HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Haimu Neo White offer two appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clackier sound profile, delivering a bright and lively typing experience that many users find exhilarating. Its lighter actuation force allows for quick response times, making it a favorite among gamers and typists who appreciate a smooth, effortless keystroke. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White delivers a unique typing experience with its medium weight and slightly shorter total travel distance. The incorporation of a Ly stem enhances the smoothness of each actuation, creating a solid yet fluid feel that appeals to users who favor a more balanced response. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, with the HMX Cloud - 50g excelling in brightness and speed, while the Neo White offers a more mellow, smooth 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Haimu Neo White, a significant difference is evident in their top housings. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb vibrations and create a more muted sound experience. In contrast, the Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence. This stiffer plastic results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications where visual and audio stimuli are intertwined. The distinct sound profiles produced by the two materials highlight a fundamental contrast in user experience, with the nylon delivering a warm, rounded quality and polycarbonate providing a crisp, vibrant auditory feedback.
Despite the differences in their top housings, the bottom housings of both switches share a common material: nylon. This uniformity in bottom housing means that both the Cloud - 50g and the Neo White will yield a similar tactile experience and sound absorption characteristics when a key is pressed. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material known for deepening sound profiles and enhancing the feel of key presses, users can expect a comparable depth and fullness in the bottom-out sound between both switches. This shared material will mitigate some of the tonal disparity introduced by the differences in top housing, leading to a blended auditory experience when keys are fully pressed.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings determines the overall performance and character of each switch. While the Cloud - 50g's nylon top creates a foundational soundscape that is rounded and subdued, the Neo White’s polycarbonate top elevates this to a more pronounced and crisp auditory profile. However, the nylon bottoms in both switches anchor the overall sound experience, ensuring that the richness and depth typical of nylon remain accessible. Thus, although the aesthetic and sonic outcomes differ due to their respective top materials, the similar underlying qualities provided by the nylon bottom housings effectively establish a shared foundation that enhances the overall functionality of both switches.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, contributing to distinct typing experiences. The Cloud - 50g features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White does not specify an actuation force, but its bottom out force of 58 grams indicates a more substantial feel when fully depressed. This suggests a medium resistance, which may appeal to those who favor a stronger push for a more engaging typing experience. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Cloud - 50g again offers a lighter experience at 50 grams, compared to the Neo White's heavier 58 grams. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter switch should gravitate towards the Cloud - 50g, while those who appreciate a firmer feel may prefer the Neo White.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, the Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Neo White has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference positions the Cloud - 50g as the switch offering a more traditional feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper key press for a more deliberate typing experience. In contrast, the Neo White's shorter travel distance caters to those who prioritize quick response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking swift actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you lean towards a preference for depth and tactile feedback or a snappier, more immediate response.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
The HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, providing an auditory feedback that many enthusiasts find enjoyable and energizing. This lighter variant is designed for those who prefer a bright typing experience, adding a lively dimension to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch has a neutral sound profile, which is balanced and suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. While the Cloud offers a more pronounced sound signature, the Neo White ensures a versatile acoustic experience that caters to both beginners and experienced users alike. The overall auditory experience from either switch will inevitably be influenced by factors such as the particular keyboard chassis and the keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a silky smooth typing experience. This smoothness contributes to the enjoyment of rapid typing sessions, allowing users to maintain a high level of responsiveness with each keystroke. The Haimu Neo White, while also promoting a remarkably smooth actuation due to the unique Ly stem, presents a medium weight and slightly reduced travel distance. This combination results in a mild typing experience, making it approachable and comfortable for most users. Though each switch offers distinct tactile feedback, they are both designed to enhance user satisfaction, whether through a lively experience or a more subdued one.
In conclusion, when comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g and Haimu Neo White linear switches, there are notable differences in sound and feel that can influence a user's choice. The Cloud provides a clackier auditory feedback, catering to enthusiasts who relish in a vibrant typing experience, while the Neo White serves a more neutral sound, suiting a wider range of users. In terms of feel, the Cloud delivers a smooth engagement that is perfect for speed, whereas the Neo White offers a mild yet satisfying typing sensation. Both switches are designed to deliver a high level of satisfaction, ensuring users can achieve enjoyable experiences regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you lean towards a lighter keypress and enjoy the vibrant, clacky sound profile that the Cloud - 50g offers, it would be a great fit for you, especially if you appreciate the sensation of a smooth feeling beneath your fingers. This switch is particularly appealing for enthusiasts who might find joy in a lively and bright typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced typing feel with a slightly heavier actuation and a sound profile that is more neutral, then the Haimu Neo White would be your best bet. Its medium weight and the unique Ly stem contribute to a satisfying yet mild experience, making it suitable for any setting, from work to gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your individual taste, whether that’s the spirited feedback of the Cloud - 50g or the approachable comfort of the Neo White.
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