HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Jerrzi Poseidon
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Poseidon offer distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts of linear switches. The Cloud - 50g stands out with its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively, bright typing experience that adds a touch of character to their keystrokes. In contrast, while the Poseidon may not have a distinct sound profile highlighted in its specifications, it promises a smooth and consistent feel, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Cloud - 50g emphasizing auditory feedback and playfulness, while the Poseidon focuses on a straightforward yet satisfying key feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jerrzi Poseidon differentiate themselves in their choice of housing materials, which fundamentally influences the auditory feedback and overall typing experience they offer. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic switch material known for delivering a deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softness contributes to better sound absorption, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less sharp compared to harder plastics. This intrinsic quality of nylon fosters a tactile experience that enriches the sensitivity of typing motions while promoting an engaging sound that resonates with users who appreciate a more muted auditory feedback.
In contrast, the Jerrzi Poseidon employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings. While POM is also recognized for creating a deeper sound profile, it takes on unique characteristics that set it apart from nylon. The sound produced by POM is described as incredibly pleasing yet comparatively more muted. This quality can be attributed to POM's structure, which promotes a distinct auditory experience that many enthusiasts describe as "unique." Although both housing materials are aimed at providing a satisfying typing experience, the difference in sound and feel largely stems from the specific characteristics of the plastics, which affect both the bottom-out sound and the acoustic properties when releasing the key.
Despite these differences, it's noteworthy that the two switches could yield similar results in terms of deeper sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Cloud - 50g's nylon housing may produce a warmer, fuller sound, while the Poseidon's POM housing offers a differing but equally appealing muted sound. When considering their overall impact on the switching experience, both switches finely balance user preferences for sound absorption and tactile feedback, allowing each to create a viable option for those seeking nuanced sound dynamics. In essence, whether one prefers the classic, rounded sound of nylon or the unique timbre of POM, both the Cloud - 50g and the Poseidon are engineered to ensure that users enjoy a satisfying auditory and tactile experience at their fingertips.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cloud switch requires an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Poseidon switch is slightly lighter at 40 grams. This makes the Poseidon a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can enhance typing comfort during extended use. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Cloud switch is documented at 50 grams, indicating a defined resistance when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Poseidon switch remains unknown, which leaves a gap in understanding its overall resistance profile. Without a specified bottom out force for the Poseidon, it is difficult to compare how the two switches feel at their maximum actuation. Overall, the Cloud switch delivers a slightly heavier typing experience due to its bottom out force, while the Poseidon provides a lighter actuation feel, catering to different user preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, a noticeable difference arises. The HMX Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Jerrzi Poseidon measures a shorter 3.4 mm. This makes the Poseidon switch the more responsive choice, appealing particularly to gamers who favor quick key presses for faster response times. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud's longer travel distance offers a more substantial and satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch better suits your typing or gaming style, with the more traditional feel of the 50g Cloud switch balancing well against the rapid response offered by the Poseidon.
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 Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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 linear switch is recognized for its clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience while typing. This lighter variant enhances the overall brightness, making each keystroke pleasantly audible. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch remain unknown, which leaves a gap in understanding its auditory impact. It's worth noting that sound can be influenced by numerous factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, which can significantly alter the overall acoustic signature of any switch.
Regarding the feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is celebrated for its silky smooth action, providing a seamless typing experience that many enthusiasts prioritize. This smoothness contributes to reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions, allowing for a comfortable yet responsive touch. On the other hand, the feel of the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch is not specified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. The absence of this information leaves potential users in the dark about what tactile experience they can expect from the Poseidon switch.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch offers a distinctive clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch does not have enough information available to make a proper comparison. For those seeking a vibrant auditory and tactile experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g stands out. In contrast, if you're considering the Poseidon switch, further exploration may be necessary to understand what it brings to the table, especially in regards to sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and keyboard usage. If you lean towards a lighter touch and appreciate a clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g will likely enhance your typing experience, making it a great choice for extended typing sessions or gaming when quick key presses are essential. Its silky smooth feel adds to the overall enjoyment, especially for those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if the Poseidon switch had specific attributes and benefits, such as a different kind of typing experience, those aspects would also be worth considering. However, given the lack of available information on the Poseidon switch, it might be a less discernible choice compared to the Cloud. In summary, if you favor a tactile, responsive experience with noticeable sound, go for the HMX Cloud - 50g. If you're uncertain about the Poseidon switch and its capabilities, it's prudent to stick with the Cloud - 50g for a well-rounded and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
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