HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Haimu Orange Sea both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g is renowned for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, offering users a bright and engaging typing experience with a silky smooth feel that many relish. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches distinguish themselves with their impeccably smooth type feel and neutral sound signature, appealing to those who prefer a quieter yet equally gratifying experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of auditory feedback and tactile sensation, encouraging users to reflect on the type of sound and feel that will enhance their typing comfort and productivity. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Haimu Orange Sea, notable differences emerge mainly in the top housing. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, revered for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softness, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the Orange Sea opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a crisper, more resonant sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity, offering a sharper audio experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly appealing for RGB lighting applications, allowing vibrant colors to shine through.
Despite these differences in top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a blend of sound characteristics. The nylon material in the bottom housing contributes to the overall deep and full sound that is consistent across both switches. Since nylon inherently absorbs sound, both the Cloud - 50g and the Orange Sea will offer a significant degree of warmth and richness in their sound profiles during key presses. This shared element of the two designs means that, irrespective of the top housing material, users can expect a satisfying auditory experience when bottoming out the keys.
Furthermore, the interplay between the two housing materials in each switch ultimately influences the overall typing feel and sound experience. The nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures that the pressing experience will remain consistent and comfortable, giving users a similar tactile feedback. At the same time, the distinct sound profiles created by the different top housings showcase the unique auditory characteristics of each switch. Therefore, while the Cloud - 50g and the Orange Sea feature divergently sourced top housings, the shared nylon bottom promotes a cohesive typing experience, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate both switches for their unique advantages.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch to the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, both switches reveal a preference for lighter keypresses suitable for extended use. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Orange Sea features an even lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Thus, the Orange Sea is the lighter option of the two, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g, though still light, offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, which could appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel while typing. Both switches fall within the light category, making them suitable for users who prioritize comfort and endurance over a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that, for users who prefer a deeper key press and a more satisfying tactile experience, the Cloud - 50g may be the better option due to its longer travel distance. On the other hand, the Orange Sea, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers and those looking for quicker response times. While both switches are designed to offer unique typing experiences, the Cloud - 50g caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced key feel, whereas the Orange Sea is better suited for those who favor speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired typing sensation.
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch presents a clacky sound profile, which infuses a bright and lively auditory experience conducive to an engaging typing session. This lively sound is particularly favored by enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is characterized by its neutral sound signature, which offers a more subdued auditory experience. While both switches provide distinct sound profiles, it’s important to note that the overall sound can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, potentially offering a unique experience with each combination.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is noted for its silky smoothness, allowing for effortless keystrokes that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. This smooth action enhances the enjoyment for those who prioritize a slick feel beneath their fingers. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is also recognized for its impeccably smooth typing feel, ensuring that users can experience fluid and responsive keystrokes. Both switches excel in providing a smooth tactile experience, making them suitable choices for individuals who seek comfort and ease while typing.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel of both switches, it becomes clear that the HMX Cloud - 50g and Haimu Orange Sea switches offer unique characteristics, appealing to different preferences among users. The Cloud - 50g favors a clacky sound and silky smoothness, while the Orange Sea is characterized by its neutral sound and impeccably smooth typing action. Ultimately, both can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that newcomers can find a switch that caters to their specific auditory and tactile desires.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, your preferences will significantly guide your choice. If you lean towards a lighter switch and enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the tactile experience, the Cloud - 50g, with its 50-gram bottom out force, is an excellent option for you. This switch provides a silky smooth feel that caters to those who appreciate a more audible typing experience, which can be particularly satisfying for enthusiasts focused on the joy of typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtly quieter setup with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea switch might be the better fit. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, the Orange Sea delivers an impeccably smooth typing feel that can appeal to gamers and typists alike who favor a more understated yet equally enjoyable tactile feedback. Ultimately, assessing how you value sound and feel in your keyboard experience will steer you toward the perfect switch for your needs.
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