HMX Cloud - 50g vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two compelling options are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HC Studio Roselle, both linear switches that cater to distinct typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g excels with its clacky sound profile, offering fans of brighter auditory feedback a delightful and engaging typing sensation. Its lighter actuation force appeals to those who favor lighter keystrokes, resulting in a silky smooth feel that can enhance both typing speed and overall comfort. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle shines with its unique material blend that provides an impossibly smooth and ethereal typing experience, complemented by a low-pitched sound signature that adds subtlety to each keystroke. This switch caters to players seeking a more muted and refined acoustic feedback without sacrificing the satisfying smoothness that many typists appreciate. Both options boast their standout qualities: one with its bright, clacky essence and the other with a tranquil, frictionless feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch 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
3.60 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
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
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HC Studio Roselle, it becomes evident that while both switches utilize distinct materials, they share some similarities in sound profile characteristics. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is well-regarded for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound waves effectively. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle utilizes POM for both top and bottom housings. POM, while also providing a muted sound profile, delivers a pleasing auditory experience that remains on the deeper side. Despite their differing materials, both switches excel in creating a satisfying yet muted sound experience, suggesting that users could achieve similar acoustic results depending on their typing style.
The structural differences between the nylon and POM materials are particularly relevant when considering their impact on the typing experience. Nylon, as seen in the Cloud - 50g, tends to yield a rounder sound due to its softness, which contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The POM bottom housing of the Roselle also aims to provide a unique auditory experience, though the characteristics of POM result in a relatively more muted response. When felt through the keystrokes, the different material properties will be noticeable. However, as the top housings differ—nylon for the Cloud - 50g and POM for the Roselle—each switch will give unique feedback on release, further influencing the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HC Studio Roselle are designed to offer a distinctive yet satisfying sound profile, albeit derived from different housing materials. While testers may observe nuanced differences in sound and feel due to the nylon in the Cloud - 50g and the POM in the Roselle, the core experience remains aligned. Each switch offers depth and muted resonance, catering to users seeking comfort and acoustic pleasure. Therefore, despite the material disparities, the switches serve as effective solutions for achieving a well-rounded and enjoyable typing experience, depending largely on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option ideal for users looking for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Roselle switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference implies that while both switches provide a relatively gentle typing experience, the Roselle offers a bit more resistance, which may appeal to those who appreciate a firmer feel when typing. Thus, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the lighter switch, while the HC Studio Roselle is heavier, which should help users choose a switch based on their preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, the two switches exhibit distinct characteristics. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the longer option, while the Roselle's travel distance is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference suggests that users who prefer a more deliberate key press might gravitate toward the Cloud - 50g for its heartier depth. Conversely, those who favor a quicker, more responsive experience, such as gamers, might find the Roselle’s shorter travel distance more appealing, as it offers faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the user's personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a clacky sound profile that makes it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a bright and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch presents a subtler, low-pitched sound signature that leans toward a deeper, bassy tone. This low-frequency sound gives the Roselle a rich and mellow acoustic quality, making it more suitable for quieter environments when compared to the more pronounced and higher-pitched sounds of the Cloud - 50g. While both switches will ultimately be affected by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the Cloud switch generally emits a livelier sound, whereas the Roselle provides a more neutral and bass-heavy auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g is characterized by a silky-smooth typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy a frictionless glide when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Roselle’s advantage lies in its frictionless nature, delivering an effortlessly smooth and fluid travel that some users may find truly ethereal. Furthermore, its mild characteristics ensure that the typing sensation is user-friendly and accessible to a wide range of typists. Both switches strive for a seamless experience, but while the Cloud excels at a light, smooth feel, the Roselle offers an extraordinary sensation that enhances the typing experience even further.
Overall, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Cloud - 50g stands out with its clacky sound and silky smoothness, making it a vibrant choice for enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Roselle brings a deeper, bass-heavy sound and an ethereal smoothness that genuinely elevates typing. Each switch has its strengths, and ultimately your choice will depend on personal preferences relating to sound and feel, as both can lead to satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences tailored to different users.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a bright, clacky typing experience, the Cloud - 50g would be a suitable option for you. Its 50g bottom out force allows for a smoother typing experience that can enhance your gaming and typing sessions, especially if you appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly heavier feel with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the Roselle switch might be your best bet. With its unique material blend offering a frictionless and mild keystroke, it's designed for those who prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience while maintaining a depth in sound that adds a pleasing richness. In summary, choose the Cloud - 50g for a lighter, brighter experience and the Roselle for a more nuanced, deeper feel.
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