HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko Rosewood each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, with its lighter actuation force of 50g, is renowned for its clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who crave a bright, auditory typing experience paired with a silky smooth feel. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver a deeper, thocky sound straight from the box, enriched by a factory-applied lubricant that enhances their satisfying acoustic feedback. Both switches belong to the linear category, characterized by their smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, making them suitable for gamers and typists alike. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches hinges on personal preference—whether you prefer the Cloud's lighter touch and bright sound or the Rosewood's weightier feel and deeper audio signature. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko Rosewood switches are remarkably similar, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housing. This choice of material is grounded in the advantages it offers; nylon is a classic switch housing material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and less harsh sound. As a result, whether you are using the HMX Cloud - 50g or the Akko Rosewood, you can expect a similar auditory experience characterized by depth and comfort.
Additionally, both switches share a consistent application of nylon in their designs that reinforces their sound and feel characteristics. The impact of the nylon material manifests in the way the switches react under pressure and release. When typing, the qualities of the bottom housing are particularly noticeable during the bottom-out action, which is softened by the nylon's inherent properties. Meanwhile, the top housing influences the sound upon release, contributing to a cohesive typing experience where the pleasant auditory metrics of nylon are evident throughout each keystroke.
The similarity in housing materials between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko Rosewood creates an expectation of uniformity in performance and acoustic outcomes. Since both switches employ nylon for their entire housing structure, users can anticipate a comparable balance of softness and sound absorption, allowing for consistent feedback during typing. This synergy not only enhances the tactile experience but also contributes to an overall pleasant ergonomics during intensive typing sessions. Thus, users of either switch can enjoy a refined and harmonious typing experience, amplifying their productivity in a seemingly identical manner.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both offer a relatively light typing experience. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rosewood features an actuation force of 40 grams, also with a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches share the same bottom out force, giving users a consistent tactile experience when pressing down all the way. However, the Rosewood switch is slightly lighter during the actuation phase, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. Despite the small difference in actuation force, users may find that both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with some preferring the even lighter feel of the Rosewood switch for quicker and less strenuous keystrokes.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cloud switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may cater to those who favor quick key presses, such as gamers seeking rapid response times. In contrast, the Rosewood switch's 4 mm travel distance aligns more with the traditional standard, offering a deeper and more pronounced key press, which might appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, while both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, the choice between them will depend on whether one prefers the quick engagement of the shorter travel distance or the deeper feedback of the longer 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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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, offering a bright and lively auditory experience that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustics while typing. This switch provides a lively feedback that can enhance the typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for enthusiasts who appreciate audible cues. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a deep, satisfying thocky sound, attributed to its factory-applied lubricant that amplifies the acoustics. This sound profile tends to create a more robust and muted auditory feedback compared to the clacky nature of the Cloud - 50g, catering to users who prefer a fuller and more resonant sound while typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is renowned for its silky smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke experience. This smooth action can contribute to less finger fatigue during long typing sessions, allowing for fluid and effortless key presses. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch also offers a pleasurable typing experience, though the specific tactile sensation is not provided. Users can generally expect a decent feel, but the definitive characteristics that separate it from the Cloud - 50g are unknown.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and Akko Rosewood linear switches both provide satisfying typing experiences, they differ significantly in sound profile; one tends to be brighter and clackier, while the other resonates with a deeper thock. The smoothness of the Cloud - 50g offers a clear edge in terms of a streamlined feel, whereas the exact tactile experience of the Rosewood remains unspecified. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize sound, smoothness, or an unknown quality that could enhance your typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback are crucial. The Cloud - 50g is ideal for those who enjoy a bright, clacky typing experience and prefer a silky smooth actuation. Its lighter weight makes it suitable for fast-paced typing or gaming, where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you appreciate a deeper, more satisfying thocky sound and a more substantial feel while typing, the Rosewood would be your best bet. Its factory-applied lubricant enhances the overall smoothness, providing a more pronounced tactile experience that many typists adore. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should hinge on whether you value a lighter, brighter typing sensation or a deeper, richer audio experience, both of which cater to different styles and preferences in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Mentioned in this article
