HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, such as the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Ragdoll, both of which are linear switches. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its lighter actuation force of 50g, producing a distinct clacky sound profile that appeals to users who enjoy an engaging and bright typing experience. Its silky smooth feel further enhances the typing sensation, making it a great choice for those who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll switch features a Y3 stem that offers smooth travel, complemented by a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that also contributes to its clacky sound. The Ragdoll is perfect for users who appreciate a durable build and are looking for a switch that provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their unique characteristics may lead users to prefer one over the other. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Ragdoll switches share a remarkable similarity in their housing materials, both utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material has been recognized for its ability to create a distinct sound profile during typing, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Since both switches utilize nylon, users can anticipate a comparable sound quality whether they are typing on the Cloud - 50g or the Ragdoll. The inherent properties of nylon as a softer plastic contribute to sound absorption, leading to a more muted and rounded sound, which is favored in certain keyboard layouts.
Diving deeper into the functionality of these switches, the nylon composition in both the Cloud - 50g and Bsun Ragdoll not only influences the overall auditory experience but also affects the tactile feedback when the switches are engaged. The bottom housing, particularly in both switches, plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. Since both switches share the same nylon material, the characteristics of the bottom and top hosing will synergistically contribute to a consistent keystroke experience across both models.
While the textures or finishes applied to the nylon housings may differ in aesthetics between the HMX Cloud - 50g and Bsun Ragdoll, the fundamental material properties remain identical. This convergence in housing materials ensures that both switches provide users with a similar performance in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Consequently, regardless of which model is chosen, fans of these switches can expect a satisfying typing experience characterized by the soft, rounded acoustics and responsive feedback that nylon inherently offers.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is particularly suited for extended typing sessions and gaming, as users may experience less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, positioning it as a medium-light switch that offers a more substantial feel when typing. While both switches provide a satisfying experience, the Ragdoll’s heavier forces may appeal to users who prefer a firmer push feel for their typing needs. Overall, those looking for a lighter switch would favor the Cloud - 50g, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance might gravitate towards the Ragdoll.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, a slight difference emerges. The Cloud - 50g boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Ragdoll features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Ragdoll the more responsive option, potentially favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation for faster response times. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g offers a deeper feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Ragdoll provides a shorter, snappier actuation, whereas the Cloud - 50g allows for a bit more depth.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 characterized by a clacky sound profile, providing a bright and cheerful auditory experience that many enthusiasts find appealing. This lively sound is typically indicative of a tactile typing experience, making the switch not only enjoyable to type on but also pleasant for those who appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch also produces a clacky sound due in part to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which contributes to the overall acoustic quality. It's important to note that the sound produced by each switch can vary based on the keyboard build, choice of keycaps, and overall setup, meaning users might experience different audio signatures depending on their configurations.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes that delight typists who favor a fluid motion without tactile interruptions. This smoothness caters well to both fast typing and gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll's Y3 stem design is engineered for smooth travel as well, providing a seamless experience with each press. While both switches prioritize smoothness in their operation, subjective feelings can still differ based on personal preferences, such as how each individual relates to the switch's weight and overall travel distance.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloud - 50g excels with its bright clacky sound and silky smooth feel, while the Ragdoll matches its clackiness with a focus on seamless travel through its distinct stem design. While both switches aim for smoothness, personal preference will ultimately guide users in choosing between them. Given their overlapping sound and feel qualities, selecting either switch may yield similarly enjoyable results, making both options worthwhile to explore for any newcomer to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a bright, clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 50g may be the better option for you, especially if you're looking for a more engaging and dynamic typing experience. Conversely, if you are comfortable with a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams and appreciate the enhanced tactile feedback from the nylon-fiberglass housing, then the Ragdoll switch with its smooth travel could be more suited to your typing style. Additionally, the Ragdoll's clacky sound can appeal to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. Therefore, consider the kind of tactile and auditory sensations you desire in your keyboard experience, as well as the workload or usage scenarios you anticipate. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, and your choice should align with the typing experience you value most.
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