HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron New North Pole V2

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference, as seen in the comparison between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its lighter actuation force and bright, clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who seek a lively and engaging typing experience. Its silky smooth feel makes it a joy for prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, the Gateron New North Pole V2 excels with its crisper typing experience thanks to the absence of a rubber dampener, while still offering the signature frictionless, polished glide that the North Pole lineup is known for. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a more tactile and responsive feel without the interference of softer dampeners. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct typing styles—one leans towards a vibrant auditory experience, while the other prioritizes smoothness and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your unique preferences.

By the numbers

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron New North Pole V2, a clear distinction arises between the nylon and polycarbonate used in their respective constructions. The Cloud - 50g employs nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice results in a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, as nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than its harder counterparts. This absorption leads to a particularly muted sound signature, creating a rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which are characterized by their stiffer, more resilient properties. This stiffness contributes to a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile that resonates more clearly when the keys are activated and released.

In terms of sound and feel, the differentiation in housing materials leads to distinct experiences. The nylon in the Cloud - 50g contributes to a smoother and more subdued tactile feedback, which can enhance a user’s typing experience by creating a softer bottom-out sensation and a noticeable roundness in sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate construction of the New North Pole V2, with its sharper sound profile, offers a more lively typing experience characterized by heightened clarity and resonance. Typists may prefer the sharper feedback that polycarbonate provides when pressing and releasing keys, providing an emotionally engaging experience for users who value auditory stimulation and tactile precision.

While the two switches express differences through their housing materials, they also share the potential for similar typing results when considering the split influence of their top and bottom housings. In switches where the top and bottom materials are dissimilar, a balance exists: the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out feel and sound, while the top housing becomes more influential during key release. Consequently, users may find a harmonious typing experience even with contrasting materials. With the Cloud - 50g delivering a deeper sound through its nylon housings and the New North Pole V2 granting a sharper auditory experience through its polycarbonate, both switches can ultimately cater to different preferences, illustrating how housing materials intricately shape the user experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud - 50g requires an actuation force of 42 grams, which is relatively light, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that may appeal to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 50g is 50 grams, while the New North Pole V2 has a significantly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This further emphasizes the weight difference, with the Cloud being the lighter option overall and the New North Pole V2 being the heavier choice. Thus, while both switches can perform well for different preferences, the HMX Cloud – 50g is ideal for those seeking ease of use and comfort, whereas the Gateron New North Pole V2 caters to users who desire a more robust keystroke experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the New North Pole V2 offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced key press and a satisfying depth. In contrast, those who favor responsiveness—such as gamers—might prefer the Cloud - 50g's shorter travel distance, as it facilitates quicker actuation for faster response times. Therefore, if you lean toward a more abrupt feel for rapid key presses, the Cloud - 50g would be the preferable choice, whereas the New North Pole V2 could be ideal for someone who enjoys a heftier key travel experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch features a notably clacky sound profile that caters to enthusiasts seeking a bright and engaging typing experience. This auditory character makes it pleasant for users who appreciate the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch, while maintaining a smooth operation, is designed to provide a crisper typing sound due to the absence of a rubber dampener present in its predecessor. This results in a more pronounced auditory feedback, making each keystroke feel distinct and clear. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the choice will depend on whether you prefer the clacky brightness of the Cloud - 50g or the crispness of the New North Pole V2.

In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is recognized for its silky smoothness, providing an appealing typing experience that allows for easy finger movement across the keycaps. This creates a satisfying sensation when typing, which is greatly valued by users who spend extended periods on their keyboards. The Gateron New North Pole V2, on the other hand, is celebrated for its polished, creamy, and frictionless characteristics. The polished finish enhances the overall smoothness of the key travel, while the creamy feel offers a buttery experience that many will find enjoyable. The frictionless nature of the switch makes it particularly attractive for those seeking minimal resistance during typing, resulting in an effortless glide with each keystroke.

In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g impresses with its clacky auditory feedback and silky smooth response, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively experience. Meanwhile, the New North Pole V2 focuses on a crisper sound profile while delivering a polished, creamy, and frictionless touch that appeals to users looking for an ultra-smooth, refined feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and tactile sensation, ensuring a rewarding typing experience regardless of the choice made.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a clacky sound profile that adds an element of brightness to your typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice for you. Its silky-smooth feel makes it particularly appealing if you engage in a lot of typing or gaming, providing a fast response time with a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more robust bottom out force combined with a crisper typing experience, then the New North Pole V2 would suit you better. Its polished and creamy feel allows for seamless gliding across keys, making it ideal for those who prioritize a refined touch and prefer the medium resistance for better control while typing. In essence, your decision should reflect what you value more in your keyboard experience—whether it’s the lighter touch and lively feedback of the Cloud - 50g or the smooth, frictionless precision of the New North Pole V2.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more