HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing options that can significantly influence their typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a lighter linear switch, is celebrated for its vibrant sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a bright and lively typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch stands out with its classic low-pitched sound and a textured sensation, complemented by Cherry's innovative Hyperglide tooling for enhanced smoothness and longevity; however, it also has a stiffer actuation force, catering to users who enjoy a more robust typing feel. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences—whether they prioritize a lively auditory feedback or a subdued, yet firm typing surface. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Black both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which creates a noteworthy similarity in their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The nylon construction in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory feedback when typing. This is primarily due to nylon’s inherent properties as a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a duller and rounder sound signature, which is particularly appealing for those who prefer a more muted acoustic experience when typing.
Despite the shared material of nylon in both switches, the overall feel and sound experience can vary slightly due to the design configurations that may differ between the Cloud - 50g and MX Black. Each switch's bottom housing plays a critical role in determining the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when a key is pressed down. The Cloud - 50g, with its specific design and tolerances, may offer a different tactile feedback compared to the MX Black, which could affect user preference even though both are made from nylon. The subtle differences in the engineering of the housings could lead to a variation in the overall typing experience, yet the underlying sound properties remain consistently rich and earthy thanks to the nylon material.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and Cherry MX Black switches utilize the same housing material of nylon, it's essential to recognize the differences in their designs that may influence tactile feedback and sound nuances. Given that both switches demonstrate the benefits of using nylon—such as a fuller sound profile—the end results in terms of auditory experience will be relatively similar. Users who appreciate the characteristics of nylon can expect comparable acoustics and typing responses from both the Cloud - 50g and MX Black switches, making either option a solid choice for those seeking a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Cloud switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel while typing. This contrast indicates that the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, which can be beneficial for those looking for ease during extended use, while the MX Black caters to users who enjoy a firmer resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The HMX Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Cherry MX Black features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that should you choose the Cloud - 50g, you'll experience a more responsive feel that many gamers prefer due to its shorter distance, allowing for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black, with its extra millimeter, provides a bit more depth which some users might find more satisfying. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that offers faster response times, the Cloud - 50g is the better choice, while the Cherry MX Black caters to those who favor a more pronounced keypress.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch stands out with its clacky sound profile, delivering a bright and engaging auditory experience that many typists find enjoyable. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch presents a low-pitched sound that is deeper and more bass-heavy, creating a mellow tone when typing. While both switches have unique auditory characteristics, the choice between them will largely depend on personal preference; both can produce distinct sounds influenced by other elements like the keyboard construction and keycap materials.
Regarding the feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth experience, making it an appealing choice for typists who prefer a clean and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches are noted for their textured, somewhat rough sensation, requiring more effort to actuate due to their stiffness. This noticeable friction and increased force requirement can be a decisive factor for users, as some may favor the smoothness of the Cloud switch while others might appreciate the feedback and resistance provided by the MX Black.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Cherry MX Black switches cater to different user preferences in both sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g provides a brighter and smoother typing experience, while the MX Black is characterized by its low-pitched sound and textured resistance. Understanding how these switches differ allows newcomers to better choose a switch that aligns with their personal typing style, resulting in a satisfying keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Black linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a bright and clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g might be the perfect choice for you. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, it offers a silky smooth feel that can enhance your typing speed and reduce finger fatigue during long sessions. This switch is particularly suitable for gaming or fast-paced typing, where quick actuation is key. On the other hand, if you like a more robust typing experience, the Cherry MX Black's heavier feel—with an 80-gram bottom-out force—might align better with your needs. Its low-pitched sound provides a deeper, more bass-heavy feedback that many find satisfying, while its textured and stiff nature gives you a sense of control. This makes the MX Black ideal for users who prefer a deliberate typing experience and don't mind a bit of resistance. In short, understanding your own typing habits and sound preferences will guide you in selecting the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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