HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stand out as two appealing options for fans of linear switches. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, providing a bright typing experience coupled with a silky smooth feel—ideal for those who enjoy a lively and engaging keystroke while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is known for its buttery smoothness and satisfying "thocky" sound, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking versatility in gaming and typing alike. The Milky Yellow Pro’s thicker resistance not only enhances durability but also adds a degree of satisfying feedback that many users find appealing. Both switches have their unique strengths that cater to different preferences; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This commonality marks a significant similarity between the two, as nylon is known for its ability to enhance sound quality in mechanical switches. The use of nylon ensures that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer characteristics, which effectively absorb sound waves. Consequently, users can expect a similarly pleasant auditory experience when typing on either switch, bolstered by the duller and rounder sound profile that nylon facilitates.
In terms of physical feel and feedback during typing, the fact that both the Cloud - 50g and the Milky Yellow Pro employ nylon in both housings means that their acoustic and tactile characteristics will be closely aligned. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound profile upon releasing a key. Therefore, users can anticipate a consistent typing experience, with the softness of the nylon enhancing each keystroke and providing a satisfying tactile response across both switches. This connection in materials elicits not just a similar sound, but also a comparable feel, making the typing experience harmonious regardless of which switch is in use.
Despite any additional features or design tweaks that might distinguish the HMX Cloud – 50g from the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), the shared use of nylon housing indicates that they will yield similar performance in terms of sound and tactile feel. With both switches designed to absorb sound effectively, users can expect a consistently muted and pleasing typing experience. While other factors such as spring weight, actuation point, or overall switch design may vary between the two models, their foundational use of nylon housing ensures that key acoustic qualities remain akin, allowing mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy a familiar auditory and tactile response irrespective of their choice.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch present a clear distinction in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium-force switch. These differences suggest that while the Cloud switch is more suitable for those who appreciate a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing and gaming sessions, the Milky Yellow Pro would appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience, thanks to its heavier feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired feel and exertion level.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we find that the Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that players or typists who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times may gravitate towards the Cloud - 50g, as it offers a more responsive feel compared to the Gateron switch. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more pronounced key press may prefer the Milky Yellow Pro due to its greater depth. In essence, while both switches offer a linear experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the shorter option, providing a snappier feel, whereas the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro caters to those who favor a more substantial key travel.
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 offers a clacky sound profile that appeals to typists who enjoy a lively and bright auditory feedback while typing. This switch's lighter variant contributes to a more pronounced sound that can add a layer of excitement to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) presents a low, thocky sound that is deeper and richer. Its bassy, low-pitched characteristics provide a satisfying auditory sensation akin to a soft thud or knock, making it feel more substantial with each key press. While both switches contribute unique sounds, the Cloud - 50g is bright and clacky, while the Milky Yellow Pro is deep and thocky, showcasing how sound profiles can significantly impact the overall typing atmosphere.
When considering feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally fluid typing experience that caters to those who prioritize effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is characterized by a buttery smoothness as well, offering a seamless keystroke experience. However, the presence of its stated texture might introduce a subtle level of friction that some users may find noticeable, adding a unique tactile quality that contributes to the overall typing lucidity. While both switches maintain a smooth actuation, the nuanced textures and friction make the Milky Yellow Pro distinct in comparison to the totally smooth nature of the Cloud - 50g.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloud - 50g shines with its bright clacky experience and silky smoothness, while the Milky Yellow Pro boasts a satisfying thocky sound and a buttery feel with a possible textured element. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal taste for sound intensity and tactile experiences; both switches are likely to provide a gratifying experience, although in different auditory and tactile dimensions.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you're seeking a lighter switch that offers a lively and clacky sound profile, then the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its silky smooth feel and 50-gram bottom out force, may be the ideal choice for you. This switch is particularly suited for typists who enjoy an engaging typing experience, as well as for those who might prefer a switch that allows for quicker actuation during gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option with a heavier actuation force and a more subdued, thocky sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) would likely serve you better. Its buttery smooth keystroke and thicker resistance make it an excellent all-rounder for both gaming and typing, appealing to those who appreciate a solid feel and satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, it’s about what feels best under your fingers and fits your typing style, so consider trying both switches to see which one resonates more with you.
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