HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Sea Glass can significantly impact your typing experience, especially for enthusiasts seeking unique tactile sensations and auditory feedback. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, offering a lively and bright typing experience that many users find appealing. Its silky smooth feel enhances the overall performance, making it an excellent option for those who thrive on responsiveness and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch series not only features an aesthetically pleasing palette of pastel colors but also provides a typing experience characterized by distinct dryness and airiness. With a slightly higher actuation force of 62g, these switches deliver a feeling of weightlessness, thanks to their frictionless design. Furthermore, their uniquely hollow sound signature adds an intriguing dimension to the overall typing experience. Both switches present compelling reasons for selection; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Sea Glass, notable distinctions arise in their compositions and sound profiles. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a classic nylon material for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This characteristic results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that can produce a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass features a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its housing, which has been described as lending a brighter and more pleasant sound profile. While both switches utilize nylon, the inclusion of UHMWPE in the Sea Glass introduces a different dynamic that offers a bit more sharpness to the overall sound produced.
The bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the switch's overall feel and acoustics, and both the Cloud - 50g and Sea Glass showcase this in distinct ways. The nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 50g emphasizes the deeper sound profile, complementing the soft and round quality associated with its design. Conversely, the Sea Glass’s combination of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the bottom housing retains some of that rounded effect but is likely to offer a somewhat brighter sound when bottoming out, providing a different tactile experience. This leads to a fundamentally different typing feel despite both housing types sharing a nylon base; the Sea Glass’s blend helps articulate slightly sharper nuances.
Ultimately, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and Durock Sea Glass are built from different materials, it is possible to achieve similar results due to the common foundation of nylon. Both switches utilize nylon to maximize sound absorption, albeit with different outcomes based on their specific housing configurations. In typing experiences, the distinct qualities of each material blend will manifest in varying sound profiles when pressing and releasing keys. Therefore, while users can find a unique auditory experience with each switch, the impact of nylon as a base material ensures that they can still enjoy satisfactory acoustic results regardless of the variances in housing composition.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force highlight their distinct characteristics. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience and longer gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Consequently, the Cloud switch is the lighter option, while the Sea Glass is the heavier. Although both switches provide unique tactile experiences, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces ultimately guide users in selecting a switch that aligns with their typing preferences and use cases.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there is a slight difference worth noting. The Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Sea Glass measures at 3.8 mm. This makes the Sea Glass the shorter option by just 0.1 mm. For users who prioritize responsiveness, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass may offer a faster actuation, ideal for gaming scenarios. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down a key might find the Cloud - 50g’s travel distance more satisfying. Overall, both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, but the HMX Cloud provides a fuller depth for typing comfort, whereas the Durock Sea Glass offers a slightly quicker response for a more dynamic gaming experience.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches, there are distinct differences to note. The Cloud - 50g is characterized by its clacky sound, creating a bright and resonant auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate for its lively feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches present a uniquely hollow sound signature, giving them a more subdued and airy acoustics. This contrast may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience while still maintaining a level of engaging sound. It's important to remember, however, that the sound produced can vary greatly depending on the keyboard used and the keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch offers a smooth typing experience that emphasizes a lighter touch, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more effortless and fluid motion. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass switches stand out for their frictionless characteristics, ensuring minimal resistance during key presses. This sensation is complemented by their mild actuation force, allowing for a gentle and user-friendly experience. Described as feathery, these switches demand little exertion, reducing finger fatigue for extended use. The easy-to-press nature of the Sea Glass makes them particularly appealing for long typing sessions, ensuring comfort without sacrificing responsiveness.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Sea Glass switches each bring their unique qualities to the table, enthusiasts can expect a distinctive auditory experience with the Cloud’s clacky profile compared to the Sea Glass’s hollow sound. In terms of tactile feedback, both switches strive for smoothness, but the Sea Glass offers a notably frictionless touch that promotes comfort during prolonged use. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and tactile feel; however, regardless of which switch you opt for, both can deliver a satisfying typing experience that caters to different styles and needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches largely hinges on your specific preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter and more clacky typing experience, especially if you enjoy a bright sound profile that enhances your overall engagement with the keyboard, the Cloud - 50g would be an excellent choice for you. Its 50g bottom-out force means less finger fatigue during extended use, making it particularly well-suited for fast-paced typists or gamers who thrive on rapid keystrokes. Conversely, if you appreciate a smooth yet decisive typing sensation characterized by a bit more resistance, the Durock Sea Glass is likely the better option. With a bottom-out force of 62g, these switches deliver a frictionless feel while retaining control, striking an excellent balance for those who prefer a more robust typing feedback. Additionally, their unique hollow sound and airy typing experience can make your time at the keyboard feel refreshing and dynamic. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize weight, sound, or a specific feel, and both options offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences.
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