HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often face the challenge of choosing the right one to match their typing preferences and styles. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a light linear switch, is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who revel in an engaging auditory sensation while typing. Its lighter actuation force helps facilitate quicker keystrokes, appealing to gamers and typists who appreciate a responsive feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is hailed for its innovative design, offering a semi-silent experience that combines a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound. This switch provides a silky smooth typing feel that strikes a balance between subdued and snappy, appealing to users who desire a more serene yet still dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, each switch has its unique charm that caters to different 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
N/A
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
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their differing top housing materials. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, known for its softness and sound-absorbing properties, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness means that when a key is pressed, it produces a rounded and muted sound, making it favorable for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switches are designed with a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in material affects not only the acoustic characteristics but also the overall tactile experience, with the polycarbonate housing providing a more pronounced sound on actuation and release.
However, when we turn our attention to the bottom housings of both switches, we see a commonality that significantly influences their overall sound and feel. Both the Cloud - 50g and the Semi-Silent Linear utilize nylon for their bottom housings, thus sharing similar cushioning properties that contribute to their shared characteristics in this aspect. This means that while the top hosing affects the acoustics during key releases differently, the sound profile and bottom-out feeling maintain a deeper and fuller resonance due to the nylon material. Therefore, users will find that the tactile sensation and auditory experience during actuation have a converging commonality, inducing a sense of familiarity regardless of how different the top housings sound.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom allows both switches to deliver a unique experience while having some overlapping qualities. The nylon in the bottom housing stabilizes the overall sound profile, allowing the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear to soften some of the sharpness introduced by its polycarbonate top. This interplay between materials means that both switches can elicit satisfying sound experiences — while they might sound different when typing, the bottom housing ensures that users will feel grounded in a similar tactile experience. Thus, for those considering either option, they can expect a blend of varied auditory responses paired with a familiar bottom-out experience, providing significant versatility for diverse typing preferences.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those seeking a more effortless typing experience, perfect for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch exhibits a heavier profile, with an undefined actuation force, suggesting that it may require a stronger push for actuation, alongside a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. This contrasts with the Cloud switch, which allows for a gentler touch. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing may gravitate towards the HMX Cloud switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push may favor the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. Overall, the HMX switch is lighter, providing a more relaxed typing experience, whereas the Jwick switch, being heavier, appeals to users desiring a firmer tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly, with the Cloud - 50g having a travel distance of 3.9 mm and the Semi-Silent Linear at 3.7 mm. This makes the Jwick switch the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times for their keystrokes. Conversely, the Cloud - 50g offers a longer travel distance, ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced keypress and a sense of depth while typing. Ultimately, if you opt for the shorter Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, you may achieve a more responsive experience, while choosing the longer Cloud - 50g switch might cater to those who appreciate a more tactile and deliberate feel when activating their keys.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g embodies a clacky profile, delivering a bright and engaging auditory experience that is often preferred by enthusiasts who relish in the distinct sounds of typing. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear features a more subdued sound, characterized by a whisper-quiet topping-out while still offering a pronounced clacky bottom-out. This design choice creates a unique auditory landscape, allowing users to enjoy the mechanical feedback of their typing without overwhelming noise, making it suitable for both work and home environments. While both switches produce distinct sounds, they complement different preferences—one leaning towards a lively and noticeable feedback, and the other towards a more moderate sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 50g provides an exceptionally silky smooth experience, making it tantalizingly inviting for typists who appreciate a fluid keystroke. Meanwhile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear also offers a silky smooth typing sensation but introduces a variety of nuances such as a mild and gentle experience that is approachable for most users, coupled with characteristics like snappiness that provides a responsive feel. The buttery, polished texture of the Semi-Silent Linear aligns with its innovative design, ensuring a refined and efficient tactile experience. Both switches promise a smooth keystroke, yet the Semi-Silent Linear introduces an additional layer of tactile responsiveness.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 50g caters to those who want an engaging and pronounced sound coupled with a silky smooth typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a more subdued auditory profile with additional tactile features that enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your preference for sound dynamics and tactile feedback, with both options delivering seamless typing experiences in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you're someone who enjoys a lighter touch with a brighter, clacky sound during typing, the Cloud - 50g would be the perfect pick for you. Its 50g bottom-out force makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions where a smooth and effortless action is paramount. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a more subdued sound profile that still retains some character, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear could be your switch of choice. With a 62g bottom-out force, it provides a balanced typing experience that is both responsive and mild, reducing noise while keeping that satisfying clack at the bottom. Furthermore, if you plan to use your keyboard in a shared environment such as an office or public space, the Semi-Silent Linear's semi-silent characteristic and restrained sound signature stand out as advantageous traits. In the end, it all comes down to whether you prioritize a lighter, more vibrant typing experience or a solid and quieter one that remains enjoyable and effective for daily tasks.
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