HMX Cloud - 50g vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options to suit their unique typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, celebrated for its clacky sound profile, offers a lively and bright typing experience, making it a favored choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback as they type. Its 50g actuation force provides a balance of resistance and responsiveness, catering to users seeking a smooth and engaging tactile interaction. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g prioritizes tranquility with its whisper-quiet operation, delivering a serene typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops. With an ultra-light actuation force of 43g, it's ideal for light typists who prefer a more subdued atmosphere without compromising on performance. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, each provides distinct characteristics that appeal to different typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both feature a nylon top housing, which results in a similar sound profile for both switches. The selectivity of nylon as a housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Because nylon is softer than its harder plastic counterparts, it significantly absorbs sound, creating a dulled and rounded tonal quality that is especially appreciated by typists seeking a more subdued auditory feedback. As a result, both switches deliver comparable acoustic performance when typing, characterized by the warm and enveloping sound that nylon naturally provides.
However, the differences emerge in the bottom housing materials: the Cloud - 50g uses nylon, while the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes polycarbonate. The choice of polycarbonate for the Silent Sakura's bottom housing introduces a contrasting sound signature; polycarbonate is recognized for its stiffer nature, allowing for a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This rigidity can evoke a more pronounced and clear feedback upon bottoming out the switch. In contrast, the nylon bottom of the Cloud - 50g brings forth the same warm and full sound characteristic of the top housing, which may lead to a more consistent auditory experience, albeit with less crispness compared to the Silent Sakura.
In essence, the housing materials of these switches significantly influence their sound profiles and user experience. While both the Cloud - 50g and Silent Sakura - 43g share a nylon top that offers a similar acoustic performance, the Silent Sakura's distinct polycarbonate bottom results in a sharper and clearer sound. Consequently, those who prefer a more responsive and defined typing experience may lean towards the Silent Sakura, whereas users looking for a smoother and more rounded sound may find the Cloud - 50g more to their liking. Ultimately, the selection between these switches depends on personal preferences in acoustic feedback and typing sensations, with each housing material contributing its unique qualities to the overall experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. In terms of weight, the HMX Silent Sakura is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the HMX Cloud is slightly heavier, which may appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. Although both switches are considered light, the Silent Sakura offers an even lighter touch, which could enhance comfort for those who type for longer periods. In summary, if you prefer a lighter actuation and bottom out experience, the Silent Sakura is the better choice, whereas the Cloud switch might be more appealing to those seeking a sturdier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we see a slight difference that may influence user preference. The Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the shorter of the two options, while the Silent Sakura boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a more pronounced key press feel. For gamers seeking quick response times, the Cloud's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, providing a snappier action. Conversely, users who appreciate a more substantial key press experience may prefer the Silent Sakura due to its longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 has a distinctly clacky profile that produces a bright and engaging auditory feedback, perfect for those who appreciate the energizing sound of typing. This quality appeals to enthusiasts who find satisfaction in the audible confirmation of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is engineered for a completely different auditory experience. Known for its whisper-quiet output, it mimics the delicate sound of gentle raindrops, creating a serene environment ideal for those who prefer minimal disruptions while typing. It is essential to note that the overall sound can still vary based on the keyboard construction, keycap materials, and other factors.
When considering the feel of each switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g provides a silky smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid keystrokes that typists often seek. This smoothness can enhance the overall typing experience, making it enjoyable for both casual and intense typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch offers an ultra-light touch with a bottom-out force of just 43 grams. This makes it particularly suitable for lighter typists who enjoy effortless keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a more delicate typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to different preferences in auditory and tactile experiences. With the Cloud switch appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound and smooth feel, and the Silent Sakura offering a quiet and lightweight typing experience, both options provide unique qualities to enhance your typing environment. Your choice ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize a bright auditory feedback and smooth touch or a subtle, serene typing atmosphere with lighter keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your personal preferences and typing environment will heavily influence your choice. If you thrive on a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing and enjoy a lively, clacky sound profile, then the Cloud - 50g is the ideal option for you. Its silky smooth feel and slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams can cater to those who relish the sensation of a more tactile experience as they type. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more serene atmosphere, especially in shared spaces or during late-night sessions, the Silent Sakura - 43g would serve you well. With its whisper-quiet operation and ultra-light 43g bottom out force, it allows for comfortable typing without disturbing your surroundings, making it perfect for light typists who seek tranquility in their workspace. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to whether you value sound and feedback or prefer silence and subtlety in your typing experience.
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