HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique appealing features tailored to different user preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its delightful clackiness and smoother actuation, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who seek a lively and engaging typing experience. This lighter switch provides a bright auditory feedback that enhances the tactile joy of typing, especially for those who enjoy a more expressive feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, Gateron's Mountain Top switches prioritize discretion, designed specifically for office environments where a quieter typing experience is paramount. With a balanced yet subtle sound signature, these switches emphasize comfort and ease of use, catering to those who need to maintain a professional atmosphere while typing. Each switch has its strengths: the Cloud - 50g is ideal for those who crave a vibrant and engaging tactile experience, while the Mountain Top's focus on silence serves the needs of a more subdued setting. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and environment.
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 Mountain Top switches share a significant similarity with their housing materials, as both feature a nylon top and bottom housing. This commonality suggests that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile and key feel. The use of nylon in both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound, which is attributed to the material's softer nature. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory output when typing. This shared characteristic not only enhances the acoustic experience but also contributes to an overall pleasure in tactile feedback during usage.
While both switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, it is essential to note that the specific shape and design of each switch can still lead to varied experiences. Although the core material properties remain the same, the nuances in aesthetics, switch actuation mechanisms, and internal structures may cause slight differences in feel and performance. Moreover, the top housing would influence the sound upon releasing a key, while the bottom housing has more impact on the sound and feel when bottoming out the switch. This indicates that while the two switches may produce similar auditory profiles, the overall experience in usage might still differ due to these subtle design elements.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Mountain Top switches stand out due to their identical use of nylon in both their top and bottom housings, creating a similar sound profile and typing experience. However, even though these materials will produce similar auditory results, the overall feel and performance can be influenced by other design facets of the switches themselves. When selecting between these two options, users may want to consider which design elements resonate most with their typing style, while still appreciating the fundamental benefits of the nylon housing common to both models.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Mountain Top switch requires slightly less at 40 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning users can expect a similar level of resistance when pressing the switch all the way down. Consequently, while the HMX Cloud -- at 42 grams -- is marginally heavier in terms of actuation force, both options are predominantly light, making them ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing excessive fatigue. Those who prefer a more substantial feel may gravitate towards heavier switches, yet both these options deliver a mildly responsive experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Mountain Top measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Mountain Top the shorter option, appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times due to its more rapid actuation. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Cloud - 50g might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, as it allows for a gentler actuation. Overall, while both serve their distinct preferences, the Cloud - 50g provides a deeper experience compared to the more responsive Mountain Top switch.
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 Mountain Top 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 sound profile of the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by a clacky quality that appeals to those who enjoy a bright and audible typing experience. This can foster an engaging and lively atmosphere, particularly favored by typists who appreciate the upbeat auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a more subdued sound that is engineered for discretion, making it ideal for office environments. Its neutral sound contributes to a typing experience that is quiet enough for shared spaces yet still provides enough feedback to ensure the user knows when keys have been actuated.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is celebrated for its silky smooth actuation, providing a fluid typing experience that suits both casual and fast typists. This smoothness allows for effortless gliding between keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts. Conversely, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy and easy to press, offering a lively response with gentle resistance. The ease of actuation minimizes finger fatigue and enhances typing comfort, particularly during extended sessions. Its mild and subtle characteristics create a balanced experience that feels approachable for all users while maintaining the necessary responsiveness for efficient typing.
In summary, if you're looking for an engaging and bright sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an enticing option, while the Gateron Mountain Top is perfect for a quieter and more discreet typing experience suitable for professional settings. The Cloud - 50g offers a smooth typing feel that enthusiasts will enjoy, while the Mountain Top excels with its bouncy and easy-to-press action for effortless usage. Both switches cater to different preferences and environments, yet they both provide excellent typing experiences in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, your choice will ultimately hinge on your specific typing environment and preferences. If you are an enthusiast looking for a lively, bright typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is your go-to option. This switch's silky smooth feel and light bottom-out force make it perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and auditory stimulation typically associated with more exhilarating typing experiences. Conversely, if you work in an office or shared setting where discretion and reduced noise levels are paramount, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be more suitable. With its bouncy yet mild feedback and a neutral sound profile, this switch promotes a comfortable and unobtrusive typing experience that is ideal for long hours of productivity without disturbing others around you. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your environment, typing needs, and what feels best for your hands.
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