HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the switch you choose can greatly influence your typing experience. The HMX Cloud - 50g, known for its clacky sound profile, offers a lighter touch for those who revel in a bright and engaging typing experience, while also delivering a silky smooth feel. This switch is perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate a tactile response without compromising on sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches present a feather-light actuation force of 35g, making them ideal for delicate typists seeking effortless keystrokes. With their gliding type feel and a playful, poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap, they invite a fun and light-hearted approach to typing. While both switches fall under the linear category, their distinct characteristics cater to different typing preferences and environments. 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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches utilize distinctly different materials for their housing, resulting in unique auditory experiences and tactile feedback for users. The Cloud - 50g features nylon in both the top and bottom housings, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This comes from nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound than stiffer plastics, resulting in a duller yet rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Everglide Sakura Pink adopts polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound profile. The stiffer quality of polycarbonate enhances clarity, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback during their typing or gaming sessions.
When comparing the bottom housings, the effects on sound and feel become particularly interesting. In the Cloud - 50g, the nylon bottom housing reinforces the deeper sound profile, influencing the characteristic "thud" produced when bottoming out. This feature contrasts with the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing, which provides a more pronounced and resonant sound, creating a clickier experience upon bottoming out keypresses. Users aiming for a luxurious and muted typing feel may gravitate towards the Cloud - 50g, while those seeking a sharper and more responsive feel will likely prefer the Sakura Pink. Therefore, the choice of material in the bottom housing can significantly affect how users perceive the actuation and release of each switch.
Despite these differences, there is a notable interplay between their materials. While the Cloud - 50g produces a fuller sound profile thanks to its nylon construction, and the Sakura Pink offers a more vibrant audio experience through its polycarbonate design, users can still achieve satisfying results regardless of their choice. For instance, having a softer material like nylon maintains a quieter typing sound that is easier on the ears, whereas polycarbonate creates an engaging auditory feedback, ideal for those who enjoy the sounds of their typing. Additionally, should users choose to incorporate RGB lighting in their setups, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Sakura Pink enhances the visual appeal, while the Cloud - 50g's more muted sound may still provide a pleasant typing experience free from distractions. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate user experience, but both switches can deliver enjoyable results tailored to individual tastes.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, we can see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura Pink features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura Pink switch is generally lighter, making it easier to press down and suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g's slightly heavier actuation force may provide a more tactile experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, while both switches are categorized as light, the Everglide Sakura Pink offers a lighter touch, making it preferable for those seeking a softer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, we find that the Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Sakura Pink features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prioritize a snappier response time, the Cloud - 50g may be the better choice for you due to its shorter travel distance, which is ideal for gamers looking for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink offers a more traditional depth that some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, while both switches provide a linear feel, the Cloud - 50g is the shorter option, promoting rapid engagement, whereas the Sakura Pink, being the longer option, caters to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 sound profile of the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is characterized by a clacky tone that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a bright and lively auditory experience while typing. This contrasts with the Everglide Sakura Pink, which produces a more muted sound. The Sakura Pink's gentle sound creates a softer and quieter environment, making it less intrusive during use. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Cloud - 50g provides a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the subdued popping quality of the Sakura Pink, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps used with either switch.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its silky smooth action, providing a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink offers a remarkably light actuation force of 35g, making it incredibly easy to press and ideal for delicate typists. The Sakura Pink boasts a buttery and creamy feel that enhances the typing experience with a fluid and effortless keystroke. The frictionless operation ensures a smooth travel, allowing fingers to glide over keys with minimal resistance. Thus, while both switches prioritize smoothness, the Cloud - 50g may require a slightly heavier touch compared to the effortless pressing of the Sakura Pink.
In summary, the HMX Cloud - 50g and Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer distinct characteristics suited to different typing preferences. The Cloud - 50g presents a clackier sound profile and a smooth feel, appealing to those who appreciate a more engaging auditory feedback. The Sakura Pink, although muted in sound, shines with its feather-light actuation, buttery and creamy texture, providing an effortless typing experience. By carefully considering the sound and feel of these switches, typists can choose the one that best aligns with their personal preferences, leading to a satisfying keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences in typing style and sound profile. If you appreciate a slightly heavier switch with a clacky sound, and you're looking for a typing experience that balances smoothness with a vibrant auditory feedback, then the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile experience while still favoring linear switches. Conversely, if you prefer an ultra-light actuation with a soft, buttery feel and a quieter, more muted sound, the Sakura Pink is the way to go. Its feather-light force and frictionless operation make it perfect for those long typing sessions without inducing finger fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on your personal typing preferences: do you favor a more dynamic sound and feel, or a gentle, noise-minimized experience? Both switches are fantastic in their own right, so consider what type of experience resonates with you the most.
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