HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads when selecting the perfect switch, and two notable contenders are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Quinn. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is known for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it a favorite for those who prefer a bright and uninterrupted typing experience. Its lighter actuation force of 50g appeals to users looking for speed and fluidity, ideal for fast typists or gamers who thrive on responsiveness. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn offers a tactile experience characterized by a unique combination of crisp tactility and rich, resonant sound, thanks to its meticulously crafted nylon housings. Users can expect a precise and clean tactile bump that adds a layer of depth to each keystroke. While the Cloud - 50g excels in smoothness and responsiveness, the Quinn brings a satisfying tactile feedback and immersive acoustic profile to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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 double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Quinn, we observe that both switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. The choice of nylon as a material indicates that users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either switch. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, typing on both the Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Quinn should yield a comparable experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound. This choice in materials is likely to satisfy users seeking a more muted acoustic environment while gaming or typing.
Both the Cloud - 50g and Quinn switches produce similar auditory outcomes, as their nylon craftsmanship fundamentally dictates the sound profile. Since each switch features nylon in both the top and bottom housings, the qualities associated with each housing will interact harmoniously. The sound of a key being pressed down and released will retain comparable characteristics, providing a consistently engaging typing experience across the two models. This similarity is a significant advantage for users who might be transitioning from one switch type to the other, as they can expect minimal adjustments in tactile and acoustic sensations.
Moreover, because both switches consist of identical housing material, the feel and sound of typing will be influenced uniformly by the nylon components. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound during the key release. Since both switches incorporate the same material, enthusiasts can experience the nuances of each switch without worrying about drastic differences in performance. Thus, whether one is using the Cloud - 50g or the Gateron Quinn, users can trust that their typing experience will remain consistent and enjoyable.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, significant differences in weight and feel emerge. The Cloud - 50g has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a softer touch, ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means the Quinn provides a more substantial feel, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push while typing. Overall, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter switch, while the Quinn is heavier, providing distinctly different typing experiences that cater to varying user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there is a clear distinction. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Quinn offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that if you prioritize responsiveness and rapid key presses, the Quinn may be the better choice due to its shorter distance, which can facilitate quicker executions—often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial depth and tactile feedback while typing, the Cloud - 50g, with its longer travel distance, may be preferable for a more traditional typing experience. Thus, the Cloud - 50g is the longer travel option, while the Gateron Quinn is the shorter one.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 is characterized by its clacky sound profile, providing a bright and percussive auditory experience that many enthusiasts seek. The sharpness of each keystroke creates a dynamic and engaging typing atmosphere. Conversely, the Gateron Quinn switch is known for its deeper and more resonant sound, which delivers a rich, bassy quality that adds depth to the experience. When typing on the Quinn, users will appreciate the crisp, snapping quality of the sound combined with its low-pitched tones, which collectively create a unique character that is immersive while still retaining clarity. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches will offer distinct auditory experiences, but users will find that the cloud switch leans more towards brightness while the Quinn provides a richer, deep sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is renowned for its silky smoothness, ensuring a seamless and fluid typing experience with minimal friction. This switch provides an effortless keystroke, making it particularly appealing for those who value speed in their typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn offers a tactile sensation with a snappy feedback that many typists find invigorating. The Quinn’s unique combination of a polished and bouncy feel, along with its clean tactile bump, allows for a lively and responsive experience that is both engaging and satisfying. While the Cloud switch emphasizes smoothness, the Quinn caters to those who prefer a tactile response, making it ideal for users who appreciate an enhanced feedback mechanism.
Considering all the information, both the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch provide distinct experiences, catering to different preferences. The Cloud - 50g excels in delivering a bright, clacky sound and a silky smooth typing experience, while the Quinn impresses with its bassy, resonant sound and snappy, tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between them will come down to whether you prioritize an effortless, smooth action or a tactile, responsive experience, as well as the auditory characteristics that suit your typing style the best.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch ultimately hinges on your unique typing preferences and style of use. If you prefer a lighter actuation force coupled with a clacky sound profile that delivers a bright and airy auditory feedback, the HMX Cloud - 50g is likely the right switch for you. Its smooth, silky feel enhances the typing experience, making it an excellent choice for casual typing, gaming, or even noisy environments where a bit of sound can add to the atmosphere. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more defined tactile feedback combined with a rich, resonant sound, then the Gateron Quinn switch is likely more suited to your needs. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Quinn offers a satisfying snappy response and a intricate character to each keystroke that can make long typing sessions feel more engaging. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it’s a lighter touch and a clacky sound or a tactile bump and a bassy, immersive experience—as this will guide you in making the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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