 50g might appeal to users seeking a more dynamic auditory feedback, the Lunar Probe is ideal for those who prioritize a quieter yet equally satisfying typing experience. Both switches deliver their own distinct benefits, making them suitable for different preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your needs.
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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Lunar Probe exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which greatly influence the auditory experience they provide. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, a material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer composition. This allows the nylon to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and consequently yields a sharper, more resonant sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications, as it enhances the visual effect of illuminated switches, further distinguishing it from the Cloud - 50g's nylon.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches employ nylon material, which contributes to a consistent sound output in terms of depth and fullness. Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches will offer that characteristic rounder sound when bottoming out due to the shared nylon composition in their respective bottom housings. Consequently, the tactile experience and auditory feedback during a key press will exhibit similarities owing to the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. This creates a cohesive sense of type feel across both switch models when engaged, unlike the variations experienced when releasing a key, where the distinct top housing materials come into play.
In summary, the primary contrast between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Lunar Probe lies in their top housing materials, leading to divergent sound profiles during key releases. However, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches fosters a parallel typing experience, nurturing that signature deep and full sound when pressed down. Thus, while users will experience unique auditory characteristics at the outset and conclusion of each key press, the fundamental tactile feedback during the actuation remains remarkably similar. This shared nylon composition in the bottom housings serves to unify the user experience across both switch types, emphasizing the importance of housing materials in defining the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we see some nuanced differences in their actuation forces, although both demonstrate relatively light weights. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Lunar Probe, which requires an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that once fully pressed down, the resistance felt is consistent for both switches. For users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Cloud switch may be more appealing. Conversely, those who appreciate a bit more resistance may find the Lunar Probe more satisfying due to its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, while both switches provide a similar bottoming out experience, the lighter actuation of the HMX Cloud may cater to those seeking ease over the heavier feel offered by the Lunar Probe.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cloud switch offers a deeper press compared to the Lunar Probe, making it the preferable choice for users who enjoy a more substantial key feel. In contrast, the Lunar Probe, with its abbreviated travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those who prefer quicker response times during fast-paced activities. While both switches serve different preferences, the Cloud switch's longer distance caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience, whereas the Lunar Probe provides lighter and more rapid engagement. If you're seeking responsiveness, the Lunar Probe's shorter travel distance is ideal, but for a richer tactile sensation, the HMX Cloud is the better option.
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 Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 a clacky sound profile that serves to enhance the auditory experience during typing. This brightness can be particularly appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate an engaging acoustic feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch features a more subdued sound signature that prioritizes a quiet typing experience. While the Lunar Probe's acoustic profile is minimalistic, it's important to note that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, making it possible to customize the overall acoustics to individual preferences.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g excels with its silky smooth action, making each keystroke a pleasurable experience. It caters to users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for effortless typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe boasts an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation that ensures a consistent and stable keypress. This is particularly beneficial for those who value uniformity across their keystrokes, fostering a seamless typing experience that contrasts with the Cloud - 50g’s more dynamic feel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Lunar Probe switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g provides a bright and engaging auditory experience with a silky smooth typing action, while the Lunar Probe emphasizes a subtle sound profile complemented by an exceptionally smooth and stable feel. Users can expect to achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch, depending on their individual tastes and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy a more lively and engaging typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, may be the perfect fit for you. This switch caters to those who appreciate a brighter, more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing, making it great for both gaming and daily typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more uniform typing experience with an emphasis on smoothness, the Gateron Lunar Probe is an excellent choice. With its dual rail mechanism and subtly quiet sound signature, this switch provides a stable and consistent feel that many users find satisfying, especially during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prefer a more pronounced auditory experience or a quieter, smooth keystroke which enhances your overall typing comfort.
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