HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Mini i stand out for their distinct typing experiences. The Cloud - 50g, known for its clacky sound profile, caters to enthusiasts who crave a bright and lively feel with every keystroke. This switch provides a silky smooth operation, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i offers gentle tactility, striking a balance between a satisfying feel and a subdued sound profile, ideal for office environments where noise should be kept to a minimum. With its lightweight design, the Mini i allows for long hours of comfortable typing, making it perfect for professionals focused on productivity without distractions. Each switch comes with its own advantages depending on your typing preferences and environment. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Mini i share a notable similarity in their housing materials, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This shared use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, inherently absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is less sharp and more muted. Because both switches employ this classic material, users can expect a similar auditory experience when using either switch, characterized by a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience.
Despite the similarity in housing materials, the characteristics of each switch will still provide a unique typing experience due to their respective designs, even though the materials are the same. For instance, the type of stem, spring tension, and switch actuation point in each model can significantly influence the feel and response when pressing keys. While the nylon housings ensure a quieter operation and a pleasant sound profile, the individual design elements of the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Mini i will lead to subtle differences in tactile feedback and acoustic response. Thus, while the nylon material unifies their sound profiles, other factors contribute to idiosyncrasies in performance.
The impact of the nylon housing's properties is further emphasized by how the qualities of each housing influence the overall typing experience. Since both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Mini i share nylon for both their top and bottom housings, the duller sound produced is consistent across the models. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel more distinctly when the switch is pressed, while the top housing contributes primarily to the sound released when the key is released. Given their identical material constitution, users can anticipate similar results in sound characteristics regardless of the switch they are using, creating a captivating typing experience across both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Mini i switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we find that both switches offer relatively light pressure requirements. The Cloud - 50g requires an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Mini i is slightly lighter at 40 grams, making it the lighter option. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, ensuring a similar feel when it comes to pressing the keys all the way down. This consistent bottom out force contributes to a unified typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. For those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Mini i would be an ideal selection due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, those who value the more deliberate tactile feedback might lean towards the Cloud - 50g, despite its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, both switches cater well to users looking for a light typing experience, but with nuanced differences that can influence personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the longer option, while the Mini i features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that users who prefer a more responsive feel, like gamers, might be inclined to choose the Mini i for its quicker actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial keypress experience may favor the Cloud - 50g due to its greater depth. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferences for responsiveness versus the tactile sensation of a deeper stroke.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 HMX Cloud - 50g switch features a prominent clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a vibrant auditory feedback during typing. This sound signature provides a lively and engaging experience, making it perfect for those who relish the audible response of each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a neutral and fairly muted sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces, as it avoids the potential distractions of louder switches while still providing a satisfying feedback. Both switches, however, can produce a range of auditory experiences depending on the specific keyboard and keycaps used, but in general, the Cloud - 50g is likely to be much more acoustically pronounced than the Mini i.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g is known for its silky smooth action that glides seamlessly under the fingers, allowing for a fluid typing experience. This smoothness caters to those who prefer minimal resistance without any harsh tactile interruptions. Conversely, the Gateron Mini i switches offer a bouncier and more dynamic feel with gentle tactility, giving a slight spring-like response during key presses. These characteristics, such as their easy-to-press action and mild resistance, make the Mini i ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort and a light touch are paramount. The tactile feedback provides a satisfying sensation without being overly intrusive, striking a balance that is approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Mini i switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g delivers an engaging auditory experience with its clacky sound and smooth keystrokes, appealing to those who thrive on an expressive typing atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Mini i strikes a chord for those who seek a more subdued auditory environment while still enjoying a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel, but either way, both offer unique qualities that enhance the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you find joy in a lively and bright typing experience with a pronounced clack, the Cloud - 50g is the perfect match for you. Its silky smooth feel complements the light 50g actuation force, making it ideal for those who revel in a more engaging auditory feedback, whether for casual typing or gaming. Conversely, if you prioritize a more subdued environment where you can work comfortably for extended periods, the Gateron Mini i will serve you well. Its gentle tactility and bouncy feel provide satisfactory feedback while maintaining a muted sound profile, allowing you to type efficiently without disturbing others around you. This makes the Mini i switch excellent for office settings or shared workspaces, where professionalism and comfort are key. Ultimately, evaluating how you plan to use your keyboard will guide you to the right switch that suits your style and needs.
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