HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the differences between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Olive are noteworthy. The HMX Cloud - 50g is a linear switch that caters to enthusiasts seeking a bright, clacky sound profile alongside a silky smooth typing experience. Its lighter weight allows for effortless key presses, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize speed and a softer touch while gaming or typing. In contrast, the Bsun Olive offers a medium weight with a pronounced tactile feedback that users crave. Its all-POM housings not only give it a comfortable grip but also produce a resonant, deep sound that elevates the auditory experience. The unique long pole stem design ensures a sharp bottom-out, providing a satisfying tactile response that many typists find invigorating. Each switch has its own charm—whether you prefer the smooth, rapid feedback of the Cloud - 50g or the tactile delight of the Olive, your choice will significantly impact your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

Bsun Olive Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Olive use different materials for their switch housings, with the Cloud using nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Olive employs POM for the same components. Nylon, often renowned for its softer texture, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that dampens the overall auditory experience and creates a rounder sound. This characteristic aligns consistently with the switch's bottom-out action and feel, promoting a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the POM material used in the Olive offers a unique sound profile that is muted and pleasantly deep, but the distinctive tonal qualities it brings differ slightly from those of nylon. Thus, while both switches lead to muted auditory experiences, the Cloud's nylon material tends to offer a slightly warmer sound compared to the Olive’s POM.

When analyzing the sound dynamics further, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Olive are designed to develop their unique auditory personas from the interplay between their top and bottom housings. In the case of the Cloud, the consistent use of nylon allows for a more harmonized sound produced throughout the keystroke, as both housing components contribute equally to the overall acoustic quality. The deeper, rounded tones produced are seamlessly integrated, which can cater to those looking for a uniform typing sound. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive's POM top housing contrasts with its nylon counterpart by providing a more distinct sound character, especially when the key is released. The absence of the nylon’s warmer signature means that while the Olive's deeper sounds are still enjoyable, they may carry a different resonance compared to the Cloud.

Despite the differences in materials, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Olive can deliver similarly satisfying results in terms of muted sound profiles. The nylon in the Cloud allows for a rounded, cohesive auditory experience, while the POM in the Olive offers a unique yet equally dulled sound. Users may appreciate the tactile feedback and sound produced by both switches, albeit with different auditory nuances influenced by their individual materials. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preferences; those who favor a more classic nylon feel may lean towards the Cloud, whereas those intrigued by the distinct qualities of POM may opt for the Olive, knowing both can provide fulfilling typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g requires an actuation force of 42 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light option overall. In contrast, the Olive switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This distinction indicates that typists who prefer a lighter touch for extended use, as in work or lengthy gaming sessions, may favor the Cloud - 50g. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing might prefer the Olive switch due to its heavier force requirements. As a result, if both switches were used, the Cloud would provide a gentler typing experience, while the Olive would cater to those seeking a stronger tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Olive measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Olive the shorter option, favored by those who appreciate a quicker response time often preferred in gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g offers a deeper feel with its longer travel distance, which can be more satisfying for users who enjoy a more tactile experience when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you seek a more responsive feel, the Olive's shorter switch travel may be the way to go, while the longer travel of the Cloud - 50g could be preferred for its more substantial depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a clacky sound profile that provides a bright and engaging auditory experience, making it well-suited for keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate a lively typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches deliver a deep, resonant sound that is quite distinct, stemming from their all-POM housings. This switch’s unique design not only enhances the auditory experience but also contributes to a rich and pleasant sound when typing. The difference in sound profiles between these two switches could be particularly noticeable depending on the combination of keycaps and the keyboard itself, but both provide satisfying audio feedback in their own right.

In terms of feel, the Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its silky smooth operation, allowing for effortless key presses which can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a linear switch. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches are characterized by a prominent tactile feedback that is described as medium tactile, providing a layered experience that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle. They exemplify an invigorating sensation with pronounced feedback, making every keystroke sharp and crisp, which can create an immersive typing experience. The snappy response adds to the Olive switch's allure, ensuring that typists feel a strong connection with each keypress.

In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Bsun Olive switches each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Cloud – 50g excels in delivering a bright and clacky sound along with a silky smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy linear switches. Meanwhile, the Bsun Olive provides a deep and resonant sound accompanied by a rich tactile feedback that many users may find satisfying. Ultimately, whether you favor the Cloud's linear and smooth action or the Olive's rich tactile engagement, both switches are capable of enhancing the typing experience in their distinctive ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch should ultimately reflect your personal preferences in typing feel and sound. If you lean towards a lighter typing experience with a smooth, silky action that produces a bright and clacky sound, then the HMX Cloud - 50g is likely the better fit for you. This switch is particularly suitable for those who enjoy rapid keystrokes, making it an excellent option for both gaming and typing at high speeds. On the other hand, if you favor a more pronounced tactile feedback with a deeper, resonant sound, the Bsun Olive switch would serve you well, especially if you appreciate a firmer bottom-out feel. The Olive's medium-heavy actuation force and accentuated tactile response can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a strong, defined bump with each keypress. So, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s the lightweight smoothness and auditory brightness of the Cloud or the tactile responsiveness and depth of sound offered by the Olive—to find the mechanical keyboard switch that aligns with your typing style.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more