HMX Cloud - 50g vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Milk Tea are two compelling options, each offering a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, with its lighter actuation force and clacky sound profile, appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a brighter and more responsive typing sensation. Its silky smooth feel elevates the overall experience, making it an enticing choice for those who prioritize both performance and auditory feedback. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch, crafted by BSUN, strikes a harmonious balance between a fairly high-pitched sound and muted essence, creating a gentle auditory experience that is both present and subtle. The incorporation of Ly in its stem material ensures that every keystroke is effortlessly smooth, making it suitable for users who favor a more refined sound and feel during extended typing sessions. Both switches have their merits; the Cloud - 50g offers a vibrant and engaging experience, while the Milk Tea delivers a more nuanced and polished auditory profile. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches feature different top and bottom housing materials, which significantly contribute to their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Cloud - 50g employs nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that provides a deeper and fuller sound. It has a softer plastic structure that absorbs sound effectively, producing a duller but rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings. POM, while also capable of producing a deep sound profile, creates a sound that is relatively more muted compared to nylon. This difference indicates that while both switches can potentially deliver a similar deep sound, the Cloud - 50g will likely have a warmer tonal quality due to the properties of nylon.
When examining the bottom housing of each switch, the differences in materials further emphasize the impact each has on the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 50g is characterized by its ability to absorb sound and create a full bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea switch, while also providing a satisfying user experience, will contribute a different character to the feel and sound when bottoming out, making it feel more muted. Thus, those seeking a distinct feedback during key presses might note that the nylon provides a slightly different sensation compared to POM, despite both contributing to deeper sound profiles.
Furthermore, the characteristics of the top housing also play a crucial role in the sound produced upon key release. With the Cloud - 50g sporting a nylon top housing and the Milk Tea using POM, users can expect subtle yet noticeable differences in the sound profiles when letting go of a key. The nylon top of the Cloud switch reinforces the deeper sound quality inherent to its design, while the POM top of the Milk Tea emphasizes a unique but muted sound profile. Hence, while both switches may yield similar deep sound outcomes, the nuances created by their respective housing materials contribute to distinct auditory experiences and typing sensations, ensuring that users will recognize the inherent qualities of each switch upon interaction.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, both offer a light feel, but differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g requires an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Milk Tea switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. This means that the Milk Tea switch is the lighter option, which may be preferable for users who engage in extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it allows for less finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Cloud - 50g provides a heavier push, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a firmer feel. Ultimately, despite both switches being categorized as light, the Milk Tea switch caters to those who seek minimal resistance, while the Cloud - 50g appeals to those who desire a bit more weight in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Milk Tea offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Milk Tea switch a more responsive choice, ideal for gamers who value quicker key responses. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Cloud - 50g might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and a deeper pressing sensation. Therefore, while both switches offer distinct advantages, the Cloud - 50g is the longer option, catering to those who appreciate more depth in their key presses, whereas the Milk Tea, being the shorter switch, may be favored by those seeking faster actuation.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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
The sound produced by the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is best characterized as clacky, creating a bright and crisp auditory experience that appeals to those who enjoy a more lively typing atmosphere. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique sound profile that melds high-pitched tones with a muted essence. This results in a gentle yet present auditory experience that provides a clean, sharp sound while being less intrusive than the Cloud's more percussive qualities. Both switches offer distinct sound experiences, catering to different preferences in typing ambiance, with the Milk Tea leaning towards a subtle soundscape that still holds a certain clarity.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is noted for its silky smoothness, making it a delight for typists who prioritize a seamless tactile experience. The typing action is fluid, allowing for quick, uninterrupted keystrokes. The Milk Tea switch, on the other hand, boasts a polished and silky finish due to the materials used and potential factory lubing, resulting in a highly refined and smooth typing experience. Both switches aim for a sleek and effortless feel, ensuring that typists experience minimal resistance as they navigate their key presses, though the Cloud emphasizes a pure silkiness, while the Milk Tea leans toward an overall polished texture.
In conclusion, when considering both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches, typists will find distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to varied preferences. The Cloud offers a brighter, clacky sound with a focus on smoothness, while the Milk Tea features a soft yet present sound profile complemented by its polished feel. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the engaging brightness of the Cloud or the subtle elegance of the Milk Tea, both switches provide high-level performance and satisfaction, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience all around.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches boils down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel during typing. If you're drawn to a lively and bright typing experience, the Cloud - 50g would be ideal for you. Its clacky sound profile adds an exciting layer to each keystroke, while the silky smooth feel ensures that your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy an energetic and pronounced auditory feedback as they type, making it a great choice for gaming enthusiasts or anyone who values a dynamic keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and refined auditory experience, the Milk Tea switch is likely a better fit. Its unique blend of high-pitched yet muted sound makes it suitable for environments where a softer noise is preferable, while the polished and silky feel enhances the overall typing comfort. This switch could be particularly appealing for those who spend long hours typing or working, as it offers an effortless keystroke experience with a gentle sound profile that won’t disturb those around you. Ultimately, your decision should align with your sound preferences and typing habits to find the switch that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
