HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, particularly in terms of feedback and sound. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it an ideal option for enthusiasts who crave a bright typing experience. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams allows for quick keystrokes, appealing to gamers and typists alike who favor speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red, another linear switch, retains the beloved characteristics of the classic MX Red but operates with a crucial distinction: its keypresses are virtually silent. This switch offers a slightly heftier feel, providing a satisfying tactile experience without the audible distractions, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they serve different needs—one celebrating sound and responsiveness, and the other prioritizing silence and comfort. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housings of both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Cherry MX Silent Red switches utilize nylon as their primary material, resulting in notable similarities in their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. Nylon, recognized for its softer texture compared to harder plastics, contributes to a sound that is deeper and fuller, effectively absorbing and dampening noise. This quality in both switches helps create a muted auditory experience that many users prefer, particularly in quiet environments or for typists who appreciate a less clacky sound when typing. Therefore, whether one is using the Cloud - 50g or the Cherry MX Silent Red, the typing experience will likely yield similar results in terms of sound dampening and resonance.
Despite sharing the same housing material for both top and bottom components—nylon—the overall feel and sound characteristics may subtly vary depending on the design and construction of each switch. In the case of the HMX Cloud - 50g, the consistent use of nylon across all housing parts means that the inherent qualities of the material will be uniformly distributed. This creates a cohesive feel when bottoming out the keys and when releasing them, contributing to a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, even though the Cherry MX Silent Red shares the same nylon construction, the specific design choices, such as the switch actuation mechanism and the internal components, may influence the sound profile slightly when a key is pressed versus released.
Ultimately, both switches, by virtue of their nylon housings, aim to provide a quieter typing experience, ideal for users seeking reduced noise levels without sacrificing tactile feedback. If one is focused primarily on achieving a particular sound and feel, such as a rounder bottom-out sound versus a sharper release sound, slight differences caused by the construction variations could become apparent, primarily affected by the specific geometry and action of each switch. However, for most users, the common use of nylon across both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Cherry MX Silent Red will culminate in similar acoustic characteristics and tactile experiences, ensuring a satisfying keyboard interaction regardless of the choice made.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we find that both have distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams, which is lighter than the Cherry MX Silent Red’s 45 grams. This difference means that the HMX Cloud will likely provide a more comfortable typing experience for users who spend long hours typing or gaming, as it requires less force to actuate the key. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Silent Red is unknown, while the Cloud - 50g has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a definitive feel when the key is fully pressed. Therefore, while the HMX Cloud is lighter and easier to press, users seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red, despite its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, those who prefer a gentler touch may find the Cloud more suitable, whereas those who appreciate a firmer press could favor the Cherry MX option.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference means that the Cloud - 50g provides a more pronounced key depth compared to the MX Silent Red, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback with each keystroke. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red can cater to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more seamless typing experience. Typically, a travel distance closer to 4.0 mm is considered traditional, making both switches fall within an acceptable range for users, though the Cloud - 50g still edges out with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference; if you favor a more responsive touch, the MX Silent Red may be the better option, while those who appreciate a deeper keystroke might opt for 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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 switch is best characterized by its clacky sound profile, delivering a bright, lively auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts looking for an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is distinctly designed for discretion, offering a muted sound that significantly reduces the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. Users can expect a deep, thocky, low-pitched sound that provides a satisfying thud without disturbing the peace of a quiet environment, making it a great choice for those who prioritize silence.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is touted for its silky smoothness, providing a seamless keypress experience that many will find enjoyable and effortless. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch, while also delivering a satisfying typing experience, is known for its textured feel that can introduce a bit of friction during each keystroke. This difference in tactile feedback may appeal to those who appreciate a more defined sensation while typing, though it may not be favored by users who seek an entirely friction-free encounter.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and Cherry MX Silent Red switches provide different auditory and tactile experiences, their respective qualities cater to distinct user preferences. The Cloud - 50g is ideal for those who revel in a lively typing sound and smooth keystrokes, while the MX Silent Red excels in providing a quiet yet satisfying experience, albeit with a slightly textured feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize an expressive sound profile or a more subdued, silent operation in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch largely depends on your typing environment and personal preference for sound and feel. If you favor a lighter, more responsive switch with a clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is ideal, offering a bright and smooth typing experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment while typing, especially if you appreciate a more expressive sound. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quiet workspace or simply prefer a more subdued auditory experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red might be the better choice for you. Its muted, thocky sound minimizes distractions, making it well-suited for noise-sensitive environments while still delivering the satisfying feel reminiscent of the classic MX Red switch. In essence, select the Cloud - 50g for a lively, engaging typing experience or the MX Silent Red for a tranquil, smooth operation, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your mechanical keyboard to the fullest.
Mentioned in this article
