HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between options that suit their typing preferences and styles. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is distinguished by its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation, making it an ideal choice for users who crave a bright and lively typing experience. This switch not only delivers a silky smooth feel but also enhances the overall enjoyment of keystrokes, perfect for those who appreciate audible feedback without the heft. In contrast, the Huano Sakura, also a linear switch, provides a feather-light touch coupled with medium acoustics, which is especially beneficial for long typing sessions. Its gentle actuation makes it a favorite among users who prioritize comfort and reduced finger fatigue during extended use. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user experiences and preferences. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and Huano Sakura switches present a fascinating comparison in their housing materials, particularly in the choice of top housings. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is praised for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile characterized by a duller and rounder tone. This is primarily due to nylon's softer characteristics, which allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, introducing a smoother auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura utilizes POK material for its top housing. This material offers exceptional smoothness, attributed to its low coefficient of friction, although its sound profile tends to yield a clackier sensation compared to the muted qualities of nylon. Although different, both materials contribute distinct acoustic characteristics, marking a significant point of differentiation between the two switches.
When examining the bottom housings, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Sakura employ nylon, which ensures that they share similar sound-absorbing properties and an overall deeper acoustic experience. Since nylon is known for its ability to mitigate harsher sounds, the bottom housing in both models will play a crucial role in the key bottom-out sound, resulting in a more subdued effect. As a result, despite the variation in the top housing materials, both switches maintain a consistent sound quality when bottomed out due to their shared nylon bottom housing. This similarity creates a synergy in the overall typing experience, balancing the diverse auditory qualities of the top housings.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Sakura utilize different materials for their top housings, they both leverage nylon for their bottom halves, producing a hybrid acoustic profile. The combination allows for varying sensory feedback during typing: the softness of nylon helps to soften the bottom-out sound, while the distinctive properties of POK material create a unique clackiness in the Sakura. This contrast ensures that users can still experience a harmonious balance of sound and feel across both models, making them appealing to different preferences while maintaining key similarities in their overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, both switches are characterized by their relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer lighter touch typing or extended gaming sessions. The HMX Cloud features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura offers a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Sakura is the lighter option of the two, providing an even less forceful keystroke initiation. Both switches exhibit lower resistance, making them ideal for users who prioritize comfort and prolonged use. However, the Cloud - 50g switch provides a slightly heavier feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, which may appeal to those seeking a bit more resistance during typing. Ultimately, while both switches have pleasing, light characteristics, the Sakura's lower actuation force makes it the more effortless choice of the two.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Cloud - 50g the longer of the two switches, providing a more substantial feel with each key press, which some users might find preferable for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura's shorter travel distance may cater better to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, allowing for rapid key presses with less effort. Ultimately, the choice will depend on individual preferences: users who appreciate a deeper key press may gravitate toward the Cloud - 50g, whereas those favoring speed and efficiency might opt for the Sakura.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 features a distinctly clacky profile that resonates with those who appreciate a bright and engaging auditory experience while typing. This lively sound can enhance the overall typing enjoyment, particularly for enthusiasts who thrive on auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch presents medium acoustics, which lend a more subdued character compared to the Cloud - 50g. While still offering auditory feedback, the Sakura's sound profile is less pronounced, making it suitable for those who prefer quieter typing sessions or need a switch that performs well in shared environments. It's important to note that the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch provides a silky smooth typing experience, making it a delight for those who prioritize effortless keystrokes. This smoothness contributes to a rather fluid typing experience, ensuring that the switch feels refined and comfortable during both casual typing and extended use. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is characterized by its feather-light touch, which offers an easy actuation that is particularly advantageous for long typing sessions. This lightweight performance means less finger fatigue, making the Sakura a solid choice for those who spend significant time at their keyboard. While both switches emphasize a smooth action, the differences in their actuation force and overall lightness cater to varying preferences.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Huano Sakura switches each provide unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to specific user preferences. The Cloud - 50g delivers a clacky sound with a silky smooth feel, while the Sakura offers medium acoustics paired with a feather-light touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you value a more pronounced sound profile and smooth keystrokes or a quieter and lighter typing experience suitable for prolonged use. Whichever you choose, you can expect a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different nuances in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Sakura linear switches, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you tend to enjoy a brighter typing experience and appreciate a bit more auditory feedback, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice for you. With its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, it's particularly appealing for enthusiasts who thrive on a more engaging keyboard interaction, making it suitable for casual gaming or rapid typing tasks. On the other hand, if you're looking for something that allows for prolonged use without fatigue, the Huano Sakura linear switch is an outstanding option. With a lighter 45-gram actuation force and medium acoustics, it offers a feather-light touch that can minimize strain during long typing sessions while still providing a satisfying experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preference for sound and feel, and whether you prioritize auditory feedback or comfort in extended use scenarios.
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