HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Mars both bring their unique characteristics to the table, appealing to different types of users. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its lighter 50g actuation force and clacky sound profile, making it a go-to choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and engaging typing experience. Its silky smoothness adds to its allure, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that many typists crave. In contrast, Gateron Mars switches offer a more innovative approach with their unique POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, which enhances durability while maintaining a smooth keystroke. These switches are ideal for users looking for both robustness and performance. Ultimately, both switches provide excellent options for linear switch lovers, but they cater to slightly different preferences in typing experience and sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Mars switches share a foundational similarity in their upper housing material, both utilizing nylon, which is recognized as a classic switch housing material in the keyboard community. This shared characteristic results in similar acoustic properties, as the nylon top housing in both switches produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon contributes to sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience with each keystroke. This shared upper housing material is likely to yield comparable typing experiences in terms of sound; users can expect a satisfying auditory feedback regardless of the switch selected.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials for these switches diverge significantly, which influences their overall sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g employs a nylon bottom housing, which, much like its top housing, maintains that signature deeper, fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars features a POM bottom housing, known for producing a unique and distinct sound. While the POM material still delivers a deeper tone, it is characterized as more muted and structured, offering a different tactile feedback and sound profile compared to the nylon bottom. This difference suggests that when users press down on these switches, they will experience different qualities: the Cloud - 50g's nylon bottom will offer a softer landing, while the Mars's POM bottom will provide a more pronounced, but still muted, response.
Ultimately, the combination of materials results in nuanced differences in sound and feel, though both switches leverage their nylon top housings to create a familiar auditory experience. The nylon properties in the Cloud - 50g create a cohesive sound profile across both the top and bottom, whereas the Gateron Mars, with its distinct POM bottom, offers a layered approach to its sound and tactile feedback. For those who appreciate the deeper sound characteristic in both switches, the presence of nylon in the top housing creates a consistent expectation, while the specific acoustics and feel will be uniquely influenced by their varying bottom housing materials.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force, with the Cloud switch being slightly lighter. The Cloud features an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Mars requires a bit more effort at 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This difference makes the HMX Cloud more suitable for users who favor a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions and greater ease during gaming. In contrast, the Mars switch, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars is unavailable, leaving an incomplete comparison. The HMX Cloud's bottom out force is 50 grams, which is relatively moderate and complements its actuation force. Overall, if users lean towards a lighter feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the preferred choice, while the Mars appeals to those who enjoy a slightly heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Cloud - 50g offers a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Mars features a shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This difference suggests that the Gateron Mars may provide a quicker response time, making it an appealing option for gamers who favor swift actuation. Conversely, the HMX Cloud’s longer 3.9 mm travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke experience, as it offers a deeper feel that some may find more satisfying. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Mars may be the ideal choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial feel in their keystrokes may gravitate towards the HMX Cloud - 50g.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 clacky sound profile, creating a bright and lively auditory experience that many typing enthusiasts appreciate. This contrasted with the Gateron Mars switches, which are designed with a unique combination of materials that may contribute to a different acoustic signature. While the exact sound profile of the Mars is not specified, one can expect it to have a quieter or more muted tone compared to the Cloud - 50g, especially considering it's often influenced by the switch's design and build materials.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g provides a silky smooth typing experience that likely enhances the actuation and recovery stages, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches have a design that incorporates a POK stem with a housing blend of Nylon and POM, which suggests a focus on a versatile feel that could cater to both smoothness and stability. However, the specifics of how the Mars switch feels in practice remain unknown.
In summary, while both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Mars switches fall under the linear category, they offer distinct subjective qualities. The Cloud - 50g stands out with its clacky sound and silky smooth feel, making it suitable for those who appreciate an engaging auditory feedback while typing. The Gateron Mars, despite not having a defined sound profile or feel specifics, hints at a potential alternative design that might prioritize a different kind of tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two will rely on personal preference, especially as other factors like the keyboard’s build and keycap material will influence the overall experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter switch with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 50g might be your best choice, as it offers a delightful typing experience that can be particularly enjoyable for fast-paced typing or gaming. This switch caters well to enthusiasts who appreciate a brighter auditory feedback, making it a solid option for those looking to enhance their typing dynamics. On the other hand, if you're interested in innovative design and advanced materials, the Gateron Mars could be the way to go. Although the specific bottom-out force isn't available, this switch boasts a unique POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which may provide a distinct durability and performance advantage. Ultimately, consider what kind of feel and sound profile resonates with your typing habits and preferences—whether it’s the engaging feedback of the Cloud - 50g or the innovative design of the Mars, you have two compelling options to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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