HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the attributes of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) present a compelling dichotomy for enthusiasts. The HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, which caters to those who appreciate a bright and engaging typing experience. Its silky smooth feel enhances rapid key presses, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor quick, uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a more subdued typing experience with its tactile feedback and muted audio, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments where quiet operation is essential. With its medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, this switch strikes a balance between responsive tactile feedback and a serene workspace. While the Cloud - 50g appeals to those seeking an energetic typing experience, the Silent T1 excels in settings where silence is golden. 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
67g
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
Nylon
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 Silent T1 (Shrimp), we observe distinct differences, particularly in their top housings. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to nylon's softer plastic properties, which dampen vibrations and create a rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness. The result is a sound that resonates more clearly. Thus, while both switches may offer a satisfying typing experience, the Cloud - 50g leans towards a warmer sound, whereas the Silent T1 offers a brighter auditory feedback.
On the other hand, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Durock Silent T1 share a common feature in their bottom housing material; both switches utilize nylon in this aspect. This uniformity in bottom housing results in similar acoustic qualities when it comes to sound absorption. Consequently, both switches can be expected to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile during the actuation phase, attributed to nylon's softer characteristics. This commonality underscores that, regardless of the differences in their top housing, both switches will provide a similar auditory experience when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing effectively mitigates higher frequencies, reinforcing the subdued sound signature shared by both models.
In summary, the key contrast between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) lies in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 50g promotes a softer, rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 enhances clarity and resonance. However, due to both switches incorporating nylon in their bottom housing, they maintain a cohesive acoustic characteristics during actuation, ensuring that while their sound profiles differ when key releases are considered, they both deliver that rich, deeper experience while being pressed down. This combination of materials creates a unique typing experience that can cater to different user preferences, demonstrating how variations in housing materials can shape the tactile and auditory nuances of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, notable differences emerge. The Cloud - 50g features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, allowing for effortless key presses, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent T1 has an undefined actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a firmer feel when fully engaged. This combination suggests a heavier overall typing experience for the Silent T1, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback from their keystrokes. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter switch for extended use, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the better choice, while those who appreciate a heavier feel might lean towards the Durock Silent T1.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we can observe that the Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Silent T1 measures slightly longer at 4.0 mm. This difference indicates that if you prefer a more responsive typing experience with shorter travel distances, the HMX Cloud switch would be the better option. Conversely, the Durock Silent T1, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who favor a more satisfying and deeper keypress. While both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, the Cloud switch provides a quicker actuation, making it ideal for gamers seeking immediate feedback, whereas the Silent T1 caters to users who appreciate a fuller key feel. Thus, the Cloud - 50g is the shorter option, and the Silent T1 is the longer one.
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 Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 linear switch stands out with its clacky sound profile, offering an engaging auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. This bright sound is formed partly due to its lighter weight, making it particularly appealing during rapid typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) operates in a considerably quieter realm, characterized by its muted sound. Designed with noise-sensitive environments in mind, the Silent T1 minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard noises, ensuring that users can type without causing much disturbance in shared spaces. While the auditory experiences of these two switches are wholly distinct, factors such as the choice of keyboard build and keycap materials will also significantly influence the final sound output.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a silky smooth typing experience, designed for those who prefer a frictionless keystroke without any discernible resistance. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 manifests a more complex tactile profile. With its medium bump and stepped tactile feedback, the Silent T1 complements the experience with an accented sensitivity that gives users a precise indication of actuation without being overly pronounced, allowing for a satisfying yet restrained tactile engagement. Additionally, the polished nature of the Silent T1 leads to an overall smooth key travel, resulting in a refined typing sensation that maintains the qualities of tactility and fluidity.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cloud - 50g is suited for those who enjoy an expressive, clacky sound and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a muting experience perfect for quieter environments, with a well-balanced, tactile feedback without overwhelming sensations. Both switches deliver distinct typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their individual priorities, be it auditory pleasure or the need for a more muted, tactile feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using these switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch should be guided primarily by your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a smoother, lighter typing experience with a lively sound profile, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent option. Its 50g bottom-out force is perfect for rapid key presses, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks where you appreciate a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you work in a noise-sensitive environment or simply prefer a quieter setup, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) Switch is tailored for you. With its 67g medium-heavy actuation force and muted sound, it provides a satisfying tactile bump without the disruptive clack typical of many mechanical switches, making it suitable for both professional and casual uses. Ultimately, your specific needs for sound, tactile feedback, and typing comfort will determine which switch is the right fit for you.
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