HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two compelling options are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Orange. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a lighter linear switch, stands out with its pronounced clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches, reintroduced with MX2A generation enhancements, offer a balanced feel that appeals to users seeking a reliable, dynamic response while maintaining a satisfying sound. While both switches have their unique characteristics catering to different preferences—whether you're drawn to the vibrant acoustics of the Cloud - 50g or the refined touch of the MX Orange—they ultimately serve varied purposes depending on the user's typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Cherry MX Orange, it's clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant, as nylon is known for its sound-dampening properties. In both instances, the nylon housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, resulting in a more satisfying auditory experience. Since both switches rely on identical materials, users can expect a similar sound quality; the deeper tones and softer feel will resonate consistently across both models, making them appealing options for users seeking a quieter typing environment.
Despite both switches featuring nylon for their housings, the impact of the housing materials can vary based on their design. Both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Orange present a similar response when pressed. However, the bottom housing of each switch significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully depressed. The shared nylon material ensures that both switches maintain a duller, rounder sound upon bottoming out; however, the specific design and construction may still lead to slight variations in tactile feedback. Thus, while the sound profiles will be similar, the user experience could be slightly different in terms of tactile response.
One notable point of comparison is the overall impact of each housing on the typing experience. While both switches showcase nylon's advantages in sound absorption, the intricacies concerning key release and how the top housing affects that sound will vary slightly. The Cloud - 50g and the MX Orange will both provide a satisfying typing experience due to their shared material attributes, yet individual preferences for key feel and feedback can lead to distinct preferences among users. Ultimately, those who appreciate the characteristics of nylon in keyboard switches will find both models appealing, albeit with potential nuances in tactile and auditory experience based on their unique design elements.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, which can influence user experience. The HMX Cloud features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, ideal for users who prefer less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, indicating a heavier resistance that may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing feel. However, the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding how it performs when fully pressed down. Overall, the HMX Cloud is the lighter switch, while the MX Orange is the heavier option, catering to different preferences based on typing style and endurance.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the HMX Cloud switch the shorter of the two options. Gamers might prefer the Cloud switch for its quicker response time due to the reduced travel distance, making it feel more responsive during gameplay. Conversely, some users who enjoy more tactile feedback may find the Cherry MX Orange switch preferable, as its longer travel distance provides a deeper, more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either responsiveness or depth in key feel.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 is characterized by its clacky sound profile. This lighter variant is designed for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright auditory experience while typing, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound feedback. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange switch, while known for its reissue from the original MX Orange switches, does not specifically assess its sound quality in the given information. However, it is common for Cherry MX switches to have a more muted sound compared to some of the higher-pitched alternatives. It's important to note that the actual sound produced can also be influenced by the type of keyboard the switches are mounted on and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth typing experience, contributing to a pleasant and fluid keystroke. This quality makes it an appealing option for users who enjoy a seamless and tactile interaction while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switch has not been specifically described in terms of tactile feedback or overall feel, but given its reputation as a reissue, it is likely to maintain some classic characteristics which might appeal to traditionalists within the mechanical keyboard community.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch stands out for its clacky sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for avid typists looking for an engaging experience. While the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a legacy that appeals to enthusiasts and likely maintains a solid feel, specific characteristics in sound and tactile feedback remain less explicitly defined. If you are drawn to the Cloud - 50g's bright and textured experience, you may find the Cherry MX Orange to be somewhat different but similarly satisfying based on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, trying both switches on your preferred keyboard setup would provide the best insight into which suits your needs more effectively.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you’re someone who enjoys a lighter touch with a smooth and clacky feel, the Cloud - 50g would be your ideal choice, providing an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience. This switch is particularly well-suited for enthusiasts who want a switch that emphasizes auditory feedback alongside a swift response, making it fantastic for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more balanced and refined feel that closely mirrors the classic MX switches while offering enhanced modern features, the Cherry MX Orange switch might be the way to go. While the bottom-out force is a crucial aspect to consider, remember that the overall switch experience is also shaped by sound and tactile feedback; the MX Orange enhances traditional mechanical feedback with contemporary improvements that many users find appealing. Therefore, reflect on what matters more to you—lightness and an expressive sound or a balanced feel with a classic touch—as you make your decision.
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