HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Cherry MX Speed Silver stand out as two notable linear options, yet they cater to different preferences and use cases. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it highly appealing to typing enthusiasts who relish a bright auditory experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver excels in rapid response and performance, featuring low spring resistance for instant actuation—an essential trait for competitive gamers who prioritize speed and precision. While the Cloud - 50g offers a more tactile and engaging typing experience, the Speed Silver is engineered for swift gameplay and minimal delay. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize an enjoyable typing sound and feel or the lightning-fast response needed for gaming. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, it becomes clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This common choice in material ensures that users will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile across both switch types. The softness of nylon contributes to sound absorption, which results in a duller, rounder auditory experience. As both switches are constructed using nylon, they will produce similar acoustic properties, making them well-suited for users seeking a quieter typing experience, with minimal noise distraction.
In examining the impact of the nylon material for the bottom housing, it is essential to recognize that both switches will deliver a more consistent feel and sound when bottoming out. The properties of nylon help in mitigating harsh sounds that can arise from harder plastics, enhancing the overall typing experience. While both switches offer a similar aesthetic in build and auditory feedback, typing on either will bring the characteristic softness of nylon into play, allowing for a muted bottom-out sound that users typically appreciate in a gaming or work environment.
Despite the similarities, users may notice subtle differences in the overall feel and sound profile of each switch. Factors such as the design intent and tuning of the switches may lead to variations in responsiveness and feedback, even when using the same housing material. However, since both the top and bottom housings are fabricated from nylon for each switch, users are likely to achieve similar acoustic results. This commonality in material ensures that both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver are reliable options for anyone looking for consistent performance with softer sound characteristics in their mechanical key switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, notable differences arise. The HMX Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light option that is likely more comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, though its bottom out force is not specified. This suggests that the Cloud switch provides a lighter touch for users who prefer less resistance when typing or gaming. As a result, the Cloud switch is the lighter option overall, catering well to those who prioritize comfort over a more substantial typing experience. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Speed Silver, while slightly heavier in actuation force, lacks data on its bottom out force, leaving some uncertainty in how it performs when pressed fully down. Users who prefer a firmer feel might lean towards the Speed Silver, but without more information on its bottom out behavior, they may find it difficult to gauge its overall performance compared to the Cloud switch.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Cloud - 50g offers a deeper key press, providing more tactile feedback, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers who value quicker actuation and response times, making it an appealing choice for fast-paced gameplay. Ultimately, if you're looking for rapid response and prefer the feel of a shallower keypress, the Speed Silver would be the better option. Conversely, if you enjoy the sensation of deeper key travel, the Cloud - 50g would suit your preferences better. Thus, the HMX Cloud - 50g has the longer travel distance, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver offers the shorter option.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 best known for its clacky sound profile, which resonates with enthusiasts who favor a bright and lively typing experience. This auditory feedback often results in an engaging and enjoyable environment for those who type frequently. The Cherry MX Speed Silver, on the other hand, has a distinct thocky sound that produces a deep, rich quality with a more bass-heavy tone. This low-pitched sound adds a satisfying depth to each keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a robust auditory feedback while gaming or typing. Both switches create an enjoyable sound experience, but the Cloud - 50g leans towards a brighter tone, while the MX Speed Silver delivers a deeper, thocky sound.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g is renowned for its silky smooth experience, allowing for effortless key presses that promote extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver offers a more textured experience, with noticeable friction during key presses. This scratchy quality can be appealing for users who appreciate tactile feedback, although it may detract from the smoothness some seek in their typing experience. Ultimately, while the Cloud - 50g promotes a frictionless feel, the MX Speed Silver provides a sensation that some might prefer for enhanced tactile interaction.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches cater to specific user preferences, highlighting their unique qualities in sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g offers a bright, clacky profile along with a silky smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively auditory and tactile sensation. Conversely, the MX Speed Silver stands out with its thocky sound and textured feel, promoting rapid response and engagement, particularly for gamers. Depending on what qualities resonate with you, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, though they cater to different preferences in sound dynamics and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, your personal preferences and usage scenarios will guide your choice. If you lean towards a bright and clacky typing experience where you enjoy auditory feedback, the HMX Cloud - 50g is your best bet. Its lighter actuation force allows for a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for those who favor casual typing or light gaming where speed isn’t the ultimate priority. On the other hand, if you are a competitive gamer needing rapid response times and a switch specifically designed for quick actuation, then the Cherry MX Speed Silver is likely to be more advantageous. With its distinctive thocky sound profile and low spring resistance, it caters to intense gaming sessions where every millisecond counts, but be prepared for a potentially textured feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and gaming needs—embrace what feels right for you!
Mentioned in this article
