HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. On one hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter touch, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate a bright, engaging typing experience. Its smooth keystrokes provide a responsive feel, ideal for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB, a tactile switch, offers a distinctive typing experience with its refined tactile bump that delivers a satisfying feedback without being overly rigid. Developed in collaboration with keyboard aficionado Glarses, this switch is well-suited for users seeking a balance of tactile feedback and a medium-strength actuation force. While both switches cater to different preferences—one appealing to those who enjoy a smooth and quiet experience, and the other to those who favor tactile interaction—each has its unique qualities that can enhance your overall keyboard experience. 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
45g
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
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches both utilize nylon as their housing material, which provides certain acoustic and tactile benefits to the user experience. Nylon is fundamentally a soft plastic, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches made from harder materials. Both switches feature nylon in both their top and bottom housings, contributing to a consistent auditory experience that is characterized by a duller and rounder sound. This shared material composition means that users can expect a similarly rich acoustic feedback when typing on either switch, appealing to gamers and typists alike who appreciate a more muted sound during use.
With both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, the nylon bottom housing also plays a vital role in sound production and tactile feedback. Given that the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out feel of the switch, the use of nylon in this respect ensures that both switches will provide a softer landing and a less jarring experience when keys are depressed fully. Likewise, the nylon top housing enhances the sound created when a key is released, ensuring that both switches maintain a harmonious sound profile throughout the typing cycle. Therefore, users can expect a uniform tactile and auditory experience regardless of which switch they choose, thanks to the use of nylon in both housings.
While the Cloud - 50g and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are constructed with identical materials in their housings, the experience offered by each may still feel nuanced based on individual design features such as actuation force and travel distance. Nonetheless, since they both utilize nylon throughout their construction, this not only standardizes the sound profile, but also aligns the typing experience across both switches, making a choice between the two more a matter of additional preferences rather than fundamental differences in sound or feel. Ultimately, both switches provide an excellent option for users seeking a softer, acoustically rich typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with its actuation force of 42 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams to the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force, the differences in their actuation forces are noteworthy. The Cloud switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, whereas the Cherry MX Purple RGB requires a slightly heavier push, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. While both switches provide a tactile experience, the Cloud - 50g is clearly the lighter option in terms of actuation force, ensuring less strain during long use. However, without a specified bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB, we can't definitively compare the two on that metric. Ultimately, users who value lighter switches for comfort should lean towards the HMX Cloud, while those who like a heavier feel might prefer the Cherry MX option, although its bottom out characteristics remain uncertain.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, it is evident that they differ slightly, with the Cloud - 50g featuring a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the MX Purple RGB has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Purple switch offers a longer travel distance compared to the HMX Cloud switch, providing a slightly deeper keystroke that some users may find more satisfying. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Cloud - 50g can contribute to a faster response time, making it potentially better suited for gamers who prioritize quick actions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference; those who enjoy a more tactile feedback and a traditional depth may lean towards the Cherry MX Purple, while those seeking a snappier feel might prefer the Cloud - 50g.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 a clacky sound profile that delivers a bright and engaging auditory experience. This makes it particularly appealing to users who relish the acoustics of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch has a more subdued sound signature, which likely offers a medium-level thock complemented by its tactile bump. However, it’s important to note that the ultimate sound will vary depending on the keyboard’s build, materials, and keycap choices for both switches.
When examining the feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g provides a silky smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless gliding across the keycaps, which can promote fast typing and reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch features a refined tactile feedback with a short, medium-strength bump. This tactile feel is designed to give clear feedback during typing without being overly distracting, offering a satisfying compromise for those who enjoy sensation in their keystrokes.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, making them appealing for distinct typing styles. The HMX Cloud - 50g is perfect for enthusiasts seeking a lively and smooth typing experience with an audible response, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB is great for those who prefer a solid tactile feedback along with a less pronounced sound. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value a clippy auditory experience or a more subdued tactile feel, but rest assured that regardless of your decision, both switches promise satisfying performance for a variety of users.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch should be guided by your typing preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you favor a lighter key press and enjoy a clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is likely your best bet. It's designed for those who appreciate a brighter typing experience and offers a silky smooth feel that enhances your overall typing enjoyment. This switch can be particularly appealing for gaming or for long typing sessions where minimal resistance is desired. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback with a satisfying bump and slightly more resistance during your key presses, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch would serve you well. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, it provides a refined tactile experience that is perfect for typists who want to feel each keystroke without any unnecessary noise. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the swift and smooth nature of the HMX Cloud or the tactile precision of the Cherry MX Purple RGB, assessing your typing habits and sound preferences will lead you to the ideal switch for your needs.
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