HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Mamba, both of which fall into the linear switch category but offer distinct experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is renowned for its lighter 50g actuation force, providing a clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a bright and lively typing experience. Its silky smooth feel makes it a favorite among those seeking a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba, a tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant, offers a rich and creamy auditory experience alongside a gliding typing sensation. While the Mamba is celebrated for its neutral and polished characteristics, making it versatile for both typing and gaming, the HMX Cloud - 50g is perfect for keyboard enthusiasts looking for an engaging sound and tactile delight. 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
60g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Mamba, there are notable similarities and distinctions that influence the overall typing experience. The Cloud - 50g features a top housing made of nylon, a classic material known for imparting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively soft texture, which effectively absorbs sound. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience while typing. Conversely, the Durock Mamba integrates a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, creating a unique sound profile that leans towards brightness rather than depth. While both materials are grounded in the nylon family, the addition of UHMWPE in the Mamba introduces a contrasting sharpness to the sound, making the two switches distinctly different in terms of auditory feedback.
In terms of bottom housing, the Cloud - 50g opts for a nylon composition, maintaining the soft plastic characteristics that contribute to its deeper, fuller sound profile. This consistency in the bottom housing reinforces the overall experience of the switch, making it more muted but solid. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba uses POM for its bottom housing, known for delivering an equally deep sound but with a more muted characteristic compared to the nylon. The POM material, while still creating a pleasing sound experience, differs from the Cloud - 50g’s nylon by offering a slightly different tactile feedback and a unique auditory presence, which can contribute to the overall feel when bottoming out the switch.
Therefore, while the Cloud - 50g and the Durock Mamba utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they each introduce distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. Users seeking a rounded and deeper auditory experience will find that theCloud - 50g satisfies this desire through its consistent nylon materials. In comparison, those who appreciate a brighter sound might gravitate towards the Mamba, with its polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend. However, both designs contribute uniquely to the overall typing experience, ensuring that regardless of individual preferences, either switch can provide a pleasant and enjoyable user experience. Choosing between the two may ultimately come down to personal taste regarding sound and tactile feedback preferences, but both are crafted with an emphasis on delivering quality results.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Mamba switch features an unknown actuation force but a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, which suggests a heavier feel overall. This heavier force may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience, as it can provide a satisfying resistance when pressing the keys. Consequently, while the Cloud switch is the lighter option, the Mamba's increased bottom out force suggests a potentially firmer and more tactile response, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch varies, with the former boasting a travel distance of 3.9 mm and the latter measuring at 3.5 mm. This means that the HMX Cloud switch has a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced key press that some users might find more satisfying and less abrupt. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more nimble feel. While both switches cater to different preferences, those who favor a more expansive depth when typing or gaming will gravitate towards the HMX Cloud switch, whereas users looking for speed and efficiency may prefer the Durock Mamba.
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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 provides a clacky sound profile that caters to enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience. This switch likely delivers a lively auditory feedback that can make each keystroke enjoyable and engaging. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch presents a more neutral sound signature with thocky characteristics, offering a deep, rich sound that creates a satisfying tactile feedback when pressed. While the Mamba's overall sound is designed for versatility, it may not match the lively acoustic properties of the Cloud - 50g, making them distinct in their auditory presentations.
Regarding feel, the Cloud - 50g is known for its silky smooth sensation, which can enhance the typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses. This smoothness is great for those who prioritize a seamless experience while typing. Conversely, the Mamba switches are recognized for their mild characteristics, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience. Combined with a polished finish that reduces friction, these switches allow for a smooth travel without the harsher feedback sometimes associated with linear switches. The contrast here highlights the Cloud - 50g as a switch for those seeking a snappy experience, while the Mamba caters to those who might prefer a more understated, polished touch.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Mamba linear switches have unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 50g’s clacky auditory feedback and silky smooth action make it optimal for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience, whereas the Mamba's thocky, neutral sound along with its mild, polished feel provide a refined typing experience suitable for a wider range of users. Understanding these distinctions will aid newcomers in selecting a switch that aligns with their personal typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for key feel and sound, as well as the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a bright, spirited typing experience or who may be more sensitive to heavier key presses. Conversely, if you seek a more grounded experience with a rich auditory presence and a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Mamba would be the way to go. Its neutral and thocky sound profile, combined with a polished and mild actuation feel, makes it versatile for both casual and serious typing, whether at home or in a professional setting. Ultimately, your selection should reflect what you prioritize in terms of tactile response and auditory feedback, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard serves your unique typing style.
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